Overview & Reviews

Mazda has a tradition of building entertaining small cars, and the Mazda 3 fits right in with its sharp handling and engaging nature. But it's also a practical, affordable runabout that's available as either a sedan or a handy four-door hatchback. A Mazda 3 of any vintage is worth consideration, but the 3's interior quality has improved dramatically over time. Likewise, fuel economy has emerged as a real strength in recent years.

Introduced in 2004, the Mazda 3 has always been one of those cars that feels a little bit special when you get behind the wheel. Some shoppers might find the ride too firm, but if you like to drive, you'll probably take a shine to this compact Mazda. Passenger room is the same in the sedan and hatchback, but the latter offers more cargo room. If fuel economy is a priority, note that 2012 and later models benefit from updated engine technology that helps the car return significantly better mileage.

User Reviews:

• 

  Fun car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - July 9 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased this car less then a month ago and enjoying the heck out of it. Not totally happy with gas mileage but I heard it gets better as the engine breaks in. Got it with auto transmission and it seems to shift well. Im in my fifties but its very comfortable even compared to my Volvo.

• 

  best car of its class, maybe other class as well - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gothamquan - July 6 - 11:28 pm

  bought my self this Mazda 3 and just loving it. the look, handling, everthing about it is great. this is actually a COOL car to drive and to look at. interior is much better than a lot of more expensive cars. exteior also polished! it is a cool car for cool people. it is not a car that tries to be cool. ( corolla s and civic) anyway, very happy with purchase. at last, great price!

• 

  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed Weissman - July 2 - 4:30 pm

  Not only is this car a head-turner, its the most fun to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. Combine this with decent gas mileage (yes, there are economy cars with better mileage, but but they also have less low end torque). The auto trans is extremely smooth, the handling tight without being go-kartish, the suspension taut but still comfortable enough for highway driving.

• 

  love this car!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Edward - June 30 - 8:13 am

  just purchased my 3 yesterday, dealership approximately 60 miles from my home, loved the ride back, very comfortable, feels like youre driving a BMW, looks like a 325i from a distance, the car looks really expensinve, interior is beautiful, shoppped around for about 8 other cars but this one kept jumping at me, finally decided to shop for this car, once i test drove it, I WAS SOLD !!!!

• 

  a better compact car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By good car - June 29 - 12:03 am

  Well my wife decided on the mazda 3. I believe it suits a female pretty good, although Ive been driving the heck out of it lately(62 220lbs). It surely beats my jeeps(11-13MPG) getting on average 29-31 MPG. Its peppy with plenty of commuting power, not a race car though. Very comfortable and very stylish inside. Overall its a very good car to own and drive. Although Ive been leaning towards the hybrids-45-50MPG. Im commuting on average 200 miles a day with the mazda 3...OUCH!!! I strongly believe this car gets above average MPG for a car this size and non-hybrid.

• 

  I am amazed!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - June 25 - 2:56 pm

  I have been a mustang driver since I have been driving. I chose the mazda3 because of my current job. I do alot of traveling and needed better gas mileage. It is fun to drive, looks great, and with all the sport options it has this car is a real head turner. I am still a mustang guy deep down, but I could get used to this. Mazda hit a home run with this one. With their motto "The Soul of a Sports Car", it makes losing my beloved LEGEND easier.

• 

  Solid and stylish and fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Johno - June 24 - 5:50 pm

  Loving this car. Ive had it for 1/2 a year now and it still feels and looks brand new. Its very roomy for a compact. (Im 65" and there are still a few inches of room above my head.) My biggest gripe with the car is the road noise. Its invasive at times. Theres no wind noise and the engine is quiet and responsive and the car handles extremely well. My last car was a 1990 Mazda MX-6 and it performed well for 14 years with minimal repairs. Im hoping this car will last as long.

• 

  An Excellent Car for a Surprising Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By TexasGuyJD - June 24 - 12:36 am

  This car has many refined features and amenities of much more expensive cars. I would much rather drive it than my moms pristine Lexus. This car is nimble, versatile with the back hatch, fold downs, and comfortable. I get compliments all the time on it. It is Metropolitan Grey Mica; sun/moon roof, heated power seats, Bose stereo independent suspension and a computer for about anything you can thing of, this thing just ROCKS. It is plenty quick and comfy at 85+ on the expressway if thats your bag. I stayed away from the turbo charger because the dealer in my home town wasnt certified to work on them, so I didnt want to chance it. I get 30+ M mixed driving! The AT, with manual mode is fun.

• 

  made driving fun again - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By motomike - June 19 - 8:33 am

  Although I just bought it I can smell potential. Out of the box it handles great, more so than you would expect. I drove all cars in this class and not only was the 3 better, it was thousands less. Leaving money for goodies. Really the only thing wrong with it is even with sport package and 17s it still comes with all-season tires. Take them off asap replace with 205/45/17zr and it sticks like glue. I have nothing but positive things to say. Out of every car Ive had this one Im truly happy with. Drive it, youll see. For the money nothing even comes close.

• 

  Disappointing Fuel Economy - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NYCDriver - June 16 - 10:00 pm

  Bought the 2006 Mazda 3i Touring after owning a Honda Accord for 12 years. Drove it as a rental in 2005 and was impressed. I bought the smaller engine because of the variable valve timing and have been underwhelmed with the pick up and MPG. Have not gotten better than 23MPG in the city or 25MPG highway. Has a tendency to throttle down while holding accelerator in 50- 60mph range. I think this is what kills the mileage. Hopefully its only a sensor that needs adjusting.