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:

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  I love 2 ZOOM-ZOOM - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By nebular - June 16 - 12:13 am

  I have owned 3 off-the-lot new cars: 2000 Sentra GXE, 02 Lancer ES, and now my 07 MZ3! The 3 is by far my favorite car. Economical, very fun to drive and dependable. What more can you ask for in a car?

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  Wonderful Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steph - June 14 - 10:46 pm

  I leased my Mazda3 3 years ago. The lease is up next week and let me tell you Ill miss it. Unfortunately, space wise, its not up to my standards anymore since I now have a 2 yr. old daughter. It was a true joy having this car. Excellent gas mileage, cute, sporty, peppy (I have a manual) and durable. My right front tire leaks air faster than the others but aside from that I havent had ONE ISSUE!!! Whoever is lucky enough to get this car after me is buying a dream!

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  Best value for fun and economy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By woofer - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Good looking, fun-to-drive, low purchase price, and good fuel economy make it hard-to-beat for the $. Much more of a drivers car than the Civic, Corolla or Sentra. MPG is usually 32-35 MPG (combined) after break-in, and already saw 39 MPG, all highway miles. No rotor warp as others have stated: a torque wrench MUST be used when tightening lug nuts! No issues to date, only service has been oil changes.

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  Fun to Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy - June 12 - 7:20 pm

  I cant begin to tell you how impressed I am with this car, for its price group it has the features of a much more expensive car without the high end maintenance bills. Its fun to drive and it definitely turns heads, I often see people trying to get a look at the emblem to see "what it is" as it does not look like an economy car but more so a high end Euro coupe.

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  I will help you decide..Buy it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By acreed - June 12 - 1:23 am

  Ive only had the mazda3 several days and I am very impressed. I was originally looking into the Civic and Corolla just for a commuter, but the exterior and interior style of the Mazda3 really caught my eye. It handles beautifully and you get a lot of car and options for the price. Many of the "expert" reviews indicate the ride is stiff, but that is just opinion. Its not a stiff ride. Its a nice tight sporty suspension that gets excellent mileage, even with the larger 2.5.

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  Mazda 3 S, the way to go!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By casey23 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I actually just bought it off showroom floor 1 week ago, and love it. Its basically a mazda under a Lexus IS300s skin. ITs got everything and everything you can think off... of course, within reason. Very sporty, it looks excellent.

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  Bang for buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By bstern92 - June 8 - 8:26 am

  Bought car for $13,500 in 2010. I love the steering wheel feel and the radio controls. Sound system is very good. Seat material is very sturdy. The car has 112k on it and the seats still lokk new. Engine is very peppy and the steering is sporty. Only negative is the design is a little feminine. Only repair was a temperature sensor.

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  A Good Hatchback in the Long Run? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By psychoart - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Not quite a Golf GTI GLX (VR6).Its doesnt feel as comfortable, and as responsive as the VW 4th Generation. Yet, the Mazda3 SP23 may be a better car to keep in the longer run with Xenon HID w/ manual leveling control, some rear LEDs, Bose system, automatic front wiper, audio and cruise controls in the steering wheel, and aluminium 2.3L chassis. The car is somewhat customizable with some aftermarket parts, yet may retain better reliability than the Golf IV in the electronic segment. The engine setup is very strange, and maybe good for some user.At 1k rpm to 2k rpm, the car seems to be on extreme saving mode.Its only near 5k rpm where the car STARTS to kick in. The trunk is well organized.

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  Best Economy Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By MSP - June 3 - 6:33 am

  I have the base model with the A/T 4-speed transmission, A/C and the safety package: ABS, side curtain airbags. So far I love this car. Drives great and the dealership was really willing to deal. Make sure you at least test drive this thing! Dont just go buy a Corolla because its a Toyota! Great Buy!

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  I love my Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By kcerin - June 3 - 2:16 am

  This is a fabulous car. Everything about it screams fun. Great, sporty handling, interior looks great. People always mistake it for a luxury car. Wouldnt trade it for anything!