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:

• 

  zipper-banger-chick magnet - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rollthedice - June 2 - 2:00 am

  the most bag for the least buck in its class

• 

  wow!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoom-zoom - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Untill now I only thought this kind of performance was for pricy sports cars and race cars, but boy was I impressed. The very firs time I saw the car I fell in love and now that I have one I love it even more than befor. I really cant express the feeling I get with words so I think I leave it to MAZDAs slogan and say this. ZOOM-ZOOM!!!

• 

  EXCITEMENT after 3 DAYS of OWNERSHIP - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julia Kemp - May 31 - 7:03 am

  From a family owning a 2003 BMW M3 conv.,a 1999 BMW 528i,a 1989 Chrysler T/C by Maserati, and a 1965 Ferrari 330GT2+2, I think I know a bit about quality automobiles. Im a college student in Savannah, Georgia. My Dad and I picked up the Mazda 3 three days ago, and have fallen in love with it. THis car replaces the 1991 Volvo 740 I used to drive, and the Mazda is SO much more FUN, even though Im just learning how to drive standard. Even though the trunk is sort of small, theres ample room for golf clubs IN the trunk and out of view, without folding down the rear seat. I like this since I am on the Golf Team and carry my clubs wherever I travel. The Velocity Red paint-job is a real hit, too

• 

  I love this car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee C - May 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have been having a lot of fun driving my Mazda 3 since I purchased it. I dont travel very far each day, but it is always a pleasure to get into it, except for the trunk issue where I stow my gym bag every day. I am getting pretty good gas mileage - at least what was expected - or better.

• 

  best car ever - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By brynmarie - May 29 - 8:30 pm

  I just bought the car and WOW! I am loving it. Very easy on the eyes, like its driver! Safety was my key factor for this car. Its like a giant pillow with so many airbags it has in it. Also, fuel efficiency is great too. Im lovin it.

• 

  Love our SP 2.3 Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By pats1 - May 24 - 7:30 pm

  Bought this car 5 weeks ago and have 2500+ miles on it already - lots of highway driving. What a great car!! Love the carbon gray mica with the black leather (dont see any like it) and this one is loaded with most everything except NAV. Last tank was 29.2 MPG. Very fun to drive - handles like a dream. Acceleration was a pleasant surprise. Added another SP 2.3 badge to the trunk lid - makes it look that much better. Bose is awesome. The rain-sensing wipers work great. The car rides and handles much better than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic (yuk) we test drove.

• 

  WOW!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thedarkwave - May 23 - 10:00 am

  I was very unfamiliar with Mazda autos until I was recently given a Mazda 3 sedan as a rental from Hertz. My interest and curiousity was immediately piqued by just the base model rental. I decided to research the car on the internet and read good things. I then decided to visit the dealership in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall in Thousand Oaks, CA where I got my first close up view of the S3 2.3 Litre Hatchback. I loved it at first sight. Then I drove one. WOW! So...without further delay...I BOUGHT IT RIGHT THERE...AND I LOVE IT!!! Dude, this ride comes with EVERYTHING for under $23,000.00 and punks any Lexis in its class both in performance and price!

• 

  Best of Both Worlds - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mandowen - May 11 - 10:28 pm

  This car will serve different needs, depending on your mood. If you are feeling economical, the fuel efficiency is great. I got over 41 mpg on a recent road trip. If you want to have some driving fun, the car is very responsive and, although I have the automatic, you can flip it into manual mode for more control. The hatchback is very roomy and I recently brought home my sons dorm refrigerator in it. Great car!

• 

  Mucho Fun to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PC - May 11 - 3:40 am

  2.0 L 5 speed Manual - absolute blast to drive, comfortable, but very quick and responsive. Overall mileage has been a huge surprise. 34+ MPG all in town driving (Chicago Area). Dont have any highway MPG numbers yet. Engine is very peppy/revving easily, relatively quite inside

• 

  I love mine! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jean - May 10 - 3:26 am

  Ive had mine for less than a month but I love it so far. I decided to go for the s Sport version rather than the i version because of the exterior color choices. I really wanted the aurora (bright) blue, which is only available in the s packages. The interior features are amazing, especially the steering wheel controls for the audio system. Air conditioning works great driving around in hot Florida weather. Before my friends were embarrassed to ride in my 1996 Mercury Cougar, but now they all ask me for rides in the 3. On the night the Florida Gators won the national championship, I actually drove 6 people in it (2 in the front, 4 in the back) and nobody complained about being cramped. Wow!