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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  Really nice car and great fuel economy - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By moog555 - May 9 - 2:32 am

  I have been driving this car for a month now. The fuel economy in this thing is really incredible. Ive had five Honda civics in the pass... but this little Mazda beats them all !!!. Also handles the road really nice.. This Sky-activ engine is super smooth and refined... The value in this car is hands down unbeatable.

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  A half-priced Bimmer! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By paublo73 - May 6 - 8:17 pm

  I am downsizing from a Mazda CX-9 and it could not be any more painless. This car is a blast to drive. Im amazed how quick it is with the 2.0 motor and automatic. This motor has enough low end torque and the transmission is so well calibrated that it feels eager in all situations. I did test drive the Focus and while it does handle well, the transmission shifted too soon and masked that engines extra power. I was able to get the 3 at invoice price which was much cheaper than the Focus similarly equipped. The cabin is on the small side but Im short and the car seats fit, so I consider it "just right". This car is serving as a commuter/2nd car and so far its exceeded my expectations.

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  Mini 3 series - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - May 4 - 2:56 pm

  This car looks very classy and sporty. It is fun to drive and holds the road well. However, every door panel has had to come off at the dealer because of all but one window being off track. Also my outside door handle was rattling very loud when my music was turned up. Nothing mechanically wrong with car, but I question the build quality of these other flaws.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fubo - April 30 - 11:01 am

  A piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. Ive had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said its normal.

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  After 5 years of ownership-Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diane - April 22 - 8:10 pm

  This is a great car. Love making u turns, awesome handling, braking, steering. Keep good Michelin tires and have them rotated every 3,000 miles or youll wear tires. So far my Michelin and rotations are keeping it in check. Have 68,000 miles on car.

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  Mazda3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nuggetwrestler - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Handles well, brakes well, and accelerates well.

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  BMW 3 Series with a Compact Price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSX - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Lots of Power, Safety, Efficient, Space, Felixbility, Features, Handling.... you name it, 3 Has It!!

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  Mazda 3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nancy Birchfield - April 21 - 2:00 am

  A. Its hard to rate build quality after and reliability after 1 month. B. My only complaint is one of the things I loved at first. Its hard to read all the red stuff on the dash at night. Also, the emergency brake light should be a color other than red or a signal should sound. The red brake light just blends in with all the other red.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By yee - April 21 - 2:00 am

  great acceleration, going 60 too soon. Have the optional seats w/lumbar support and works great; very nice arms out driving position. Head rest are really that, not some funky heat restraint that only looks good but doesnt support my head. The 16 in wheels and low profile tires looks and rides good. Very nice back seat area with head rest; just like a luxury car w/o the high cost, only thing that is needed in the back to complete the luxury car status would be a folding armrest. Handling and braking is pretty good but have not really explore the limits of these two areas because the car is still pretty new- only about 2 weeks old.

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  Tons of features, short of the leaders - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vince - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  Slow, very unresponsive engine below 4K. The 2.0 liter in my RSX Type S feels much stronger than the 2.3 in this. Handling is good when driven at 7 tenths, but gets sloppy when pushed to the limits. Very long list of features, but quality is extremely disappointing:drivers seat squeaks badly (driver is 100 lbs), dash rattles horribly, drivers side window slams into frame when rolling up and rear left door vibrates badly when opened and is extremely hard to shut. I now know why Mazda offers so many things on this car; its b/c they cannot match Honda and/or Toyota in terms of quality and refinement.