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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  Have to test drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nich617 - April 9 - 2:16 pm

  I love this car. I bought mine 6 months ago and I am so glad I went with it. I never liked hatchbacks and then I saw this car. I have had no problems with it like other people say. If you are used to driving a car this size in the snow you should have no problem. It is fun to drive and is roomy and comfortable. I love it.

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  Mazda is a Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bleslie - April 9 - 4:46 am

  Interior was the main disappointment - quality of material for the floor carpet could be better - seems to wear quickly. Seat material (black interior) shows all the dirt, doesnt release dirt or hair easily when vacuumed and does not release spills easily when cleaning. Static shocks constantly when exiting car. Gauges and speedometer are recessed making them hard to read - need to turn on lights in order to see them well. Great big huge glove box! Great leg room in front and rear. Handles beautifully, good mileage (promised 39 MPG, get 31 MPG on average, but that is a lot better than the 21 MPG on our previous car).

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  I LOVE MY MAZDA3 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dobermanlvr - April 8 - 7:03 am

  I bought my MAZDA3 about 3 months ago and I love it. It is a pleasure to drive every time I get in and start the engine. My husband has a new 4 door jeep and he even loves driving my smaller economy car. The pick-up is fantastic and the exterior styling is so attractive! I could not have purchased a better vehicle!!!!

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jct06 - April 1 - 1:26 pm

  I just got rid of my 98 E320 Mercedes and I could not be happier. I only have 35 miles on my new Mazda and I love it!! I will never buy a Mercedes again and I should have bought a Mazda years ago. It is a very fun car and I can now rest and not worry if my dash light check engine is going to come on. I am really digging it and for those of you who are reading this and are not sure I say go do it. Buy a Mazda. If you want fun and sporty check out the 3s.

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  Mazda 3 SP23 Manual - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By landj6 - March 29 - 11:11 pm

  I bought my car in 2005 new with 33 miles on it. I love my car!! Today it has 191,000 and not a single problem with it! I have kept up with the oil changes and have done some work, changed belts, plugs, ect. just as a preventative. I put gas in it, change the oil, change the tires and drive the crap out of it! Im not easy on cars, as you can tell from the 191,000 miles on it in 6 years! I recently have been thinking about trading it in for an SUV, but just cant part with my awesome car yet!

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  I found THE car!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By I found THE car!!! - March 29 - 2:03 pm

  When I test drove this car I knew that I would like to own it, and that I would enjoy driving it. I didnt realize that I would love it. For me, everything about this car is great. Im going to own this car for a long time (300k miles or more). Gas mileage could be better, but it is still decent. I get 26-27 around town. I think it would help if I would keep my foot out of it though. I added an iPod integration kit, and now the sound system is the bomb. Mine is not the 6 CD changer, but I dont use CDs anyway since I have the iPod kit now. I think the stock speakers are really good, but some audiophiles might want to upgrade. Buy the car, dont hesitate. Get the 5 speed!

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  Great Car for great price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By rosawoo - March 26 - 9:56 am

  Traded in a 1998 Navigator for cash for clunkers. Looked at several options before choosing mazda. This car offered more features for less money. Mazda also gave additional 500.00 back which made it even better. So far this car has not disappointed! Love the dark interior and blue tooth especially for my teenagers who will be driving it the most.

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  Love at first drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maxine Hunt - March 24 - 3:23 pm

  Bought this car with 8,000 miles from private owner, although I test drove a new one and my son owned a 2004 that I liked very much. From the first day I loved everything about this little car. Theres plenty of room with the seats down and thats how I normally drive to accommodate my three dogs. Fun to drive, with no effort. Its almost like virtual driving compared to other cars I tested. The body style is attractive and Mazda apparently offers a nearly endless list of options as this car has it all. My next vehicle will be one just like this. I do suggest purchasing a set of winter tires that adds confidence to winter driving and makes the zoom zoom last all year.

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  Thrills on the cheap! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By revhappy - March 24 - 8:33 am

  I have owned this Mazda for four months now and have loved every minute of it. This Mazda hatch has it all compared to other economy cars in its class. Superb interior fit and finish, European inspired exterior, crisp handling, and sporty stance. The Zoom-Zoom of this 3 really differentiates it from all others. The 2.3L loves to be revved and the manual transmission definitely helps squeeze every ounce of power from the four-banger. I was debating whether or not to get the navigation system but decided against it as is not worth the $1500 price tag because it does not even have the touchscreen like the CX-7. At the end of the day, this car is near perfect for the price at around $20K!

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  Mazda 3 = Good Choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By anb153 - March 23 - 9:50 pm

  Ever since I first saw the Mazda 3, I knew I wanted one. As soon as I saw the interior and took it for a test drive, I knew I wanted it. I was a little worried about the way the car sounded on the road, but Im used to it now. For all of the features, I think this car is at the perfect price. My friends and family love riding in my car, and it is definitely more fuel efficient than my old accord!