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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  Love it Love it Love it - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jasmine Kim - February 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago. I was looking for a BMW or acura once I have test drive the Mazda 3 and I saw the interiors and features I got my BMW or acura but for 10,000$ less. Im at 900 km now and the trip computer says my avaredge fuel usage is 10.5 liter/100 km that Im not happy about. Mazda make it use less fuel please

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  Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - February 23 - 6:06 am

  Traded in my 2003 Mustang GT convertible for this vehicle and I must say I love this car. Even with going from 8 cyl down to 4, I still get plenty of power and pickup from this car, especially from a stop. Ride is great, very quiet and tight. Bose stereo system is very nice as well. This is a great car for someone looking to get a small car, but still wants to spend a little money for comforts and options (auto lights and wipers are cool!). The only "complaint" is the somewhat low MPG for such a small vehicle. I have been averaging 26-28 MPG combined according to the onboard computer (if I calculate it the old fashioned way, I estimate 28-30 MPG).

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  Excellent car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - February 21 - 7:23 pm

  Was planning on using our van on vacation when it blew a transmission seal. Loaded four adults (Im 64", 230lbs) and a trunk load of gear and headed to the Adirondack Mountains. Brand new car with less than 50 miles on it, averaged 36mpg over 850 miles with AC on. No problem on the hills, even though loaded. Handles great, more comfortable seats than our Ford van. Tried a 2009 Honda Fit, but the Mazda has more power, handles, better, feels more solid and gets great gas mileage.

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  44.6 mpg!!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By caloyski - February 21 - 7:03 pm

  İ have the new skyactiv automatic with 6,000 miles now. Recently, wife moved to a new work and still in process of relocating---in short i travel 180 miles and 5hrs per day, 80/20 mixed highway/city driving at 60mph in highway. İ got 44.6 mpg! İ didnt rely on the trip computer, i did manual math to be sure. İ love this car, handles so well. A bit tight in space, but if you wanted space, go buy an suv and gas up always. Lol. İ drive a 1999 crv same route, i get 22mpg. Transmission changes are so smooth, wow.

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By StanleyD - February 21 - 9:46 am

  The 5-door hatch makes excellent use of interior space. I can carry my bicycle inside along with enough luggage for two people. Seats and controls are excellent. Optional leather seats are great. Gearing is a bit too short so its easy to chirp front wheels when starting with manual trans. Back seat is comfortable for two. Acceleration is snappy but runs out of power at high speeds. Gas mileage is a disappointment. I have averaged 23.5 mpg in 10,900 miles of mostly suburban driving. It was rated at 26 city, 32 hwy. Completely reliable. Id buy it again.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lilkruse - February 19 - 9:26 am

  Major upgrade from 2007 Chevy Aveo. Far more powerful and nimble. All the bells and whistles. Two months after having it still very satisfied. One thing I thought of is how much safer I am and everyone else in this compared to my previous car or the SUV I used to drive. You can brake and accelerate quicker, and there is minimal body roll. You are in control of this car, whereas the SUV you are along for the ride. Just think of those Trucks and SUVs we all have to drive next to that need so much more room to stop and have to slow to a crawl to turn. This is a great vehicle. Great Job Mazda!

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  Satisfaction - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By David Nolen - February 19 - 9:00 am

  I have had my M3 for two weeks and I must say that it is the "smartest" vehicle purchase I have made to date. To be sure, Ive owned vehicles from all of the major manufacturers, starting with a Ford Fiesta, all the way to the gas gobbling Dodge Durango. The Mazda M3 is good looking, sporty, responsive, engineered like a Swiss watch and great on gas. Given the concerns we have today concerning foreign oil and the associated fluctuations in price, the M3 is a real "no brainer".

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  Mazda 3s - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By tdshaul - February 14 - 10:00 pm

  I love it. I looked for 3 months for the car that would best suit my needs, comparing Sentra, Civic, Focus, Cobalt and Jetta. Based on my research and multiple test drives of each car I found the Mazda 3 to be the best choice. I chose the Mazda 3s with the moonroof/6CD package, side airbags/curtains, the wheel locks and the all season floor mats. I have found the car to be fun to drive and of remarkable quality. I average between 28-30mpg and put on around 2000 miles a month. It is an all around excellent car that adds excitement to my long drives and will be with me for many years to come. Best of luck with your purchase!

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  Zoom Zoom, then Break Down - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Buy a Honda Instead - February 14 - 4:23 am

  At 24K, my Mazda3 needed a new bearing. The car is high strung like a German sports sedan, but lacks the quality engineering. Mazda is trying to build the poor mans BMW. They got the poor man part right. My 2006 Mazda replaced an 87 Honda Accord with 160K. Over 19 years, I had to replace the CV joints in the Honda and didnt have any other major problems. After 24K, the Mazda slipped a bearing. Here is another fun facts: In order to fit the "ZoomZoom" image, a supposed economy car requires V rated tires. My car ate up a set of Avon radials in 22K. Just be prepared to spend $600 plus on your tires.

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  Fun to drive with great value - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - February 12 - 12:23 pm

  I dont know where you can get a better car for the money. The body style, fuel economy, and "fun to drive" factor is amazing. I downsized from an SUV and wanted something sporty but under $20K for mostly city use. After 2,500 miles I am getting 24 MPG in town and 30/31 MPG on the highway. The Mazdaspeed 3 was even more exciting but it was too much car for my ice and snow roads. My only minor gripe is that the seats are a little firm for my taste.