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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  Amazing Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chillaxin171 - January 30 - 2:13 pm

  I love this car, had it for a year and a half now and love to drive. Honestly wouldve rather the Speed3, but got this instead. For a 4 Cylinder engine this car is built well, sounds good, and picks up pretty damn fast.

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  Good Car for the Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By GAJeff - January 27 - 3:40 am

  I replaced my Mazda 626 of 15 years with this new Mazda3. I really want to buy an electric car, so this car is to get me through the next few years. Other than being 20th century technology, it seems like a solid, nice car. I would have preferred to buy a hatchback but did not want to bump up to the wagon with its heavier weight and bigger engine. Ive had a difficult time getting accustomed to the clutch -- it seems to engage much higher on the pedal than Im used to. Ive also noticed the air conditioner seems to place a lot of drag on the engine; this can make judging the gas/clutch mixture a little tricky sometimes. Overall, Id recommend it for the price.

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  Great little car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mom42 - January 26 - 3:43 pm

  I went from a Honda civic (very comparable purchase price!) to the 3i Touring.. and most of all I cant beleive the improvement in handling! Its a way nicer riding car- just seems more solid. It also handles quite a bit better in the snow. I get about 8 mpg less, but it is worth it. I feel more safe/secure in it, the stereo sounds much better, and its fun to drive! Many people have said how cute/nice it looks.

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  Awesome Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Surgio - January 26 - 8:46 am

  Recently purchased a Mazda 3s hatchback. Fun car to drive, very responsive manual transmission, great handling. Plenty room in hatch, especially with flip down seats. Awesome interior, well "thought" out. If you are looking for an awesome car all the way around I recommend you stop by your Mazda dealer and take one for a spin.

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  Almost flawless car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mipost - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car. Its fun to drive, its looks beautiful, and it was priced right. The only flaw was Ive had my car less than a week and the check engine came on. The dealership told it had something to do was a new program for the computer, but i made sure i got a print out of the maintance.

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  Absolutly AWSOME!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bongomav - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a fully loaded M3s. There isn,t a another car out there that can compete apples to apples. I,ve looked at them all! Quick, Stylish and affordable. My wife is affraid to drive period, NOT anymore! The ease of parking and handling the city roads awsome. Now I have to fight her for the keys. (Dam car! LOL)

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  Economic Fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ecofun - January 24 - 4:50 pm

  I chose the Mazda3 over a Civic EX coupe because I was looking for performance, styling and versatility over mileage. After 2,000 miles, Im finding all of that and more. This car is a pleasure to drive on long trips and short. Handling is superb and mileage has been excellent, generally getting 29-33 mpg. This car offers Honda quality with twice the styling.

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  Too SeXXY! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fixtion - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car it too sexxy from its exterior to its interior. I mean there are not enough words to describe how brilliant this car was designed and engineered. I personally love the newer modern hatchback style, and its perfect for an audio enthusiast such as my friends and me. Handling is impeccable, and drifting is fun . . . yes its possible in the 3, use your hand break. ;) Sweet Power smokes slightly modified Civics and equivalence. Great Bang for the Bucks!

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  Mazda3 5 door - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fox - January 21 - 2:43 am

  The car has had zero problems in 50K miles. It is fun to drive and not a mushmobile like the competition. Great performance for the price! Smooth and quiet engine with a wide torque band. Standard transmission shifts great, precise and easy.

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  25K miles update - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mokosh - January 18 - 4:42 pm

  After 25K miles of ownership I would still give it 3 out of 5 for comfort. Had a computer recall update, (high idling rpm) now its much better (visit your local dealer and let them update the computer and youll see the engine difference.) Still too low, new model is 3 higher. Good for commuting, sucks for long trips. Good mpg. Many useless buttons on a cd player. Rear seats dont have enough leg room. Still reliable. Sitting position not as high as other models. Just understand me right, suspension is perfect on a race track, but not very good on a daily basis - the way too firm. Good for the price, however I would take a look on corolla or civic if you prefer more comfortable ride.