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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  So much better then a Honda Civic - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justine - January 17 - 11:10 pm

  I was a loyal honda civic fan but when I was shopping for a new car I had to look around. After extensive test drives and comparisons of fuel economy, price, reviews and resale value (Im an MBA student so I had a little too much fun with it). Anyways, hands down the Mazda3 was way ahead of the game... then I drove it- and fell in love. It drives like a sports car, it makes driving fun. It gets the same mpg as a Honda Civic but costs less. Ive put about 2K in 2 months on it and I have no complaints at all. Really its a great car and a great value.

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  Mazdas zoom zoom kid - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Velocity Red Owner - January 15 - 10:00 am

  i just had bought this vehicle yesterday, 07/31/2004, and i am pretty happy with it. the handling, quality, build quality and the insurance costs are way lower than the car that i traded it in for, 2004 hyundai accent 4- door. i got cheated into my hyundai so i am never going to shop for a hyundai again. the car is user-friendly and the design just catches your eyes. the feel of the car when driven feels more than the price of it. the engine and the manual are peppy and their are no jiggles here and there. overall i am happy with this car! i love how it looks and feels! mazda does zoom-zoom but with attitude!

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  The best Mazda yet - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Partial to Mazdas - January 13 - 11:26 pm

  I am partial to Mazda. I have owned to many cars from American to Japanese. I love cars. This is my 4th Mazda. I love everything about it. My husband loves it to which is surprising. It handles real well and has enough pick up. As far as gas goes I havent had it long enough to make a comment on that yet. The tech package is great. I have children and they have no problem with the room in the back seat neither do I. I always sit in the back to see where my knees are. I am 56" and i was comfortable back there. The trunk has good space to. I like the orange inside it lights up the dash rather well. The whole layout is perfect to me. I would recommend this car. you get alot for your money.

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  Fun on a budget - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.L. Pruett - January 8 - 3:06 pm

  After five years of driving an F-150 I love driving and filling up our new Mazda 3. We wanted to replace the truck with an economy vehicle that is also fun to drive. So far we have no complaints.

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  After 3 months, its still fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thierry J.B. - January 8 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had my Mazda3 5-door for 3 months and still I love to drive it. If youre thinking about getting one and you love music, get it with the moonroof audio package.

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  You have to have one! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish Van Brocklin - January 8 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car for my son, who is turning 16 in a few months. Im considering buying one for me because it is so much fun to drive. The quality of the car is unbelievable. Test drive a Honda and Toyota then a Mazda, you will definitely be sold on the Mazda.

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  Somewhat Satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobsmommy17 - January 8 - 12:10 am

  Overall a fun car to drive there are just some annoying things. The seats arent too comfortable, the brakes squeal even after being replaced, the transmission shifts hard into second. Recently when slowing down, as the car is downshifting, it misses 2nd gear. When the trunk is popped it doesnt raise itself, and I think there is something wrong with the spring. Also, I have a 6 month old, and it is hard to get him in and out of the car. The doors dont open wide enough either.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By EAG - January 7 - 11:30 pm

  I spent forever researching cars to buy and I test drove a few (the VW Rabbit, the Civic and the Toyota Matrix) before I was definite on the 3. The test drives clinched it. My mechanic of 15 years was also enthusiastic about the Mazda and now I know why. I am in love with my car. It is so sporty (looks and performance) and I couldnt be happier. I have the 5 speed and the shifting is so smooth, I would swear it was a pricier model/brand. I love to drive but I was looking for fuel economy too and I definitely picked a winner. The acceleration is excellent, but so is the fuel economy. 25-27 in the city, in heavy traffic, and 32-35 on the highway. Nice! You wont be disappointed at all. Im thinking of buying another for my husband.

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  Great Sporty Car at a Great Price! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigit - January 6 - 11:13 am

  I loved my Mazda 3, which I recently gave to my husband when I bought a new Corolla. It looks so nice, Im crazy about the style of it. Its a fun ride as well, and its at a great price. We have had a few repairs on it. The front and back brakes went out very early and the horn broke, but these are minor problems. The only thing Im not too keen on is the jet black interior. Its a great car and Id definitely recommend getting one. Gas mileage isnt as good as what I hoped for, but its not terrible either. I think the new Mazdas with Skyactiv technology get better gas mileage. I also find that the paint chips easily (I have a white model)

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  Mazda 3 Hatch - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By tuckerk801 - December 29 - 1:14 pm

  This car is amazing, it is fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. Glad when mazda built a gas miser they didnt forget their roots of zoom-zoom!