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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  little blue devil! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By monk - December 29 - 4:00 am

  Everything in the car is great. : ) i give it an A++++++. i traded my Honda Accord for this bad boy. Its handling is superb and gas mileage is great; interior is like driving a BMW. I recommend this car to everybody.

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  My New Mazda 3 Sport 5 Door - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andy - December 26 - 6:10 pm

  I recently purchased a Mazda 3 5 Door Sport after leasing a Honda Accord for the past three years. This car is GREAT! I had a couple friends recommend it and after the test drive I knew it was the car for me. Its got great styling, good fuel economy, and is fun to drive. The Sport version is loaded with a ton of standard features that were upgrades on other cars I looked at. The 2.3L engine has plenty of power both off the line as well as to get up and go on the highway. I went for the automatic (for my wife) but the manual shift option performs very similar to a manual transmission, giving you a little more control. All-in-all I am fully satisfied and would recommend this car!!

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  Great commuter car, Good for tall people - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By twozeroone - December 23 - 9:10 pm

  I bought a 2005 Hatchback Automatic 2.3S. Great little car. Fun as can be to drive alone on long windy roads with lots of tight turns. Very good handling, similar to BMW. Built extremely well with many stock features. I am about 63" tall and had a tough time finding a car I was comfortable in which was good on gas. I drove the 5 speed and was a little tight due to the clutch, but the automatic has a perfect spot where the clutch would be that is empty and I can extend my legs all the way to the fire wall. Great car for tall people like me. The seats hold you in position good on fast turns.

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  The Horn - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eroteme - December 22 - 10:10 pm

  Overall quite satisfied. However, I will say I am not pleased with the silly horn, it sounds like it belongs on a small scooter, maybe a motorized bicycle. The bird chirping horn does not match the quality of the car. And I cant say I am all that pleased with the heater, it takes 15 minutes or better to attain comfort, at which time I am usually at my destination, freezing from the cold. Also, the panic button on the switch fob has a range of about 20 feet. My previous car panic button had a much greater range, helping me find where I parked the car on occasion. But as said, I am quite pleased with the car.

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  Very sporty, fuel-efficient vehicle - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - December 21 - 4:00 am

  Traded in a 1998 Mazda 626 with 130 hp 4-cylinder engine in which I averaged 27 mpg. The Mazda3 has 20 more hp and Ive been averaging 32 mpg! This car has really good acceleration and handles even better.

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  Hot - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By seth - December 19 - 4:13 pm

  A blast to drive, between 31-35 mpg on highway 29 city, sporty, nimble, fun!

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  Lovin the M3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy M3 Girl - December 18 - 7:06 am

  After reading Consumer Reports and Auto Trade publications, we had to check out the M3. We are not disappointed that we did. This little beauty has lots of room and storage for a compact. It has cup holders at every seat and a huge trunk and glove box. The engine is laid out very cleanly and appears easy to service, especially the little things like windshield washer fluid. The 4 speed automatic is fun, especially the quasi-manual no clutch shifting option to use when you want more control (like humming along on a winding road). The variable distance steering wheel makes it nice too. You can decide where you want the wheel and how close you want the airbag to your face and chest. The car is a 10!

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  My Updated Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By HappyMazdaGirl3 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  It was time to trade in my 2002 Mazda Protege. That car was a dream for 9 years she served me well. After being rear ended on the interstate, with 89,000 on her, it was time to say good bye. It was a sad day. I searched and searched for a new car. From a Ford Fiesta, Honda Civic, and the 2010 Mazda and I spent 4 months of research and ended up with Louise (the name of my car) :-). She is very comfy and fits me well. I have not had her long enough but overall she is good. However, I am concerned about the Fuel Economy. I am currently seeing the true gas mpg on this car. Also visibility is good not great but good. If Mazda could improve fuel Economy it be a big bang for the buck

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  Excellent Over All - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mizzbee - December 17 - 2:00 am

  After 3.5 years, I still really LOVE my Mazda 3 Hatch..My complaints are few but to prospective buyers,worth noting. 1.Check engine light comes on about twice a year-- and so far,has only meant that the gas cap was loose. Why no loose gas cap light? They charge to check it on the diagnostic computer. Its a rip, imo. 2. The original tires are awful. Replace them as soon as you can. 3. Dash visibility is poor depending on how you have the steering wheel set. At the height and angle I like it, I cannot see vital things like my temp gauge or speedometer. 4. Interior (wherever you might touch with your arms) gets covered in unsightly White smudges if you wear any type of sunblock.

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  Impressive performance/quality for price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chad in NH - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Im yet another reviewer coming out of a BMW 3 series and into the Mazda 3. Im stunned to say that this car is just as much fun to drive as my 325i was. Sure, its not as quiet (the 3s has more tire noise on the highway) and doesnt have all the extra luxuries my BMW had. With that said, the Mazda 3 is a far better value. Its truly BMW-like in performance and offers many options that you normally find only in higher price points-like the automatic rain-sensing wipers my BMW had. If youre someone who enjoys driving, the 3 is light on its feet, hugs corners, has plenty of power for its size and great stopping power. With all that and exceptional interior quality, its the one to buy