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:

• 

  Lots of Zoom for a few $ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Pauza - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  Amazing performance and content for the price, proof that economy transport doesnt have to mean boring and cheap. Great brakes (standar ABS) with precise steering and well tuned underpinnings make this a serious drivers car. Visually STUNNING! Cool mica paint, big 17" alloys with 50 series rubber, aggressive aero styling, and the nifty rear hatch make the 3 a real attention getter. Inside, Love the wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, light clutch and a shifter that glides through gears like a knife through butter. Opt for the 5 speed (the sport stick auto moves up to shift down}. Good goin Mazda, now how about a little better seats, AWD and another 50 or so horses? A budget Beemer?

• 

  A brilliant drive. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By djvolvo - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this car so far! Styling is exquisite, handling is superb. The youthful interior styling, while initially skeptical, has proved to be very well laid out. Only problems are with the glovebox, which doesnt always shut well. Engine could use a little more pull at certain RPMs. Overall, this is an exceptional vehicle. Its solid as a rock. You will not be disappointed.

• 

  Great Little Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By gadb2000 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car, Im very Happy with it. The only issue I have is sub-par mileage, I average around 26 mpg on the highway, was expecting more. Besides that, overall Im totally satisfied with this vehicle.

• 

  Big Disappointment - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - December 1 - 5:00 pm

  Had the car for a month and its been back to the shop 3 times to correct a vibration/modulation problem coming from the wheels/tires (which has yet to be corrected). Other issues include mediocre gas mileage, noisy interior on anything but smooth pavement and a few creaks and rattles after only 1,000 miles. The ride is firm and sporty but very unforgiving of bumps and cracks typical of NJ roads. Like a previous reviewer commented, I was downsizing from a higher-end vehicle and the Mazda 3 was the only car that offered some of the high-tech bells and whistles that I was used to. Otherwise, dont expect anything more than a fancy economy car.

• 

  Not as great as I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish - November 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 4000 miles now on my Mazda. The suspension or something creaks really bad and my brakes are very noisy. The A/C is very weak for Texas heat; takes forever to cool. It is a fun car but I need all the moans and groans checked out.

• 

  Best in the bunch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richard Casserly - November 29 - 7:30 am

  I have enjoyed this car from the day I first drove it at the dealership as a test drive. My first Mazda was the Protégé 5 which was a practical and inexpensive spacious car. Mazda has not lost that theme with the 3 but has risen the bar in this category.

• 

  To much oil loss - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dacrunner - November 28 - 5:57 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Mazda3 seven months ago, and have 21,000 miles. My local Mazda dealer has changed the oil every 5,000 miles using 5W20F oil. Every oil change the level has been a quart low. At the 10,000 mile change I ask the service manager to check the level before the oil was drained, he did and confirmed it to be a qt. low. At the 15,000 mile changed they again checked the oil and confirmed it to be a qt. low, and that we had an issue. At 20,000 miles they again said it was low but that was acceptable for my engine. The service manager just called me and said he has it in writing that 1 qt./1500 miles is acceptable for my car and I should be very pleased my car does as well as it is.

• 

  MAZDA 3s Winning BLue - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RODRIGO - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE CAR....................

• 

  A great vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JRDudley19 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i have owned my mazda3 4door hatchaback for a little more then 4 and a half months already i have near 11,000 miles on it and have enjoyed every mile of it. i live in colorado and go up to the mountains alot it is very peppy. and makes the roads feel like a race track and can handle everything i throw at it. i have been in some bad flood like rains and gotten through it easy. i am also finishing my basement and can fit everything i need in there, like so far up to 20 2x4 by 8ft into my mazda without any doors or windows open. its amazing. i think its a very comfortable car. and i always get looks and comments and the oohs and ahhs. i have not had any problems w/it yet. its a great vehicle.

• 

  GREAT car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason - November 28 - 6:10 am

  My partner and I bougt a new Mazda 3s (FULLY LOADED) and its been just the best car Ive ever owned. Love the styling inside & out.