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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  Good for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sarah - November 23 - 3:50 am

  My 2007 Mazda 3 (manual transmission) is a fun and peppy little car. I have had several problems with this car, though. First, this car is horrible in the snow, and in the rain, too. I have feared for my life many times in this car. Second, although the Bose stereo system sounds great, the CD player has never worked properly. When I brought it to the attention of the dealership while the car was still under warranty, they said they couldnt see any problems with it. Now, the CD player does not work at all and they wont fix it. Also, the stereo buttons randomly fell off. Finally, Ive had sporadic problems with the car not starting on the first try if it has been sitting in the rain.

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  Zoom-Zoom!!! No regrets - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - November 19 - 3:50 am

  Bought mine in September 2004. Put 50000 miles on it -no problems!! Just changed oil and brake pads. I live in Colorado and go up in the mountains a lot. This car amazed me with its peppy engine and fast down shifting when going uphills. My wife chose the car - I was kinda reluctant first but after driving, I fell in love. Man, I love Mazda! Looking to buy manual 2.3S hatchback model for myself now :).

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  Better than the competition - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JimB - November 16 - 6:23 am

  Being an engineer, did all the research, looking for the most value and fun without going the the price of the European performance compacts. Ive had the car now for a year and a half and, surprisingly, age has made my M3 a better car. Starting off the car can have harsh ride qualities. With age, the ride has mellowed (w/o losing the fun) and the engine performance is still zippy.

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  Better than Honda - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By kalkoala - November 15 - 7:46 am

  I had owned one of the first 2006 redesigned Honda Civic Coupes - a car I instantly fell in love with. But I soon fell out of love with my Civic EX and decided to trade the car in. I have to say I didnt have the same passion when I first got my Mazda 3 but nearly a year later I am sold on Mazda. The Mazda has great handling and suspension. And for the price the build quality is an incredible value - Mazda has to be losing money on this. The power is definitely better than the Honda or Toyota. I do think the design is kind of boring. Oh the 2.0 should come standard with more than 4 gears

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  Has everything for little money - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomer - November 14 - 9:53 pm

  This car had everything I was looking for: wonderful manual transmission that is extremely fun to drive, enough oomph, horsepower, great gas mileage, cool looks, plenty of space for the family of four, great value for the dollar. I still love it.

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  Will I buy it again? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By greendoctor - November 14 - 8:33 pm

  It was the most beautiful in its class when it came out. In fact its one of the most beautiful still. But will I buy it again? Ive been trading-in my cars every 3 years just before the warranty expires, since 1991. I have never bought a domestic {for obvious reasons} nor have I bought the same model of the same manufacture, twice. In other wards, no one has impressed me that much to get me to return. The Mazda 3sport, is no exception. For my taste; It is underpowered. I need at least a 100hp for every liter. I also do not need an engine bigger than 1.8L. The customer service {just like all of the previous manufacturers, at least 6 anyway}, is indifferent, at best.

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  pretty good so far - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By abqrich - November 14 - 4:22 am

  Driving this car is a pleasure. Great engine and transmission. Had it for one year with no problems. 38mpg on 5k road trip. Not good on bad roads. Noisy at highway speeds. Dorky console.

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  ZOOM CUBED - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - November 11 - 7:40 am

  Handles tight. Good acceleration for a 4/automatic. Gas mileage...25 in town with a/c on; 28 without a/c; 30-32 hwy. Comfortable seats, front and back. Easy controls. Oil filter is a dealer/autoshop job, as requires a special tool and the filter is not the standard metal jacketed filter (think naked filter, needs a gasket too).

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  Fun Little Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brandon - November 10 - 6:00 pm

  The Mazda has been a fun car to own. I have driven to Las Vegas and Arizona within the past few weeks and it has performed great.

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  Very nice car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeremey - November 8 - 4:26 pm

  This car is awesome. I got a great deal on it when the car was still a fairly new car to the United States. This car is fast and responds well and gets great gas mileage. You just cant find a better car in this price range that looks as good as this one does!