2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Consumer Reviews

My Little Mazda

Written by: mazda3driver on 12/31/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Mazda3 in Nebraska and drove it back to Vegas. That's 1255 miles. I got an average of 24-26mpg the whole way. Not bad, but definitely could be better. This includes the driving in Colorado. If anybody has driven through there, you know what I mean. I got about 24 in that area. Your auto-stick really comes in handy up those hills. I was in 3rd gear up most of them. While in Nebraska, it was really cold. For some reason it didn't want to start early in the morning at 0 degrees. Not sure. After it was started, everything was fine. Took a couple times, but it did start. I tried putting heet in the gas tank, but didn't seem to do anything. The tail end likes to slide in the snow. A+

Favorite Features

Sporty look, red light interior, auto- stick, sunroof, rear seat interior space, rear seats fold in for more trunk space, 5 doors, zippy engine power, takes corners like a champ, excellent handling, what more is there to say? All around great car. I highly recommend it.

Suggested Improvements

Really needs a 5th gear in the automatic transmission. The black dashboard collects dust like no other. Fuel economy isn't bad, but needs some work if it wants to compete with Honda/Toyota. Doesn't have an auxiliary port. That would be nice. Automatic door opener for the 5th door.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Zoom-Zoom to Putt-Putt

Written by: Paul on 11/21/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I got my Mazda 3 in March of 04, brand new, with only 4 miles on it. I shopped around for several months, and knowing I couldn't afford an Audi, I went with something as comparative and fun to drive. The first couple of years were great. It turned heads and drove like a cat. It had a few small annoying features, like no finger pace to open the trunk, poor cabin sound and a mediocre stereo. But then the transmission and clutch started having problems. It gave a little trouble at first, and then the third gear just went along with the warranty.

Favorite Features

Great body shape and FUN to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission problem. I paid hard earned money for it, be honest and recall the car (Ford). Also, the body is made of paper; anything can ding it.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Fun Family Wagon

Written by: Jerry Wacek on 11/11/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought new in July 2004. Very fun to drive, and it looks great for a 5 door wagon. Good amount of pep and corners flat with a lot of grip. Good cargo space, once fit an armchair in the back with the seats folded. Rear is a little tight with a rear facing child seat, but otherwise good for two adults. I'm 6'3" and fit very comfortably with only a little rubbing on the center console. MPG are a little less than expected, partly because it is so easy to drive fast. My 2004 only has a 4 speed auto so RPM are a little high on the freeway. Negatives include weak AC, high road noise, ride can be firm on broken pavement, only one intermittent wiper speed, tires are expensive to replace

Favorite Features

Confident handling, logical and easy to use/read controls and gauges, supportive seats, general utility, sporty yet grown up styling.

Suggested Improvements

5 speed auto, standard ABS and skid control (all available in later model years). More sound insulation, height and lumbar adjustments on the passenger seat. More MPG is always welcome.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Mazda3 s sedan, auto

Written by: Loramay on 09/02/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just bought my 2004 Mazda3 s last week, but I've already driven it over 1000 miles on a trip. My first impression of the car was great, it's sleek and drives well. The only issues I've had with it are that the driver seat seems to be made for tall people with long arms. When I push the seat back so that your foot is a good distance from the pedals, I have to hold my arms out straight to hold the wheel. I also bought this car not realizing that the 2.3 L engine didn't get very good gas mileage. I was hoping to improve over my V6 mustang, but the mpg is only slightly better. But I like the way it drives, and I think it will be a great car for me.

Favorite Features

Acceleration seems much faster than the 2.0 L engine.

Suggested Improvements

Needs better positioning of the drivers seat in relation to the wheel and pedals, has poor gas mileage for a 4 cyl.

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2004 Mazda 2.3s sedan

Written by: Krzysztof K on 08/31/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought her from private in March 2007 at 36,000 miles. Now - August 2008 she has 53,000 miles. Average 24.31 MPG - 60% city/ 40% highway (I have heavy foot). 32 MPG highway at A/C and 70-85 MPH speed. 250 miles at the city per full tank. One of the best purchases what I did. Fun to drive, good acceleration, excellent handle, short turning circle, very good brakes, finish internal very well and nice outline too - that's what I like. ** CEL appeared after I filled premium fuel, so I use regular. 100% satisfied and highly recommended.

Favorite Features

manual, navigation, HID, 6-CD changer, sunroof, leather seats, CAI, rear wing.

Suggested Improvements

After installed CAI I improve acceleration and MPG a little bit.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Rally fun and sport comfort

Written by: SLO Road Czar, Ret. on 07/16/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought the Mazda 3s to drive to work, then retired early. Yes, I'm that old. It's been a great car, fun to drive and fairly grippy at speed on winding roads. We drive between Montana and California living in two rural communities. Fun driving at both ends. Not bad on long trips and adds FUN to the drive. Good mileage (between 25 and 30) and no repairs to date (about 30000 miles). I've owned a 325 BMW, TR-6, and still own and drive a 91 Corvette and this little 3 fits in nicely with the fun to drive group.

Favorite Features

Seems faster than reviewed. Handles very well and is a blast to drive fast. Good front seats. Like the manual auto and power steering. 70 MPH limits on Montana 2 lanes make this and economical and refreshing country road driver.

Suggested Improvements

Already taken care of... more horsepower. Now, put it in the sedan.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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The alternate to my Corvette

Written by: Larry on 07/11/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love driving a Corvette on the weekend, but the Mazda 3 makes my 80 mile workday commute more than enjoyable. Over the years, I've also owned an RX-7 and a Protege, and this Mazda is another winner. My 5 speed wagon has leather, sunroof and 6 CD player, and no problems to report at 80K. Excellent car and looking to replace it with either the MX-5 or a Mazdaspeed 3.

Favorite Features

Handling, fit and finish, very good acceleration for a car that returns 27 mpg with a lead foot, and did I mention the handling?

Suggested Improvements

Tight back seat, also on long trips I noticed there isn't much room to stretch the right leg. Nothing that would keep me from buying another.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best car for the buck!

Written by: lucaspl88 on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I recently bought a mazda 3 hatchback with manual transmission. It was a used car, and the only words that came out of my mouth when I drove it for the first time were OH WOW!! Car is incredibly fun to drive, great gas mileage, and it also looks great. Great torque, no need to down-shift when passing someone up on the expressway. Great car, fits all my friends, and the most important, fits my personality.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage, I get around 28-30 in the city, and around 34-37 on the highway, and its still a 2.3L. Really comfortable, great looks, and really practical with a lot of trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe slightly more power :)... cant afford mazdaspeed yet :)

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Awesome car

Written by: Frank Rizzo on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just love this car. It is without a doubt the best car I have ever owned. And I have owned quite a few cars over the last few years. This car is very reliable and a pleasure to drive. I drive about 100 miles a day and when I get out of work it is a pleasure to drive 50 miles to get home. This car also handles great, last weekend I got off an exit ramp with a speed limit of 40 mph while going close to 100 mph, unreal handling, sure my wife's hair was standing on end and the three kids were screaming in the back seat, but what fun. Great car, highly recommended.

Favorite Features

Love the way the 4dr wagon looks.

Suggested Improvements

Don't change a thing.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mazda3 for me

Written by: travisthomas on 01/15/2008

Vehicle

2004 Mazda MAZDA3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

In March I will have had this car for 4 years. To this date the only complaint I have is the cloth interior tends to fray with use. The carpet as well could be a little more durable. A driver's foot rest would be nice. Typically after 2 years I tend to get tired of a car. But after four years I am still in love with this car. Mazda has a winner with this car. In this time of high gas prices it is nice to find a car that looks great, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. My 5 speed tends to get 38 to 40 mpg on the highway and 33 to 35 mpg in the city which is full of stops and goes.

Favorite Features

Volume controls on the steering wheel. Side blinker lights. Sporty styling

Suggested Improvements

Mure durable carpet and seat fabric

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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