2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 27 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Good looks, strong engines and sharp handling add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap.
Pros
Fun-to-drive character, stylish interior design, strong engines, hatchback utility.
Cons
Ride might be too stiff for some, a few ergonomic quirks, tight rear legroom.
What's New for 2004
The Mazda 3 is an all-new economy sedan and hatchback that replaces the Protege in Mazda's lineup.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Still brand new after 5 yrs
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love this car. I bought it new 5 years ago and I still get a thrill driving it. The car hugs the road, has lots of power, and is a super easy stick shift to drive. My wife hated sticks until this car. It gets me to work without costing too much, it gets the entire family around comfortably, and I can load it up with junk from Home Depot. The versatility combined with a car that's a joy to drive makes it a no-brainer car to buy. I average 27 mpg in traffic, and 30-31 mpg highway.
Favorite Features
Powerful engine, great suspension, forgiving stick shift, great interior, head turning looks, versatile interior.
Suggested Improvements
Better speakers and an AUX jack. I wish the tires were cheaper.
Zoom zoom.....no rust.....rust....rust
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
A fun car to drive for the first four years. Rust started this winter and in a few short months has almost devoured the car. Not since my 71 Torino have I seen a vehicle rust so bad. I would never buy another
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Build a vehicle that is good as North American vehicle rust performance
Perfect Commuter
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Fun, reliable little car that looks good and scores outstanding fuel economy. For the first 1552.5 miles, I've used 49.19 gallons for an average 31.56 mpg. 6-disc changer, power moonroof, comfortable interior and civilized conveniences make this agile little pet an outstanding compromise of affordability and comfort. It's the perfect commuter, and value-priced.
Favorite Features
Fuel efficiency, stereo quality, confident steering
Suggested Improvements
Extra power point, heated seats.
Fantastic vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I found my 2004 Yellow Mazda3 Hatch at the dealership just calling out my name. The previous owner apparently wanted a MazdaSpeed3 and this was what they traded in. Mine is a 5-speed manual and extremely fun to drive and tour with. Great gas mileage helps me save on my commute to work, and to say that my car turns heads would be an understatement. The ONLY complaint I have on this vehicle is that the stock tires that come with it are HORRIBLE in adverse weather (snow and/or rain). Got 4 new tires and the difference is amazing. Only one issue in 2 years (seat belt sensor) was fixed immediately and has not reappeared.
Favorite Features
Hatchback system is great to transport pretty much anything you want. The seat styling is also very sharp looking and comfortable, a rare find in stock seats.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of the stock Eagle RS-A tires, they are loud and don't do well in any kind of adverse conditions. Also, the rear seat legroom is not the greatest if fully occupied, though this is a compact vehicle, so I wasn't expecting a ton to begin with.
Love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Factory ordered Jan04; picked Strato Blue out of the book. What a looker! Will never find another paint this beautiful; even Mazda changed it after 2004, probably because it scratches so easily. Still turning heads after 75,000 miles though. Absolute fun to drive on tight back roads, but really tough on tires. Easy to spin even from a stop sign. Gas mileage with aftermarket roof rack is around 23-25 mpg mixed, but 30-33 mpg on long trips using cruise control. Good reliability; only three unscheduled trips to dealer that was the car's fault...dash cracked, CD player fried, and transmission programming issue. Most difficult is thinking of trading it off! Might just have to buy another one!
Favorite Features
Take off speed (zoom zoom); comfy/supportive seats; first-version Strato Blue paint is the color of clear sky on a full moon night; twisty roads; on-wheel audio/cruise controls; getting underestimated on merge ramps.
Suggested Improvements
Wish list: variable speed on intermittent wipers; protector on top of back bumper; AC/Heater needs upgrade bad!; standard CD player is crap; would like to see one more gear in the transmission; more scratch resistant paint and durable cloth upholstery; upgrade carpeting; junk the OEM Toyo tires.
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