Used 3 for sale
Worst car I've ever owned
fubo, 01/03/2011
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
A piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. I've had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said it's normal.
This is entry level?!
Carl Coffee, 11/18/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I didn't actually buy this car yet, but have been looking at it for several days and like what I see so far. Debating between this or a 2003 Protege5. The 3 has huge power increase over the Pro5, but overall does not handle as tightly. Very nice acceleration in 1st gear, but 2nd seems sluggish. Still a nice car, with great styling for entry level economy car.
What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%!
stissenko, 06/16/2010
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didn't solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand what's wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!
201,895 original miles!
Erika, 12/07/2015
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought the '04 2.3 hatchbck manual brand new. Hwy driving t wrk 100 miles a day 4 the past 11yrs. Yes the ck engine lite does come on alot but that is its job t alert you-usually small fixes. Tires are expensive t replace & the pax headlight. Only major work was recently ignition coils replacement wear & tear.t
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
100k and going strong
jeremily, 01/29/2010
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
A quick update, I've posted before. Now over 100k miles in under 6 years, my Mazda3 is still going strong, with no major issues. I am still on the stock, original clutch- though it's pretty worn right now. Timing belt is due- which requires pulling the engine. :( With just oil changes and lots of miles, I wouldn't complain about a few more hp to match the superb suspension. Lifetime best tank of 38mpg, typical 30mpg highway biased driving, but not especially gentle. I absolutely love the great visibility from HIDs, and very comfortable seats for long drives. Cupholders and right elbow support could be improved for better ergos, but overall excellent. No regrets about this purchase.
Love My Mazda 3!
Martha Ramsey, 02/17/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first Mazda, and it will not be my last! I love everything about the Mazda 3, from the sporty design, to the roominess Mazda has built into such a compact car, to the great sound system that includes an in-dash 6 CD player, to the huge trunk, to the excellent gas mileage. I'm getting 38-39 mpg on standard, everyday trips to and from work. On long trips I have averaged 42-45 mpg! If you are looking for a sporty, fun-to-drive economy car that has a great sound system and gets great gas mileage, this is the car for you.
So far so good
zetaminer, 03/29/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my 3s for 3 months now and have had no mechnical problems. There was some 'rail dust' in the paint but was fixed under warranty. This was the first time I ever bought a car so I'm not sure how to rate Mazda dealership service overall. However I orginally looked/test drove in the St. Louis area and did have a bad experience. I ended up buying my car in the Omaha area, mostly because they had an '04 left that didn't have all the options so that it stayed in my price range with the $1000 '04 rebate. The service at Sheridan Mazda in Council Bluffs IA has so far been good. They call me to check up on the paint situation and my overall satisfaction with the car.
More Room, Less Zoom Zoom
Now it's the wife's!, 04/09/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 3s to replace my totaled 626. A desire for better fuel econony and performance drove me to the 3s over the Mazda6, which had a reputation for being unreliable.I've owned the car for exactly four months, drive 40mi daily. I'm 5'10" and in good shape. But, no amount of seat/steering wheel adjustment has rendered a comfortable driving position. I can't find a comfortable spot for my right leg with the tapered design of the center console. The two lane black top I test drove the car on proved what a quick, nimble fun-to-drive winner Mazda created. But, I spend most of my time in rush hour traffic at 15mph. Never would've guessed this woould happen. So I gave it to my "dainty" wife.
Great car almost luxury
Brad, 04/13/2005
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome car! The outside is very sleep and stylish, the headlights are similar to BMW, the black looks very classy.The alloy wheels are nice, the interior is very comfortable and the controls are well lit, very very very nice car for the money. Great power. Smooth quiet ride.
1 1/2 Years later and still loving it!
Christina, 04/18/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first car. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love with it. I test drove it and bought it the same day (Jan 2004). Since I was one of the first to have it, I had people everywhere stopping to admire it ask me what kind of car it was. Even my fiance, who drives a 2002 Audi A4 is impressed with it. It looks small from the outside, but I recently moved most of the boxes from my apartment to a new house in one trip! Its a fun drive, and feels very much like a German car built by the Japanese.