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Used 2004 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
654 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

dobby, 03/02/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got my 3 sport GT with every options except leather, awesome in every points except the ride is a bit stiff to me. I had saturn, vw and Gmc and by far, even if it is the cheapest car i ever bought it is the better. All the wipers thing is very well designed, as well as all the buttons on the steering, to be short, every feature is amazing except the stiff ride and tiptronic transmission which is not as sporty as i would have think.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

ShaneT, 01/20/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the M3 a couple of weeks ago and it great all around from style to performance. It gets good gas mileage (around 35 mpg) which was very important in the decision. Also, the body style and colors to choose from were all excellent.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3, The Head Turner

mikethuan, 03/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The first time you look at the mazda 3, your mind can hardly believe that this is an economy vehicle. It has none of the woes of an econobox but has the pricing of one. The shifting is smooth and precise and the throws are short. The engine noise is also noticeably more quiet than the previous protege's. The features are unbelievable for a car of this price range. With available xenon and dvd navigation, mazda 3 owners can have what they've only dreamed possible in a luxury vehicle. While the loaded price of this vehicle is a hefty, $23,075 (MSRP fully loaded 3s Sedan Automatic), the vehicle starts at $14,200 (MSRP 3i model).

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Watchout!!!! The Mazda3 is a Cut Above

greg jackson, 12/13/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The smooth, quiet 2.3l engine along with almost no road noise is amazing in this class car. The interior quality and design belongs in a far more expensive car. The 3 is much faster than it feels like. You look at the speedometer and your 20 mph over the speed limit. First gear (automatic) with your foot down just a little and your gone. Wonderful handling car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Mazda!

rogrocco, 03/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I traded in a 1989 323 with 125K miles for the new Mazda 3. The 323 still ran great but my wife was feeling insecure in such an old car. The Mazda 3 (Velocity Red Mica) is styled beautifully in and out. There is plenty of power with good acceleration. The ride is firm with excellent handling and braking. The AT can be shifted like a manual transmission. It's loaded with upgraded luxury and safety features. It looks and feels like a much more expensive European car. I hope it is as realible and long lived as my '89 323. So far, I'm very pleased with this car!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

wow!!

zoom-zoom, 03/09/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Untill now I only thought this kind of performance was for pricy sports cars and race cars, but boy was I impressed. The very firs time I saw the car I fell in love and now that I have one I love it even more than befor. I really can't express the feeling I get with words so I think I leave it to MAZDA's slogan and say this. ZOOM-ZOOM!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Best "Mazda"

nikkidunford, 04/20/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have fallen in love with Mazda, the only thing is that oil changes are the not the cheapest but still not the most expensive. Non-dealerships don't usually stock parts for these cars. But well built great new design. Awesome car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fantastic vehicle

Johnboy, 04/21/2009
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

4dr S 2.3l

Joseph8, 03/11/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the 4 door sedan fully loaded and am very pleased with it so far. The car rides smooth and handles great. The engine is very quite and has impressive power. A nice balance between performance, style, safety and comfort. Going 75 MPH on the highway feels like your doing 40 MPH with a smooth quite ride that makes you feel safe.

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5 out of 5 stars

This ain't your Fathers Protege

eriescott, 12/12/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

NOT like any entry level car you have ever driven. No other car comes close...@ $18,000 loaded this car is a steal. Many cars look the part...but this one delivers looks and performance. Mazda has hit a home run!

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5 out of 5 stars

Who is Honda anyway?

Hondawhat?, 01/21/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Compare this to a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla and you are flat out nuts! The 3 is way faster, handles ten times as good, and has a longer warranty. What more can you want right? Well it looks better too, and costs the same. I'm tired of the Honda and Toyota cliche. Honda and Toyota aren't better anymore people! And this is coming from a used to be loyal Honda owner. Mazda is it now! Mazda is doing and building cars now, like Honda and Toyota used to.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

What Can I Say!!!

Senna 27, 03/10/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Owned the car for 36 days now and it's been in the shop for 10 of them! They can't solve the engine problem, hesitation, poor acceleration, poor gas mileage. Defective air bag sensor, part back ordered. Can't drive car until fixed. They're not sure when that will be! So not impressed with it so far!

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5 out of 5 stars

What a car

ghettosmith, 03/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a wonderful amazing car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car!

jtemp7, 01/20/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is truly a fun car to drive! The interior is comfortable yet sporty. It handles very well. The highway ride is smooth and quiet. The car can be customized to fit your peferences, while remaining affordable. I would highly recommend it!

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5 out of 5 stars

Awsome Car

agent_xiii, 03/08/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I test drove this car about a month ago while shoping for a new car I instantly fell in love with it! I even waited a 3 weeks for them to get the exact color I wanted. Great car.

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5 out of 5 stars

rocket ship

hotptato, 12/14/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

test drove the sedan 2.3L 5spd. wow what a rush,great take off speed,0-60 in a blink of an eye,handled turns outstanding,its like buying a BMW but alot cheaper, cant wait to buy one with in a month

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5 out of 5 stars

zipper-banger-chick magnet

rollthedice, 03/09/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the most bag for the least buck in its class

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5 out of 5 stars

New Mazda 3i 4-Door

MatthewOesch, 01/21/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just replaced my 2000 Hyundai Accent 4-Door with the new 2004 Mazda 3i 4- Door. I chose the Velocity Red with Black Cloth, loaded with features and 4- Speed tiptronic. Even with all of the features, my sticker was $18,030. One of my co-workers said it looks like a small BMW! I drive about 35 miles each way to work, and this car is comfortable- even for me at 6'3" plenty of legroom up front and just enough headroom- even with the sunroof! I highly recommend this car - I just hope you don't start seeing them all over the road so I can still stand out like I do now!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car So Far

jdr, 03/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is like a rocket..And best of all, we got it in January and have not seen another one on the road yet!! I love having the stereo controls on the steering wheel...When you need this car to move, it does!!! It is also an automatic AND manual transmission....makes driving fun

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best for money

Mooby, 01/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my 3 for a week now, and have put over 600 miles on it. I was also looking at a 03 Civic EX and a 03 Corolla-S. The Mazda 3 wins. It's more powerful, better looking in and out, and just a better vehicle overall. Acceleration is great with the 5-speed. The handling is fun but not so rough that it beats you up. I got 30 mpg of spirited mountain highway driving on the 2nd tank of gas. The blue/orange gauge cluster is the coolest I've seen in this class. Got my Titanium grey, 5-speed S Sedan for $18,000 with the sport package (17's), safety package and xenons. Built in Japan, with the 4-year 50k warranty, what other car offers this much for $18,000?

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4.88 out of 5 stars

very nice car for the price

Blaqcat, 03/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Was looking at the base Accord coupe for a while when I came across the Mazda 6. After a lot of research on the 6, I accidentally stumbled upon the Mazda 3S. I read 6 reviews of the car on the internet- all very positive. I arranged a test drive using Edmunds.com and I can say that this is one of the stylish and nicely built cars in the under $20K price segement. Interior is nicely styled and comfortable. Automatic transmission has a pseudo-manual mode. The lines and curves of the car reminds me of more highly priced sedans- this car turns heads wherever it goes.

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5 out of 5 stars

A fabulous car!

Silvio Sfumata, 03/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just drove one of these today and fell in love with it instantly. Have you ever driven an Austin Healy 3000? This feels very similar and responds as well. The car steers like a sportscar and has a great crisp sound between 4000 and 6000 rpm. Acceleration is enough to make you smile. There is a small flat spot below 4000 rpm, but it doesn't last long and doesn't even enter into the equation if you know how to drive. It comes with many extras as standard. Some magazines compare this with other foreign cars, but to me there is no similarity.

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3 out of 5 stars

I like many things about this car

James Forte, 12/17/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Coming out of a 98 Passat, I wanted more basic ride for my daily driver. The MAZDA3 is good, but certainly not comparable in attention to detail (but it's $7K less!). I am happy with the fuel economy and design, although materials could be better. Mazda should be proud and has a car that competes with the base Jetta and Corolla. The real problem with this car is its brand. Nothing symbolizes second rate more than Mazda with its childish campaigns (please stop!). The goofy kid/song – argh! Fortunately for Mazda, the product exceeds its poor brand image. For me, I have to fend off all of my buddies who tease me about Zoom Zoom (it’s better than Suzuki!).

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5 out of 5 stars

Can't wait to get mine

waytall, 01/23/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After looking at the M3 for months on the website I was glad to finally get in one. The only real disapointment was the comfort of the seats.A bit stiff in cloth, but the leather seats are much more comfortable. Great handling and plenty of get up and go under the hood. Not really sure what options I will be getting, but it is sure to include the sunroof,cd changer and the 4speed automatic. I should have one in the driveway by the end of the week.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I have ever owned!!

Jack Simpson, 03/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is absolutely a thrill to drive, dependable, and stylish. Dollar for dollar you really get your moneys worth in this great car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom #1

mugwamp, 05/10/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the most fun I have had in a car in years. It is compact but still has head and shoulder room for my husband and myself, and we are not small people. With gas prices going up, it is terrific. My son did not want to learn how to drive a manual until he drove mine a few times. Now that is what he wants for his own car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Very Impressive!!!

Max Reyes, 01/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the titanium grey with the ABS brakes and xenon light options. So far my wife and I absolutely love it. It has a very sporty look to it and I get alot of "it looks like a mini Lexus or a Infinity FX". The ride is awesome with ample power and the interior has a nice feel and look to it. The 17" stock rims are definetly a plus! If you are in the market for a small sedan, you should check this vehicle out. You will be impressed.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Getting more than I paid more

3loverncali, 03/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best car in its class. Great handling,steering, and the interior design is a step above any other car in it's class, including the civic and easily over the corrola. Fun car for a great price.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

good car!!!

dobbydou, 03/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very good car, nothing to say for the price.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

EVERYONE NEEDS THIS!

POO, 12/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car is fantastic! i went from a non-fuel happy silverado to this and all i can say is wow! gets about 25 mpg, wish it was a little better! i couldn't be more happy!

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5 out of 5 stars

This car is truly a zoom....zoom

Billzer1, 07/09/2005
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for only a week and I have had more looks and compliments than any other car I have ever driven. It handles great, drives very smooth and has a lot of features only found in more expensive cars. the 4cyl engine has a lot of pick-up. The dash is very sleek and the radio w/CD player is truly and upscale design. This car has it all.

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5 out of 5 stars

Titanium3

sirealz, 01/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. Went with fully loaded options and still got a great price!!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

awesome

shortty, 03/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

such a sexy car, and so much fun to drive. the standard is the best, even tho automatic has the crazy shifter.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car for the money!

bobsfl954, 01/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hey. I just got the new Mazda 3 s 2 days ago, and let me tell you, I love it. My purchase price was around $21,000 because I got it with the Xenon Lights and the 6-disk in dash with the sunroof. You would be amazed on how much better your night time driving is with those xenon lights. The car looks like a 30K+ car for around the 20K mark, I really dont think you can go wrong. The performance is excellent. I was very surprised when I drove one because I was expecting much less from a 4-cyl. Bottom line is: "If your thinking about getting the new 3, go test drive one and that will make up your mind really quick."

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Unreliable so far

Soaring, 03/16/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Loved this car at first. Fun to look at and fun to drive. However, the automatic transmission failed after 1,500 miles of normal driving, and am currently waiting for a brand new transmission. Overall, the car has good road handling and steering is good.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Great Little Car

TOM K., 03/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had the for about 2 weeks now, great handling, smooth 5 speed. Still working on the gas mileage part, getting 26/27 on local/highway driving.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3 S, the way to go!!!!

casey23, 12/16/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I actually just bought it off showroom floor 1 week ago, and love it. It's basically a mazda under a Lexus IS300's skin. IT's got everything and everything you can think off... of course, within reason. Very sporty, it looks excellent.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

ok car

EZ money, 01/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car is not all that it is hyped up to be

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car!!!

sherbear, 03/16/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun! This car is so fun to drive. It's also great on gas, which helps with the gas prices today.

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5 out of 5 stars

excellent

Constance Simmons, 03/17/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the car is well equiped for all road types including long trips. it is excellent on gas and handling is supurb.

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5 out of 5 stars

holly molly

gaetz123, 01/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a Mazda Protege in 2000, a Protege 5 in 2002, now I just changed for this new Mazda 3.... there is nothing like it... not the same car at all... it has a lot of horse power and feel like a Mazda 6 to drive. go for it!!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

From Germany to Japan--Back to Mazda

H20SkiBuzz, 03/17/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall the car is fun to drive, looks good and has amenities far behond it's class. Being a "new" model, expect some kinks, like the front-end which pops and groans when turning.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda3 a 10

Jday, 03/16/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Impressive feature set when compared to the price. When you drive the Mazda 3 you can't help but feel like you are in a much more expensive vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Perfect Commuter

Scotticus, 05/13/2009
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Got Problems?

doesn'tmatterdoesit?, 12/10/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had the car for close to a year now. Yesterday was my 5th or 6th check engine light. If it is anything like the others it will be a problem with the evap system. The gas mileage isn't as good as I had expected. I am averaging 23mpg and on a good tank 25mpg. These issues have been disappointing. That being said, I really like this car. It is fun to drive. In the first few months I would volunteer to go to the store for my wife. We have even had races to get into the driver's seat first. The red sparkles at the right angle. It has muscular contours, very attractive. I have looked at "luxury" cars and don't feel like I am missing anything, especially my money. This car wants to be driven.

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5 out of 5 stars

Just what I've been waiting for!

D2, 12/19/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car fits the bill for me! It is a perfect combination of price, performance, looks, and economy. I have always liked Mazda but until now couldn't get the right mix of features and options to satisfy. I have only had the car for a couple of weeks but I can tell you right now, it;s a keeper!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

good

wuioeiyhfuio, 01/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is very good and useful.

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

JBergson, 03/17/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is everything I expected and more. I got the thing loaded for 20k. Try finding all this in another car for the same price. No way! This car is incredible.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

the mazda 3

kellyw, 03/17/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have really done my homework on all the cars in this market and price range and by far the Mazda 3 out classes them all. For over all value and options, the choice is clear its the 3.

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5 out of 5 stars

2.3 with 5-speed bliss!

Phun 4 U, 01/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

5-spd is smooth & fun to flick through the gears. Motor has a sweet spot at 4,000 RPM. I love to rev this baby! It begs to be pushed! Seats are firm and comfortable. I found myself blasting off a country road & onto a highway, changing lanes, and almost planting my front end into a police cruiser. This car is going to get me into trouble. I drove a bonneville before this. I felt age 55. Mazda3 makes me feel 25 (I'm somewhere in between). Big improvement from the Protege (loud, buzzy & underpowered). Mazda3 looks great from almost all angles. This car cuts corners like a henkel carving knife. Fantastic BMW- like driving experience!

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