Skip to main content

Used 2004 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
654 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

ALOT OF BANG FOR THE BUCK!

will1505, 01/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mazda could have priced this car several thousand dollars higher and the would still sell...I compared this car to the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe and the Honda Civic...Way more fun and for my money a tighter car. Handles great, pick up in automatic is good but if you want more you can throw it into the clutchless mode and control the shifting yourself.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

five door hatch

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

Looked at a number of other cars, matrix, vw, subaru, etc. The three had a lot more bang for the dollar. Still waiting to see how it really performs because of the break in period.

Report Abuse
2004 Mazda 3 for sale near you
3 of 12 listings
See all 12 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

What the 3 Series used to be

D_Stutzman, 03/29/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Mazda3 2 weeks ago. By far best car I ever owned. Head turner, quality is impeccable, 2.3 litre with manual is fantastic. I put in Bosch quad Platinum spark plugs that bumped my torque up a bit. Great car, handles like a rear wheel drive with no torque steer.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Best Compact

CB3, 01/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far I have 900 miles on the car. I don't have a single complaint yet. I chose this car out of the usual compact shopping list of Civic, Jetta, Corolla. The handling of the car is great. Even with the AT, the throttle is very responsive. Braking is equally responsive. Interior and exterior design is very attractive. Build of the car is very sound. I find the profile, and car in general, to be similar in comparison to the IS300 except 10k cheaper. Take it for a test drive and you'll see what you can get for sub 20k. My options include ABS/SAB/EBD, Xenon & TPMS, Sunroof & 6-CD, Sport, and Sportmatic AT.

Report Abuse

4.75 out of 5 stars

Happy

MOSEMAN, 03/30/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm so happy with my purchase. I wouldn't trade for anything.

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

Zoom zoom.....no rust.....rust....rust

Rusty Mazda, 06/15/2009
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

great Mazda 3!

M3 hatchback, 07/01/2006
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Mazda 3 has been my favorite car I have ever owned. It is sporty, practical, and great fun to drive. I have had many luxury sedans, and two other small midsize cars. I like my Mazda 3 best. I have the hatchback body style.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Mazda has just about did it

Macadonious, 01/28/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Engine is a 2.3L with 160 crank HP. With this displacement, you could produce at least 200 crank HP by reworking the head and remapping the ECU. Exterior is unique and modern. The tire selection is the only drawback as they do not perform well on any vehicle. Interior is clean and easy to view. Material seems to be of high quality. Driver cockpit is a little tight. Performance is a little lacking. Though cornering is nice, the rear slips at high speeds. This is due to the tires and maybe the small rear sway bar. Power to the wheels is a bit hesitant while already moving at normal speeds, but on the other hand, speed does increase without even noticing.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it!

HartOPS4, 04/02/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this is an excellent car. I went from one of Detroit's "best" (a Chevy) to this car. No comparison. The build quality, ride, and value are excellent. Definitely more car for the money.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Poor Man's Luxury Sedan

SoCal23Female, 12/25/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hot little vehicle with a decent price tag.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

MAZDA 3S 4 DR Sedan

ajgbev31, 04/02/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent handling and performance. Drove Audi for last 6 years and this car has that Euro look. Mazda definitely has a winner here!! For the price, has the best combination of design and fun to drive.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Wow

igozmzm2, 01/31/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car! It's the best looking car that I have seen in a long time, and everywhere I go, people are saying great things about it. Many of them have begged for a ride, and love it. It's the most fun to drive, and since I've gotten it, 2 of my friends have now purchased one as well. It's a luxury car without the luxury price. The controls are easy to use, within reach, and the navi system is a breeze to use. I went out of state the weekend I purchased the car, had no problems using it. I feel like I got a steal when I purchased this car...people think it's a 30K car, when I tell them 20K they flip out.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Mazda3isgood

Bob2, 04/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car floored me when I first learned about it at the dealership. I was actually looking at the RX8, but at 6'2", was too tall for the RX8. The 6 is nice, but this car is more nimble, fun to drive, and allows you to spend your extra money saved elsewhere!

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Beats civic and corolla

mazdaowner, 04/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just purchased the Mazda3 i 2.0 with abs/sac, power package and sunroof. I paid invoice price. Great looks, great handling. need more time to gauge reliabilty. Overall great car.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

3 Review

Sharon's 3, 04/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A great value for the money.17" alloy wheels, Goodyear V rated Eagles, 160hp. This car is tight,responsive, fun to drive and with it's 103" wheelbase rides like a midsize. Fit and finish is top notch. Strong attention to detail. I recommend the S if finances allow.The sport package, at $500.,makes a nice car a little nicer. As far as the ABS and and the side a/b curtain, there is no debating the obvious advantages, however offered as package, is a costly option. The added price of safety is for individual to decide.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

My first import.....

Matthew1048, 04/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The new Mazda 3 is great. Good looks, lots of room, economical yet powerful. The car is the best driving car in it's class that I have found, and I did what seemed to be hundreds of test drives; everything from the Ford Focus to the Honda Civic. This car just plain smoked the competition in ALL areas.

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My NeW BaBy !!!

ViNnYsHaY, 04/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Imagine, all you Maz3 lovers, that I have to wait 2 months to get mine... Yess, you've heard me clearly, I ordered it last week and now I will only get a chance to touch it in june, so that will give me a lot of time to imagine myself in my new car... Anyways, fully equipped, this car will surely be the greatest car I've ever owned up to date ( it's my first one ; ) !!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Damn!

charlies factory, 02/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the best 4 cylinder automatic on the market. the new srt-4 neon is nice but sometimes u dont always want to drive a stick and my car gives u an option

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Zoom-Zoom to Putt-Putt

Paul, 11/21/2008
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse
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!!!

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My Mazda 3

rkctexas, 04/10/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has the best reliability of any car I have ever seen or heard of. It is fantastic, and practically repairs itself. No problems. I sometimes drive it too hard, but it takes it amazingly well. My wife and I love this car and consider it a member of our family. Lief Johnson has always been an exceptional dealer for me, always going above and beyond. For me to say that is something, because I have walked out of several places, determined never to do business with them again.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Love

Bure1088, 02/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I did about 5 months worth of research to find a car. That all stopped when I found my 3 :). It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great. I'm hoping the reliability holds up. I have confidence. I love my car!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great bang for the buck

Bps1977, 04/12/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just bought the 2004 S model This car performs much better then you would think for the price. Styling is perfect, inside and out. Corners great with its sport tuned suspension. Decent acceleration and very good brakes. Has the looks of an Audi or BMW, the price of a Mazda, what more could you ask for?

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

mazda3

rgonzo, 12/27/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

one of the most fun cars i have ever driven.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

AC

jose q, 04/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this vehicle has everything that you want in a car.. but if you live in phoenix az where the weather is hot or went the summer comes by...you going to have lots of proble because the AC don't work like other vehicle...is justa cool air coming out your vent...went the weather is 80 degree ...if you got kid you won't be able ride on the back seat they will fry..

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

Been Waiting For This...

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

I fell in love with the M3 the moment I saw it. Picked it up yesterday and am having a wonderful time so far. It's got zip and style. I think the mileage could be a bit better, but it ain't that bad. I also think the music system could be better too.

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

My First "NEW" Car

MattLeeGee, 04/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Loved it at first site, test drove a automatic and signed the papers 10 mins later for a 5speed and all the options (except navi) I have never owned a new car but fully loaded for a little over $20k seems right for how fun this car is, i also bought a 100K warrenty. It made me broke but its better then owning a older car!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Zoom, Zoom

detet, 02/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for about 2 weeks, and 1000 miles later, I can say I'm pretty happy with this purchase. It's been through Chicago's winter already, and It does alright in the snow.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best compact around hands down

Leo, 01/07/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There is no competition for this car in the compact market. We are a two Mazda family and I enjoy driving this car as much as I enjoy driving our RX8. The handling is absolutely superb, the brakes are fantastic and the engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder. We got a fairly loaded example (leather, auto, moonroof, 6 CD) and love it to death. Just did our first long haul, San Jose to LA, to Vegas, to San Jose and enjoyed it very much. The car is very comfortable and smooth, great long distance cruiser. Best part was we were moving at a good pace and still averaged 26 mpg for the trip.

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
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!

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Somebody pinch me

T-rex, 04/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car reads my mind and accelerates. Trust me, it is that quick! Build quality is first rate. My wife an I really enjoy this car.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Buy For The Money

peaceman, 02/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fast, fun, and cheap!! Mazda came out with a great compact that feels like a sports car. The 3i engine with 148hp is fast enough and you can upgrade to an 3s with 160hp for an affordable price. The features and design is great. The dash has an awesome design. The sound system is good too.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

2004 Mazda 3 S

h2win, 04/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

You can't go wrong with this vehicle. Good mileage, responsive speed, acceleration is great. One of the best interior design I've ever seen. Don't go with Honda or Toyota their interior design just can't compare to this one. You don't want to drive a car that everyone has do you? This car has very good horsepower and torque. It can take civics and Corolla with ease.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Ticket Getter

Need 4 Speed, 02/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purhased after reading reviews. Being a "motorhead", I had a pretty good idea what was out there, and without the bump to 160-horses, I probably wouldn't have considered the 3. Also drove left over Proteges, which has entirely different feel. Whereas the Protege is flingable, the 3 feels more substantial. Bought for less than $500 over dealer's invoice. The January issue of Car & Driver magazine provides a good review on this model. More comparable to the discontinued Prelude than the Civic or Matrix in it's class and pulls as hard a a 330 Bimmer 0-60.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

great car , bad stereo

roj, 04/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the hatchback with sunroof and ABS. Have not broken it in yet..Opted for the auto since I felt the performance was close to the manual, also better in traffic:) Handling is exceptional, highway driving is smooth..was doing 80mph and did not even feel like I was going fast. Brakes are excellent. Engine could be a little more responsive but for a 4 cylinder is excellent..I am coming from the maxima engine, so I am a little spoiled. Plus my wife has Toyota Matrix XRS, which I feel has a more fun to drive engine...but Mazda 3 beats the XRS in build quality.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

AaronStone, 12/30/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car at a great price. When i saw the features and the styling of this car i almost over looked it thinking it whould be in the mid to high 20's i took a look at the sticker price, drove it, bought all in one night... AWESOME VEHICLE.....

Report Abuse
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.

Report Abuse
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!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY NEW CAR!!!

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

I wasn't looking to buy a new car but was forced to after I totaled my old one. I only looked at the Corolla, Civic and the Mazda3 and for the money, this car was the best deal! Definitely more bang for your buck! Its a smooth ride and although when standing outside the car, it seems a bit noisy, inside, Sometimes I dont feel or hear anything! I keep thinking it stalled at the stoplight. (oh wait that was my last car! :-) I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, zippy, cute ride! The 6 CD changer is great and the 6 speaker system is quite good. My 5 year old niece says this is the coolest car ever! I have to agree!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

IT WILL TURN HEADS

lasso, 03/19/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this was my first new car and all i can say is wow,i took my new car to virginia and got 32 mpg there and 29mpg on the way back,every where i go people turn their heads especially with the sport 17 inch rims.And at a good price range also u really cant go wrong.if u want a sporty car that turns heads,looks like a million bucks and feels great to drive then this would be it.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Mazda 3

kyle/isuzuman, 12/10/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I dont own one of these yet, but I have looked at them and I have to say they are very nice looking. Inside they have all the features you would expect from a compact, and it is pretty comfortable. I didnt get a chance to drive it because the dealer didnt have the model I was looking for, and why waste time on one I'm not going to buy. Thats all I have to say on it now.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

New Protege...No Way!

ZooM3, 01/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just picked up my new 3 (hatchback), and there is no comparing this car and the car it replaced, the long-lived Protege. Everything about this car is great! The styling, the interior, and all of the standard features! I traded in my 2002 PR5 without a second thought. After one test drive I had already made up my mind! The car is so great in the styling department...It's almost like BMW and a Benz got together and produced the new Mazda 3. Excellent build quality and materials. To drive it, is to love it!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Don't pass this up!

av123, 03/19/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

All The previous reviews say it all. This is probable the best car you can get for the money right now. I think Mazda went all out on this model to cut into the Honda Civic's dominance of the class. They came up with a winner.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
50