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Perfect Car
I've been looking for a car for almost a year now. I just purchased the 2004 Mazda 3 s with the Automatic transmission. It's about time a manufacturer built a car under 20k that has a ton of features. It drives like sports car, very stiff suspension and steering. I've been getting around 28 mpg fuel economy which is great since gas prices are so high now. It turns heads every where I go. I really like the style. The stereo system rivals mosts peoples home theatres, and the in dash 6 disc changer is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
More Room, Less Zoom Zoom
I gave up the car after 6800mi. I'm 5'10 & in good shape but I couldn't find a comfortable driving position. The two lane country road I tested it on proves what winner Mazda has-quick, nimble and loaded with features on much costlier cars. But the center stack flairs out at the bottom and the legroom under the dash was too crowded for me on my 45 min daily commute. No combination of seat/steering wheel adjustments yielded a good fit. I replaced a 626 with the 3s, maybe I should have gone for the Mazda6 but reliability concerns and the V6 kept me away. If you're used to the legroom of a midsized sedan be aware that the seating in the 3s takes some getting used to. I decided to give it up.
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,200897 mi away
- s SedanMSRP: $4,788947 mi away
- i SedanMSRP: $2,3691,202 mi away
excellent
the car is well equiped for all road types including long trips. it is excellent on gas and handling is supurb.
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Dealerships said there was shortage of Mazda 3. Hard to budge on price. Compared this car to Toyota Matrix and Subaru Impreza/Forester. Mazda3 was best performer. Car had lots of safety feature including ABS, side air bags and curtains. Also Xenon HID headlights and tire pressure monitor. Hatchback comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels. I made my purchase in May. There were no rebates and 3.9% financing is a bit higher than Toyota (0 to 1.9%) or Subaru (1.9%). If you can wait till August, you may get a better deal. The leather seats were kinda cheap looking but aside from that the car is built very well.
ZOOM ZOOM
I LOVED THE TEST DRIVE SO MUCH I BOUGHT ONE RIGHT OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I WAS SO AMAZED.A FUN NON EXPENSIVE RIDE THAT ACTUALY HAS EVERY OPTION I WANTED.THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE FROM MAZDA I FINALLY HAVE THE CAR OF MY DREAMS.
Do you love to drive?
If you're looking for a 5-door car stop, you just found it. The 2.3L is quick- get the leather tim, if you can . If your a stick driver you may find the "3" feels more like a VW then a Honda or other like imports. Over all- for the money this car will be hard to beat!
Great ride
Having owned an Audi A4 for several years, Mazda's 3 feels very similar. A solid drive...doesn't feel like I'm driving a compact. Plenty of muscle and a beautifully designed interior/exterior. Mazda really outdid themselves with this one. For the money, I can't imagine more in a vehicle.
Best in class!
Fun to drive. Great 5M, Most sportier for an entry level compact sedan. reasonable fuel economy. great contemporary design. Good front ergo. many features (auto-manual trans, delay int. lights....)usually be found only on bigger or lux sedans. no cost compromised decontent.
Mazda 3 Hatch Kicks BMW Butt
After having an extremely high car payment and maintence bills with my 2000 BMW 32i I, I started shopping for a more reliable car with a lower price- point. I had owned a Mazda before and was at the dealership to look at an RX-8 when I saw this funky, cool Mazda3 5-Door on the lot. I was intrigued. I took it for a spin and was hooked. It has an engine that will move, looks that will turn heads and features that rival the BMW. And it cost about half of what I paid for the BMW four years ago. I walked out of there spending $24K including TTL and got a fantastic car with xenon, navigation, leather and more. Mazda 3 5-Door. A great car--a great value.
holly molly
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!!!
From Germany to Japan--Back to Mazda
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.
Sweet car for the class
Right off the lot it has impressed. It's still new, but the fit and finish is excellent. Also, see favorite features.
It all added up
I'd had in my mind a car with the following traits (after having had a fun German-made wagon before): smaller, Japanese built, leather, hatchback utility, four doors, in-dash 6-CD changer, and style. I walked into a Mazda showroom to look at another car, and my head was turned by the 3. I test-drove the car, and was sold. I've had it for a month, and like it more with each passing week. A slick little car, well-made and thoughtfully appointed.
Mazda 3 is the top of the 3
Hey Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla can you read the number 3 from the back of my car? I have two weeks with my Mazda 3 and I love it. I am so glad I chose this car instead of the other two competitors. It's faster, more stylish and has a longer warranty.
Great Little Car
This car smokes the competition (Corolla, Civic). It's tight as a drum and performs very well by any standard especially for an econobox. It is built to a standard you typically find in more expensive cars.
Mazda3 5 door
Variable Valve Timing mixed with a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder makes for great mileage and a good amount of zoom zoom. You will not find a more fun or practical car for the money. The Mazda 3 turns heads everywhere and is a blast to drive.
Good value in a great to drive package
Hard to say enough good things about the 3. As a previous owner of a Protege5 I was really hoping they fixed a few of the things I found lacking in the previous car and Mazda came through in spades. Performance was improved, dramatically, the engine is not only more powerful but a lot smoother, something I didn't like about the outgoing Pro5. Handing is improved though I found the PRo5 to be competent as well (not a concern before) And more over interior noise is down and road comfort is improved dramatically. A fantastic car with great performance, features and poise for a car in it's price range, a definite great buy!
The Perfect Teen Car
Great styling, fun to drive, and a sporty attitude.
Mazda3 a 10
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.
What a Great Car!
I have had this car for exactly a month today and I love it! Everything about it is truly enjoyable. I've put 1,400 miles on it and every mile has been more fun than the one before it. The ride is smooth (compared to my prior truck), the interior is amazing & you can't beat the price!
Highly Recommended
I was looking for a sedan that was a little sporty, but still worked economically and the 3 works perfectly on both fronts. The styling is great and for the options, fuel economy and safety reputation, it really can't be beaten. I got a 5-speed and it has more than enough pep to get going...you end up hitting 80 and not realizing it. The inside is beautiful and very fun to play around with.
Fernando's Review
It's an amazing car. Very beautiful, nice interior design, build quality with comfort. It's all I need of car.
Awsome
Love this car, didn't mention Build Quality or Reliability because I've only had it a few days.
Mazda3 Hatchback
I moved from a Protege5 to the Mazda3 six weeks ago. The 3 is a much more refined car in every way. The Mazda3 has incredible handling and power with a very tight structure. The controls are great, shifting is a joy with a wonderful transmission and light, smooth clutch. The instrument panel, dash and cockpit storage is awesome. The verdict is still out on the seats. The Protege5 had several 800 mile days and the seating was up to it. The 3 seats are quite different but, I think will be up for good road trips. My next long trip will determine that.
Mazda3
Good Performance/Handling. Quiet engine. Solid structure. Excellent design inside and out. Don't know about reliability yet.
Perfect Commuter
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.
Got Problems?
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.
Just what I've been waiting for!
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!
good
It is very good and useful.
Amazing
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.
Super Value for a Great Car
This is a super car. I love it. I keep thinking the market guys at Mazda made a mistake in pricing. In comparing the 3 with the civic or corolla, it's no contest. I personally think closer competition is a class up with the likes of the accord, camry, or jetta, but the 3 is a smaller, more nimble, in general more sporty which is what I prefer.
This is THE car
I have been nothing short of completely satisfied with the 3. It has it all, good looks, available options, comfort, performance, and a good price.
Buy this car
I think mazda finally got it right.The styling is off the hook. I get so much attention with the velocity red which looks like a candy red when the sun hits it. The hids are great but not as colorful as I would like but overall,its a great car. I got mine with all the options except for navigation.I dont need it since I plan to put an aftermarket one in soon as a kit becomes available. I have 3 words to say. GET THIS CAR. CIVICS WATCH OUT
Bang for the Buck!
Purchased used with about 24k miles. Titanium Gray, black leather, 5-speed, ABS/airbag package, 6 CD/moonroof package, TPMS/Xenon package. Previous car was '89 Ford Probe GT, which was a Mazda clone. I really miss the low rpm torque from the Probe's turbo (Mazdaspeed3 will be awesome!), but overall, I can't be happier. I could have purchased a new '05 Ford Focus ST (5-speed, same 2.3L Mazda motor) for about the same money, but the Focus interior and features STINK compared to the Mazda3. Also test drove several Dodge SRT-4's (TURBO!), but again, the interiors were not livable compared to the 3 (not to mention the race car open exhaust).
great
this car is GREAT it has the must have feeling to it and its very fun to drive!
Nice little ride
I wasn't even aware Mazda made the 3 when I was wandering around the car lot. I noticed it and was like "what is this". I test drove one the next day and bought it by the end of the week.
So Much Fun!
What can I say? It's my first new car. But once I saw it, I had to get it. The test drive convinced me, and the fact that it looks BETTER than the Matrix/Vibe, and gets a LOT of attention makes it even better. The ride is fun (a bit stiff), but it kicks!!
BUY THIS CAR!!!
Great engine. Beautiful handling. Nice ride. EXCELLENT for the price! I bought this to replace my Protege. VERY happy with this car.
Fun in Hatch
I purchased this vehicle for my wife and she loves it and she actually let me drive it. The car is very peppy and when you need the power it is there to deliver. Great off the line for an econo-box. Xenon ,6 Disc Moonroof and the ABS air bags Package. No DVD Navigation. Manual. Paid $18,454.00. We got lava orange (see the color in person). We looked at two other cars the PT Cruiser Turbo and the Toyota Matrix XRS. The PT is great however it just costs too much and the Matrix just plain out stunk, because you have to rev the heck out of the engine to get any power. What sold us on the 3 was the safety features. All in all, this is a great buy.
my zoom
I have not had any problems with this car. I currently have just about 25,000 miles on it. Fun to drive.
Value in fun-to-drive market
17 inches wheels, 2.3L engine, Foglight, in-dash CD changer, leather seats and so on add to such a taut, competent compact yet pratical with the hatch designing, it screams the real value in the compact fun-to-drive auto market.
The alternate to my Corvette
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.
the mazda 3
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.
2.3 with 5-speed bliss!
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!
I LOVE MY NEW CAR!!!
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!
IT WILL TURN HEADS
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.
Mazda 3
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.
New Protege...No Way!
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!
Don't pass this up!
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.
none
Love it so far. Just wish the milage would be better.