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.
Zippy 3
I love my new car. It has all the features of a luxury car, yet it comes in a small package (easy to park)and at a reasonable price. The navigation is great, and the utility of the hatchback comes in handy.
new 3 for me
Smart design, spirited performance, and great price. This car hits the trifecta. One would be hard pressed to find a car that is as fun to drive and as easy on the eyes for the same money.
- s SedanMSRP: $5,999256 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,499423 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,995606 mi away
ZOOOOOOM ZOOOOOOOM!!!!
Let me just say.... I saw this car a while back in the car magazines and I really wanted one.... Just recently my old car 2001 PT Cruiser!! FELL APART! (FYI: Chryslers SUCK!!) So I had the chance to test drive the car and automatically fell in love with it! Great Car, Great Dive, looks much more expensive than what it is!!! MAZDA DID A GREAT JOB!!!!
Best In Class
I've owned my Mazda 3S for 2 months, and I love it!!! It was my first new car purchase. I did a lot of research before buying this car; and did not find any other cars in this class that could compare. I come from a family that reveres Honda, but have all acknowledged that the Civic has been beaten. Badly. My friend has a new Audi A4 1.8T and was very surprised at the 3's performance (much faster off the line than the a4), as well as the well appointed interior of the Mazda 3. The low price of this vehicle also put a big lump in her throat. The 3 has a perfect balance of Performance, Economy, Luxury, and Fun. The 5 Speed gearbox in this car is amazing!
I love this car
I've had my 3 a few months, and I can't reccomend it enough. Fun to drive, confertable, a dream.
26k miles and I still love my car
I drive this little sporty car fairly hard and fast, and it has kept up for 26k miles so far. NO major issues at all and I don't expect them anytime soon either. This economy car is fun to drive, is very responsive, handles well and looks good while doing so! A zippy little car with a good amount of power and torque. Sure, it's not a race car but what do you expect for less than $20K? The engine provides adequate power for the price, and if you want more, wait for the Mazdaspeed edition to come out! The suspension is solid and "sport" and allows for great cornering & handling; if you can't handle a 'stiffer' suspension, go with a Ford or something 'softer', like a large Cadillac, lol!
Mazda3 is the way to go
It's been a blast to drive. Suprisingly comfortable ride for a small sports sedan. It handles well and has good steering feel. It looks like a sports sedan. Well-equiped and priced below what I'd expect. I feel like I'm in a more expensive, substantial car. But it's also rated as an economy car. I get about 28 mpg mixed city/highway. The 160hp engine has plenty of low-end to provide a spirited drive and the 17" alloys and v-rated performance tires add to its looks and credentials. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more of them after Consumer Reports does their evaluation in the August issue. This is a nicely-appointed and well-built/designed car.
One Great car for the money
A few months back i walked in to Lithia Mazda of Fresno, California and purchased a 2004 Mazda 3s. Since then it has been that greatest car i have ever purchased. I love the way it looks inside and out. It reminds me very much or my old BMW 325i. I also cant seem to stop driving it. I love this car a would rate this car a 10.0
Economifun
These have been the funnest 8 days I have had in a long time...zoom zooming that is! It hugs the curves nicely, and it's pretty awsome to see cars in your rearview getting smaller (not larger) when you "cut" them on the highway. I press it for speed and it responds. My husband said something about loving the variable valve timing above 35000 RPM's. A "must drive"--if you ask me.
Bad-ass Mazda 3
The car was simply awesome. I drive a muscle-car as a daily driver before the Mazda 3, and I know what performance as far as 0-60 is concerned. For a little 4-banger, that car simply flew. It was truly an enlightening experience! The interior of the car was roomy with a feeling of good control over the whole car. It felt more like a cock-pit. The car didn't feel like a wagon at all, more like a sports-car! (Mustang, Camaro likeness) Carolla, Camry, and Civic watch out.
very nice car
it's just so much vaule.
Fun, Stylish, and Cheaper than a BMW
I test drove a lot of cars before deciding on the Mazda 3 S - including Imprezas (RS not WRX), Jettas, Altimas, Acura RSX, Civics, and Corollas. It had by far the best combination of style, quality, FUN, and practicality of the cars I drove. The RSX was as fun to drive but not as practical. The Jetta (1.8T)had a little more pep, but didn't handle as well and was missing the quality feel on the inside. The Altima was disappointing - the 5 speed didn't feel solid like the Mazda. Go with the S with 5 speed for the most fun. I actually look forward to driving to work in this car! AC blows cold all the time for me - I'm in hot & sunny AZ.
Superb for the price
This car handles great. I have the sports package with 17" wheels. It kicks the crud out of my 2001 Jetta Wolfberg Edition in terms of handling. Though 160 hp is adequate, the Mazda3 S would be an absolute kick in the pants if you could squeeze another 20hp out of it. I'm sure the aftermarket will make that possible within the next year. Over all, this car is a great value for what you get, and real fun to drive.
Pretty good overall
I drove the Toyota Prius, Matrix, and Subaru Outback. This car had the least number of design flaws. Many great features available at a reasonable price. Seats are too hard. I love the telescoping steering wheel and the controls on the steering wheel. Lots of storage - you should see the glove box! The looks are great. People tell me how cool it looks.
AXELA
I have had my 3S just over a month. I love it. It is the best sub-compact car I have looked at, priced, and driven. It handles like a BMW 3- series minus the rear drive. I see them all around town, but it never fails, people still stare at my car. It is very sexy, and great to drive.
Still happy owner
The car is impressive to drive, with the responsive 160 hp and the braking/handling this is a little go- kart. Had problems with the trans. nec to replace both front axles at 10,000 miles this was the third time in the shop for same repair, p/s front door panel noisey third time also and still not fixed. Do wish the fuel economy was a little better best yet is 26.3 on the auto side of the sport auto trans. Dealer installed larger 18" wheels with 225-40 Z rated tires not that it needed the speed as it cuts out at 118. Overall this car is still the best value for the money in the class. Lots of looks from every type of car and driver. Mazda ZOOM - ZOOM !!
Close to a perfect 10!
This is a great car for the money. I got it loaded and out the door with tax and license for 21,000.Great looks with great performance.Don't know what's up with the gas milage.I only getting 22 at best.Even with the bad gas milage I love this car...fun to drive and would recommend to anyone.
Its Great
This car is so awesome. I have test driven jettas, GTIs, Focuses, and none of them come close to the Mazda 3. The handling of this car is far superior to many cars costing over $10000 more. I got on with leather, 6 disc CD player and many other options for under $19000. Its great!!!
Euro build style.. without the price tag
I used to own a VW Jetta VR6, and find a lot of similarities between the Jetta and the Mazda3. I was impressed on the first drive the pickup the 2.3l had. Its been awhile since I owned a 4cyl. Overall, the last 199 miles have been a pleasure. Its comfortable, sharp and nibble handling make quite a package. Driving is believing.
Mazda 3S Hatchback 2004
Excellent car. Price goes high with just a few basic extras. Real price in dealership, from $20-24000.
Style that seriously turns heads
I got this car for my birthday the week it came out, and I love it. Its style is very unique and modern, the craftsmanship is great, as is the performance. I truly belive this car is worth more than the price it is selling for.
Possibly the best car I ever owned!!!
I have owned my Velocity Red 3 for about 3 weeks now and I couldn't be happier. I have owned Honda's for the past 10 years, but just got bored with the unimpressive styling. This car is so much fun to drive and I really haven't noticed too much loss of power from a V6 to a 4-cyclinder, or maybe it's because I like this car too much to care!
I almost bought a Matrix too
The interior is better than anything else in its class. The engine has plenty of power, and still good mileage. The base model of the 5 door is packed with standard features like cruise, tilt, 17 inch wheels, and CD. The only thing I liked better in the Toyota Matrix was rear seat leg room, and its slightly cheaper.
nice car
The Mazda 3 is a very comfortable,exciting car. This car is a step ahead in design and offers the quiet smooth ride,usually found in more expensive luxury cars. The buying experience was smooth. I recommend getting several quotes and having the deal nearly done online. Then go into the dealership and sign the paperwork.
The best ever
Interior & exterior design Mazda did what every cool person has been doing to their cars for year, You really have to try really hard to make the Mazda 3S look better than it already looks. These guys are genius
Puts other compacts to shame
Bought this car after extensive research. I was looking for a compact Japanese car after all the troubles I had with my German engineered Golf. I didn't like the styling of the Civic or the Corolla- too bland. After looking at the reviews on Edmunds I decided to take the Mazda 3 for a testdrive. Driving dynamics are excellent. Handles very well and the interior quality and styling is excellent. Good pickup (2.3L engine). I bougt my car 6 weeks ago and so far no problems. Very happy with my decision. Highly recommended if you are in the market for a compact car.
My new Mazda3
This is the best looking hatchback car I've ever seen. I went to the dealership and I was greatly impressed. There was no need to test drive... My father purchased it for me directly from the showroom. We drove off the dealership feeling really good. That day we got at least 4 honks and countless amounts of stares. And all my friends want to drive my car.
Zoom-Zoom too
Love this car, I did a lot of research, a lot of test drives. This car is the cream of the crop.
Zoom Zoom w/ No Guilt
The Mazda 3 is sporty, sophisticated and hot all at once. Even light on the gas, you can fly. The steering console wraps around you with the feel of a more expensive sports model. Someone who likes to drive must have designed this model, cause it is a joy.
Zoom-Zoom-Zoom
Just like the commercials say this new Mazda 3 goes zoom zoom zoom. I Love my car. I test drove both engine types and found out that the 2.0L has a little drag so I decided to go with the 2.3L and was very pleased. The car has great suspension and great turning. The driver side has plenty of room but if youre tall like me (6'0ft) then it's difficult for a passenger to sit behind you. The interior is hi-tech and flashy. Overall the car is great and fun to drive. Expect to pay close to sticker price because this car is selling quicker then Starbucks coffee. Enjoy!
sweet
great car for speed racers
Mazda3 Hatchback
This car is a lot of fun to drive. Handles well, brakes well, and accelerates well.
comfort, conviniense and performance
Best compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance haven't seen in one car before.
AMAZING CAR
Wonderful new sedan. Great gas mileage. Very comfortable and roomy in the front. Fun to drive and well equipped. A great car to sport around.
All in one package with sensible fun!
It's a great drive, sometimes a little to much fun. Very fast -- the Zoom Zoom is so true! The mileage is good; it gets 300 or so miles to the tank. With the price of gas it could be better. I drive mostly highway on a daily basis and was hit from behind by a car going about 65 miles an hour. All I could think of was my cars condition. When I got out and looked I was in shock to see almost no evidence that I was even hit. The other cars air bags were all deployed but none of mine were. This is a strong built vehicle . i got back in and drove away like nothing even happened. The only problem with this car is the air conditioner, defroster and heat. None of them seem to get going in a timely matter.
2004 Mazda 3 Review
Fun car to drive. Some things can be fixed for the 2005's but for the price I payed i can't complain to much. Overall the I love the car. Great craftsmanship both inside and out. Not many people have discovered the Mazda 3 so their are not many on the road just yet and thats one thing i like as well.
Great Car
I just got this car about a week ago and I cannot wait to drive it some more. The exterior look surpasses anyting in its class as well as the interior look. For the driving part, it is a lot of fun. Great acceleration combine with tight steering make this car a joyride
Great all-around car!
The Mazda 3s hatchback is the perfect car for this suburbanite. It's quick and fun to drive, yet still gives high 20s gas mileage on my stop-and-go commute. It's very tossable, but still manages to let me haul people and things. The car also just looks great - especially in Winning Blue. And the price - very well equipped for under $20K is a great deal these days.
Mazda's Slot Car
I traded in a Dakota 4X4 with a V8 to save on gas. Thought I would just get a bland econo box to drive back and forth to work. The Mazda 3 is a blast to drive. It's a little slot car. Reminds me of the Omni GLH I had in the 80's, just a little more refined.
First Car
The mazda3 s is my first car. I've had experiance driving my brothers Corolla S and after he had a chance to drive my Mazda he sold his car and got a Mazda3 as well. I think it's safe to say that my whole family is happy with the mazda3. My father also owns a Mazda Miata, in which he is also happy with.
After 5 years of ownership-Great Car!
This is a great car. Love making u turns, awesome handling, braking, steering. Keep good Michelin tires and have them rotated every 3,000 miles or you'll wear tires. So far my Michelin and rotations are keeping it in check. Have 68,000 miles on car.
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.
Mazda 3 Rocks
It is 2004 and would it be too much to ask for a compact that doesn't wimp out. Finally it was Mazda that delivered. I just got the Mazda 3s hatchback in Velocity Red with Black-Red Cloth interior, Auto, ABS/SBS, Moonroof/6-CD package. All for $500 over invoice. I bought it primarily as a commute car for myself and my little daughter. She absolutely loves it too. I suggest this as a great little runabout around town in style and comfort without looking/feeling like a harrier mom.