Used 2004 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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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.
Mazda 3 S
Mazda 3 Solid Car, 01/27/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great power delivery: it almost feels like a V6 engine (very similar to a VR6 Jetta I used to own). Great handling: Its roadholding is 0.87g according to C/D mag. That is close to Infiniti G35(0.88) and higher than Acura TSX (0.85). Interior: The individually sunk dashboard looks spectacular especially at night. Remote radio controls placed on the steering wheel comes in handy. Exterior: It looks a little chunky from certain angles but overall looks very sharp.
2004 Mazda 3 for sale near you
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A Bullet with a Smile!
rickssr, 03/21/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love at first sight was just the begining. Sunlight Silver, Black Leather Interior, MoonRoof! What more could I say. The car just purrs like a kitten and is so silky smooth when accelerating I just have to keep an eye on the tach. As for the Hugging around bends and corners, off/on ramps.... just blew me away. 17" wheels and this car were ment to be. Even at highway cruising speeds this car is such a pleasure and a dream to be a part of I just can't say more.
A Touch European
vahnce pitter, 03/27/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda 3's interior and exterior design, doesn't give you the feel that your in a cheezie compact. Honestly, you feel as if your in a European car, such as an S-40 volvo: hint-hint!!! I work as a mechanic several years ago for mazda, and had reservations about buying a mazda, especially for the troubled history of the 626 and the MX- 6. However,I always loved the protege for its reliability and fun to drive personality, and for that reason I purchased a 3 two days ago and loving it. As for Mazda's trouble reliability issue, I think those days are long behind them.
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.....
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.
Best thing since sliced bread!!
stratman, 03/28/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
LOVE THIS CAR!! Test drove, Corolla, VW-Golf, BMW- 325i, Honda Civic-si, and Acura-RSX. The Mazda-3 beat'em hands down...Especially in price. The Mazda-3 is powerful, quiet, roomy, comfortable, high quality build, sporty, fast, and FUN-FUN-FUN!! I love my music..but I find myself turning the sound system off because the sounds and vibe are that good! If you're car searching...stop. You won't find any better...regardless of the money!
Great car!!!
csonon, 12/30/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2001 Accord EX-V6 for a Mazda 3. I love this car. It is very fun to drive because it can handle excellent in the turns and it has some power.
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
carpicky, 01/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 3s 5-door is written about to "appeal to a younger driver," but I'm not in my twenties and love it. Mazda was smart to include what they did in this car i.e. 17" rims w/ low- profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a sporty suspention, to name a few. I wanted an auto for commuting but also wanted it to be fun, which translates to, wanted it to perform. This car meets those needs. I was looking at the jetta too but who wouldn't go for this car with such savings and higher reliability history? Drive: One word, NIMBLE! I took a long sharp turn during test drive and it had just about no leaning as it just zipped around the bend.
Mazda3 Hatchback
GTJPA, 02/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
my zoom
ohio mazda, 09/28/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have not had any problems with this car. I currently have just about 25,000 miles on it. Fun to drive.
great car
ECArebel15, 02/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it, it's everything I've been looking for.
GREAT CAR!
JIFFY, 12/04/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has it all. Its not expensive at all and has all the best features. The interior is absolutely beautiful. The exterior is flawless and sporty looking and performance is all I ask for. I got the automatic but the dealership didnt have manual yet. GO GET ONE!
26k miles and I still love my car
maddie, 02/27/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Zippy 3
Tostadoesq, 01/09/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
best car ever!
ex-hondagurl, 02/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
think about everything you would want in a car based on the car ur currently driving.....CK out the Mazda3s-it has it!
I like, I'm impressed, but not satisfied
Black Mazda 3 in IL, 03/11/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new in 12/04. I agree that the car looks nice and is fun to drive. At 34K the transmission was replaced. Now at 36K the car wouldn't start! It has happened twice and the dealer(s) cannot find the problem (roadside assistance will only tow to the nearest Mazda dealer and will not tow back to the dealer where purchased even if its 12 miles farther). I love the car, but I can't zoom if it won't start.
So glad to be rid of our Suburu
niner, 02/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving a Suburu Outback for 3 years, that replaced a beloved Camry wagon, I am finally loving my car again. The Mazda is cuter, better on gas, way more comfy, much zippier, and smaller for the city. I dont even miss the Camry anymore. I had been looking at the Protege , but was bowled over by the M3 when I saw them, and made the plunge after the test drive.
Cute and Fun Car!
lolokay, 12/13/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought the M3 today and have already had a lot of fun driving it. Besides being inexpensive, it is stylish and easy to drive. I actually bought the car for my teenage son, but he may never get to use it because I am enjoying it so much! When I went to the dealer I was going to buy a Mazda 6 but I found this to be almost as nice, much more interesting to look at, and about $7,000 cheaper! I think this will be a hit with the teens and college students.
Everything's Great but the Engine
Randy T., 02/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The engine has a flat spot, hesitation, a momentary loss of power. It also seams to have a miss at highway speeds. It feels like I'm driving into a 100 MPH headwind. One time the throttle stuck wide open! No codes came up on the computer, they said theyd re- program it. Mazda hasnt sent them the new software to do this yet. I've put up with this problem for a month, now I have to wait another month before they get the update. I hope the throttle doesn't stick again, especially with my 6-year-old son in the car! Im not very impressed! I only get 20 MPG or about 220 miles per tank!
best car out there
Sandro00, 12/23/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very Sporty, great looks and and awsome price
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.
The alternate to my Corvette
Larry, 07/12/2008
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Cool Car
TeamMom, 03/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car gets alot of looks. It has been a fun car to drive
The Surprise Winner
BarrY Evans, 01/20/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I decided to test drive the Mazda 3 just to be sure that I did not overlook anything before I dropped 20K. This car out drove anything else I drove (Jetta, Civic, Altima and Matrix). Shifting is simple and precise, not the sluggish start of the other cars I drove. The engine revs freely and clutch is very smooth. Steering is a bit light but provides a good sense of the road. The car interior is well laid out though a bit quirky in its styling. The result is that I bought the car. Mazda really has delivered a drivers car at a reasonable price.
Edblor's new Mazda 3
Edblor, 03/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Mazda 3 a few weeks, but it has quickly become the most fun, most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven. Fuel economy is great, the performance surpasses any expectations you might have, and the creature comforts are A1. It turns heads, provokes questions from strangers and is simply a pleasure to be in.
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.
ya gotta be kidding me!
Riverguy, 03/10/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
O.K., we have only had it for 3 days but it has to be our favorite car of all time. Handles great, smooth, strong, comfortable and fun. If it turns out to be reliable, we will trade it in on the successor. We fight over who has to take the Denali.
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.
The New Benchmark - M3s
DuneII, 02/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I compared the Mazda 3s to the Civic, Matrix, Vibe, and a used Saab. The price is very competitive. The options are not bad either. Handling is amazing. Interior is unique. As all the ads say, the M-3s sets a new standard. I'm so glad I waited and didn't buy the Civic or Matrix. Milage is 26 miles/gal. Features that luxury cars have as options are standard or available: Transmission with a semi- manual auto mode. Huge disc brakes with Brake Assist (a copy of the Mercedes's version). Side, head, front air bags with driver postion sensor. Integrated interior where everying comes together.
Great Buy!!!
Cj, 12/31/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a great car to drive has great agility turns corners very tightly and awesome interior. And above all that it is very great buy for less than 21k. Comes stand with all the great features. Has a kicking sound system too. Also you can even throw in a Navi system if you can afford it.
Absolutly AWSOME!!!
Bongomav, 02/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a fully loaded M3s. There isn,t a another car out there that can compete apples to apples. I,ve looked at them all! Quick, Stylish and affordable. My wife is affraid to drive period, NOT anymore! The ease of parking and handling the city roads awsome. Now I have to fight her for the keys. (Dam car! LOL)
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.
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!
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.
Drives like a zoom out of Hades
Robert Ross, 08/26/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Continue to be amazed by thoughtfulness of detail and quality of fit and finish. Drives like a go-cart and turns quite a few heads as I pass them. The dealer sold two more of them while I was buying mine. Another winner for Mazda.
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.
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!
Totally Impressed
Mike Crowley, 02/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best shifting and well made compact car I've ever owned. If you are looking for a compact car don't waste your time looking at the Matrix or Honda SI. take this car for a test drive and if you don't like it your nuts.
Mazda 3 s5
legally insane, 01/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the Mazda3 s5 to replace a 98 Jetta GLX. Like the versatility of the 5 door and the performance of the 2.3 engine. My wife liked it so much she traded her 2000 Jetta in on a 3i!
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.
I love this car
mjd926, 03/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I almost bought a MazdaSPEED Protege, but after the dealer convinced me to test drive the 3, I was hooked! It is almost as fast as the MS Protege, handles on par (for my tastes atleast), and doesn't ride like it is a go-kart. Add to that the fact that I got features like xenon headlights, 6-disc CD, and a moonroof for $2,000 less than the MSP, which didn't even offer those features! It is a great car that seems to be well built. I highly suggest buying one!
If you're tired of Hondas Get the Mazda3
barrettdp, 01/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought it!! I love the way it handles. Has great get up and go! Interior is awesome! If you are tired of seeing the same old Honda on the street...this is the car for you! I love Mazdas so I may be a bit impartial. I would give it a nine out of ten on an overall scale.
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.
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.
Great ride
mcintire, 01/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
Mazda 3 - Nice Ride
3runner, 02/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I compared features and drove every competing car including the Civic SI, Sentra SE Spec V, & Matrix. The 3 beat these going away. It's the total package of acceleration, handling, and good looks! There's many other little niceties that are also pluses for this car. There's not a better vehicle for <20K, I'm sure.
I love my Mazda 3!!
ryandme, 12/03/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the looks and lines of this car. It is sporty and sassy and drives just that way. The handling is great with very little body role as you power through turns. The interior is well thought out with everything at your fingertips. I didn't think I would like the auto-shift feature, but it is growing on me, in fact I have it in that mode most often. It seems to increase the engine power and maneuverability of the car. The fact that I can get a car with such grat drivability that's fully loaded with all the extras at such a great price is exciting. I love driving it - I am very pleased with this car.
sporty
PL, 01/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun car to drive