Used 2004 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Nice Car
I have had the new 3 for about 3 weeks now. I love it. I think the car is good looking from the inside out. Has that IS300 look to the outside, and inside looks nice with the led luminated insturment cluster. I think is great that mazda put so many options into an entry level sedan.
This car amazes me!
Having owned Mazda's for years, I would not have dreamed of buying anything else. Had a 626 for 16 years and just purchased a 2004 one owner 3s in Strato Blue. I love this car! It is much more fun to drive than anything I've owned previously. It hugs corners and glides over bumps and for a 4 cylinder 2.3 engine it really has some power. The seats are beyond comfortable and with the sports and power package it turns heads everywhere I go. Although I have not yet needed an oil change (only had the car 3 weeks now), I am concerned with the thread I just read about poor design in the cartridge oil filter. Waiting to see if anyone else has similar problems with that.
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,99070 mi away
- s SedanMSRP: $5,778791 mi away
- i SedanMSRP: $4,996939 mi away
Zoom Zoom x 3
Great new car from Mazda! The new 3 is leading the sub-compact class right up a notch or two. Dont wate money buying a base model compact. This car is very tight, good looking and well-priced. modern ergonomics and built in Japan makes it a winner. The car has been referred as a mix between a BMW, a Jetta and a Corolla... taking only the good from each of them... The Bimmer is great but too expensive; the Jetta feels realgood, but is poorly built; the Corolla has excellent reliability, but is bland and dull. The Mazda 3, particulalry the 3s or GT in Canada combines all the "wants" and drops the "bads". Nice car!
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.
My Non-VW M3
This is the first non-VW product I've owned in 10 years. For a vehicle in this price range, nothing can compete!
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.
This car puts me in a good mood daily
Every day when I get in this car I realize how much more I like it. I shopped everything, and I just couldn't find as much car for the money as the Mazda 3. The attention to detail makes it unfair to compare this car to it's supposed competitors. This car feels nothing like a compact when you drive or ride in it. Nothing about it says compact, or cheap. The steering has a great feel. The racing type suspension gives you an unbelievable feel for the road that just can't be matched. So far, I like everything about this car, and I just can not believe what I paid for what I got. This car has no equal in it's "class."
great
this car is GREAT it has the must have feeling to it and its very fun to drive!
Brand new Mazda 3 -- had it for 2 weeks
I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Golf, Jetta and 2003 Protege. This was the best package I found for the price. The ride is very nice, and not jelly-like (see Honda Civic base model).
Great Vehicle...and we have many
Too New to totally evaluate yet but so far is so much fun!!!!! The road can be felt but this is the feeling we wanted. Many thumbs up from other drivers! I know we will not be unhappy as it compares equally to our Honda Civic Ex and Toyata Camry...
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.
Awsome
Love this car, didn't mention Build Quality or Reliability because I've only had it a few days.
Mazda3
I love this car!
Just a test drive......
The test drive was very nice. The dealer was a little pushy. I have just begun to search for a new car and this one might be it. The Mazda Symbol on the front and rear of the car is absolutly huge, tone it down Mazda. Radio was kind of weak, the shift were not as crisp as in the 6 but the clutchs pick up position was better. The handling was sweet tight but not quite as good as the out going protege. It better than the protege in someways, more of the same in others.
Good Review
The Mazda 3 is fun to drive. I loved it 100 times more after I bought it.
Amazing Buy
I bought the M3i to replace a 96 Honda Accord EX. It's faster, more frugal, and handles better than the Accord, for $4K less than what I paid for the Accord in 96. It's quiet and solid though not as smooth as the Accord. It has many more features than the Accord had, including side curtain airbags, 6- disc CD changer, Tilt/telescoping wheel, steering wheel mounted radio controls. I test drove other compact cars before purchasing the M3i. I believe the M3i is the best in it's class.
Best Economy Car
The '04 Mazda 3s is by far the best economy car around. I recently purchases an '04 Neon SXT and an '03 Civic LX and the Mazda 3s out-does them easily. I just got this car for my 17 yr old and he loves it. The car has the great engine with 160hp. It has superb handling, smooth ride, quiet cabin, outstanding interior and exterior styling, high quality interior. The 1 flaw in this car is that the trunk is small. I got an auto Mazda 3s with navigation and leather for only 17,650. This car is like a mini Altima or Accord.
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!!!!
About Time
I have been looking for a vehicle for 6 months. Late last year I saw a picture of the Mazda 3. I waited, and it was worth the wait. I am a previous civic owner. The 3 had a lot to live up to. It has so far. I have only had the car for a week, but I cannot express the positive reaction I have. If you are looking for a car that has the looks, feel, and personality this is it. You feel comfort and style in a simple but very effective car. It seems that is was designed to fit someone in a real world.
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
Classy Compact
Runs great, excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, slight road noise, but nothing out of the ordinary for a compact car.
anything below 8.0 you people are stupid
i new this was my new car from the minute i test drove it, the shifting was awsome and and car itself is a nice piece of work. when u dont have the money to buy the 6 this is a really close second. though the color selection for the Mazda 3 s4dr sedan was a bit limited i wanted yellow but never found it other than that great car.
What more could you ask for.
I just purchased the 5-speed 4s with the sports package about 48 hours ago. Purchase price $16,300 -- What more can you ask for from an entry level car as far as performance, style, and functionality are concerned. This car looks like a bigger souped up jetta, performs like the matrix Xrs, feels like an eclipse spyder on the turns, but costs a few thousands less! All my assessment for the vehicle is based on the buying price and the fact that this car is an entry level model.
Great Car!
The Mazda 3 is well worth the price. I would not recommend any other car in its class. Once you test drive the 5- speed you will be hooked for life. The automatic has terrible pickup, and doesn't get any better with the clutchless shift. I wouldn't give my 3 up to anyone.
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.
Mazda 3, The Head Turner
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).
What a car
It is a wonderful amazing car.
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.
4dr S 2.3l
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.
Great car
We just bought a 3s for my wife to drive and we love it. The car is fun to drive and it looks great. Our's had a problem with the rear brakes initially, but it was resolved quickly.
very nice car for the price
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.
Forget about Honda and Toyota
This is a great car. If your considering a Honda Civic or a Toyota, even a Jetta, take a look at the Mazda3. For the money I dont think anything compares! I have been car shopping for 3 months, was going to make the "typical" purchase of the Honda Civic. Toyota just had no appeal and the Jetta was a little pricy for everything thing I wanted, sunroof, CD changer, pwr everything, etc. Once I heard about the Mazda3 coming out I thought I would hold off. I sure am glad I held out for the Mazda3 to arrive. 2 days with this car and I know I made the right decision. Great Warranty too. The dealership in Hagerstown MD was great to work with as well!
Getting more than I paid more
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.
Who is Honda anyway?
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.
Best Car on the Road
I love my Mazda 3! It's the best car I've ever owned. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.......if that will ever happen!?
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.
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.
Great Car!!!
Fun! This car is so fun to drive. It's also great on gas, which helps with the gas prices today.
Can't wait to get mine
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.
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.
rocket ship
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
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.
ok car
this car is not all that it is hyped up to be
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.
Powerful, Good Looking, and Economical!
I drove the Civic LX, and Corolla LE. Neither of them shifted smoothly, were underpowered, and weren't fun to drive or look at. Also drove the Subaru WRX, and I actually prefered driving the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 is the most fun car that I've driven in years! It also happens to get great mileage and the base model comes loaded with more stuff than the Civic or Coirolla, and at 160 hp, it has plenty of power. It's also rock solid on the road, and handles great. I drove the Protege also, and this is a totally different car, much improved. Too early to judge reliability yet, but with the same engine and trans. as the Mazda 6, I'm expecting it to be good.
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.
Great little sports sedan
I've always been a muscle car and truck guy but after living in England for 4 years I learned to appreciate other kinds of vehicle. And the Mazda3 is one. It's fun, comfortable, quick, and feels more expensive than it is. The engine pulls hard for a 4 banger and is smooth as butter up to the redline. The 5spd has a short throw and you never have a problem finding the right gear. Seats are firm, yet supportive and the dash is beautiful. The best out there in it's class. And I know, I've driven them all. Love this car. But remember kids, just say NO to autos. This is a drivers car. Can't wait for aftermarket.
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.
The Class-Leader
I bought a 2.3 litre model with 4-Speed Sport AT automatic early this month and so far the car is excellent. The engine has great performance in low rpm range and you get greatly rewarded when traveling into the upper rpm range. The interior design and execution is almost perfect. The gauges are great to look at and easy to read. The dash is simple and offers unique immulating features. The only complaint is cheapish plastics scattered throughout the cabin, but for this price, who cares? The exterior looks are fabulous and the 17-inch wheel s and tyres make the car handle just like our BMW. Its a great car. Without a doubt, the class leader.
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.