Used 2004 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Best Car on the Road
AmberB, 02/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Paul, 10/12/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
chinds, 02/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I Love it!
Gypsywomen, 03/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't hesitate...it is perfect! Roomy for it size, handles fabulous, great on gas, nice sounds, fast! and all this and not a bad price either.
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.
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.
Mazda 3 S, the way to go!!!!
casey23, 12/16/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I actually just bought it off showroom floor 1 week ago, and love it. It's basically a mazda under a Lexus IS300's skin. IT's got everything and everything you can think off... of course, within reason. Very sporty, it looks excellent.
Great car overall
jimida, 03/31/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the money I can't think of anything better. The drive is so fun I find myself making excuses to go out driving.
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.
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.
EVERYONE NEEDS THIS!
POO, 12/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is fantastic! i went from a non-fuel happy silverado to this and all i can say is wow! gets about 25 mpg, wish it was a little better! i couldn't be more happy!
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.
a different car
Gary, 01/07/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with the car. The styling has been copied now and will be used partially in the design of the EVO 10. It is so much different than having a boring Ford.
EX NISSAN FAN
AKFRIZZ, 04/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome. The styling is great.The gas mileage has been very good. The 4 cyl is moore than enough that when you step on the gas you quickly realize that your seeing everyone else in the rear view mirror. Handling is very good on the highway and in the curves.It turns on a dime and stops the same way.The number of standard features is mind boogling. Any one in the market for a new carwill be surprised that THIS DOES'T IN ANY WAY FEE LIKE A ECONOMY CAR,AND DOES'T LOOK IT AS WELL.I had a corvett owner stop me because he thought it was a new body bmw.
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.
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.
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!
Zoom-Zoom
kayne04, 04/08/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its time to give Mazda your undivided attention. The more I drive my Mazda3 the more I love it. I cant wait to see what the future holds.
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.
Fun car indeed!
Unix08, 02/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a bit skeptical when buying one. But i'm sure am glad to having a mazda. I've talked with other owners of other compact cars around, and they themselves agree that the mazda is indeed looks much better than other competitions. Though options can be expensive, this car is extremely silent which is a plus!. Might want to be careful driving this beauty, you might get a speeding ticket. :) Corolla's and Civic's have met their match. Can't wait till the kits for the 04's come out. :)
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?
Love this car
jrnyace, 12/23/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this vehicle was supposed to be for my wife that is 9 months pregnant. We chose the mazda "s" for the four-door capabilities. I'm having more fun driving this car than my Dodge Hemi!
Fun to Drive
Bonnie Marshall, 04/08/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a fun car to drive, with good handling and excellent acceleration. The radio and cruise control controls in the steering wheel are great. The back seat is quite roomy for a car this size. Like the automatic door locks when the vehicle is started. Feel it's an excellent value for the money.
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.
Fantastic Car!
Kentucky Dude, 04/21/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Mazda 3s for three weeks now and am extremely happy! The engine is powerful and the sport AT is great (especially in manual mode). Ride and comfort is superb and the leather interior is first rate. This car stops on a dime - great brakes.
NO good
Mbauer, 02/01/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a Mazda3 Jan. 2004 to commute to school and work. I am very displeased with it. The worst problem is that, in automatic, when the vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd gear, at around 2500 RPM, there is a great jolt. The car jerks a lot, sometimes more than others. I called the dealership and they told me that it was the "nature of the beast." They had gotten similar complaints, but there was nothing they could do about it. The car is also loud (belts and fans) and noisy inside while driving. I want to get rid of it.
Mazda 3i
myprotoge, 02/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car! It is very responsive and handles beautifully. The fit and finish is impeccable. There is no competition when it comes to styling. It is best looking compact car around.
Close to a perfect 10!
ppdiablo, 02/22/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Bloody unreal
dsfh, 04/25/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
superior car looks unreal great interior stylish good cd great sound nice colours stylish good cd great sound nice colours
It's great!
nne3jxc, 12/22/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda3's handling is tight without giving a punishing ride. The interior was nicely appointed and well laid out. Sure -- it doesn't have some of the fancy doo-dads that the luxury cars have, but I can turn on my headlights just fine all by myself, thank you. It's a comfortable little car that feels bigger than it is and has some nice bigger car features. (Many "stolen" from the upmarket Mazda6.) It's sensible without losing any of it's zippy fun factor.
My 3
Gerian, 04/27/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
am delighted with the car-mine is Auto and so smooth a quiet handles like a dream! I rate this car highly-feels to me like a small BMW to drive. My ONLY reservation is I have found the paint finish on the silver body work not as uniform as expected and its patchy in sun from certain angles and drivers door very slightly off clour-it IS original factory finish, I am abit nervous to ask for a warranty claim oin it since it may end up not as good. You have to look closely to see-but I expected better. I do love the car I would like to hear from other "3" owners if i am permitted to give my email address gerian@ihug.com.au
Perfect Car
yodasmurf, 02/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Powerful, Good Looking, and Economical!
coleman97, 01/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
ammo990, 02/23/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Car I ever bought
Sam Bennett, 05/02/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 3 exceeded my expectations in every way. I am thrilled! Fast quiet exceptional build quality...I am buying a second one for my daughter!!! Gunther Mazda & Hugh Nemets the sales rep are the best!
ZOOM ZOOM
MARCUS DORN, 02/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
10's
Travis0000007754, 05/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car! Fun to drive. Excellent features for the price
best
nie, 12/28/2003
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love this car. the best in its class
Mazda 3
Brian1381, 05/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is fun to drive and practical as well. A great car for a student.
Couldn't help myself
mpg993, 02/11/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been looking for a small sporty car for a while now. After many hours of reseach and test driving several vehicles, I just had to buy the Mazda 3. I test drove the Honda Civic, Civic SI, Toyota Matrix, Mini Cooper S, Hyundai Elantra GT and the Mazda 3. With exception of the Mini Cooper, the Mazda 3 is by far the funnest car to drive. It just feels good to drive. The hard part is deciding between the sedan and the hatchback. Both are beautiful inside and out. I opted for the european sedan look. The handling and acceleration are excellent. If you're looking for a great small car, go test drive the Mazda 3. You won't regret it!
Best in class!
Henryli, 05/08/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Love it - except the gas cap
VickiSande, 03/28/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a good little commuter car, fun to drive and good gas mileage. But I am a little dissapointed with the problems associated with gas cap and the vapor capture system. At less than 1000 miles, the check engine light came on. They said I did not tighten the gas cap enough. I had been warned by the salesman to tighten the gas cap. The light came on again same week I got it back. They kept it a week (with a free loaner car-but I wanted my new car back). They replace the gas cap. When that didn'twork, they replaced a valve (one they had never replaced before-that made me feel good). Just after 2000 miles, back again-need to tighten gas cap. This is very annoying.
Great little sports sedan
M3Believer, 02/24/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
No Sour Grapes, 04/15/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Eliot Rebensdorf, 01/17/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
silverwilson, 02/24/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Zoom-Zoom too
MyNewCar, 02/23/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car, I did a lot of research, a lot of test drives. This car is the cream of the crop.
Zoom-Zoom-Zoom
Jays98978, 01/16/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Zoom Zoom Dude!
Mechanix2001, 03/12/2006
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was looking for an economical car with some kick. I was not interested in driving a Civic or Corolla. There reliable cars but so unoriginal; I like something different. My friend and cousin both have one and they rave about it constantly, so I had the chance to get a good test drive, and I agreed with them. From driving an old pick-up the gas mileage was a great difference. The best thing I noticed about it is the handling, I mean if you like driving, like I do, you'll enjoy whipping around the back roads with ease. The interior is very sporty and the seats grip you like a racing style seat. Anyways, GO have a test drive, for the money you won't be disappointed!
great car
yee, 02/27/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great acceleration, going 60 too soon. Have the optional seats w/lumbar support and works great; very nice arms out driving position. Head rest are really that, not some funky heat restraint that only looks good but doesn't support my head. The 16 in wheels and low profile tires looks and rides good. Very nice back seat area with head rest; just like a luxury car w/o the high cost, only thing that is needed in the back to complete the luxury car status would be a folding armrest. Handling and braking is pretty good but have not really explore the limits of these two areas because the car is still pretty new- only about 2 weeks old.