Used 2004 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Three months of the 3
DRCola, 03/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in early January and I am pleased with jumping into this new model as soon as I did. I got one with all the options. The car is quick, and has a smooth, quiet ride. The sport automatic is a nice compromise, for one who is used to a manual transmission. The exterior styling is very nice.
Had Mine For 6 Months
awesome3, 08/29/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my car. More than enough power to pass cars quickly even with A/C on. Extremely manueverable, great handling. You get a lot for the money. It's the best value car out there, and I looked at them all in this car class. Very good room inside. Very good attention to detail. Velocity red is metallic, very hot paint. You can spin the tires on dry pavement in this car. Car can do 80mph as easily as it does 40mph. This car will move.
I like many things about this car
James Forte, 12/17/2003
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Coming out of a 98 Passat, I wanted more basic ride for my daily driver. The MAZDA3 is good, but certainly not comparable in attention to detail (but it's $7K less!). I am happy with the fuel economy and design, although materials could be better. Mazda should be proud and has a car that competes with the base Jetta and Corolla. The real problem with this car is its brand. Nothing symbolizes second rate more than Mazda with its childish campaigns (please stop!). The goofy kid/song argh! Fortunately for Mazda, the product exceeds its poor brand image. For me, I have to fend off all of my buddies who tease me about Zoom Zoom (its better than Suzuki!).
Protege of the Protege, But Better
RG59061, 08/30/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just picked up my Black Mica Mazda 3i a few days ago and I have been thoroughly impressed. The 2.0 Liter Duratec 20 gave me exceptional gas mileage and tons of power. Shifting was very smooth and the transmission moved between gears flawlessly. The ride is very smooth for the compact class and steering conveyed only confidence. Inside, the car was built to incredible quality. plastic graining was attractive and subtle. The cloth seats were very supportive and easy to adjust. The 3i is also very ergonomic inside with all controls easy to reach. I must say, this has to be the best car since the 6 and proves that Mazda, is back!
sweet
deeze, 06/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car for speed racers
Just Simply Awesome Car
JTR, 08/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I will just tell you that I sell cars for a living. I want say what brand but lets just say Honda makers love them. This Mazda m3s 5 speed I just bought is awesome. Awesome styling, awesome ride, and a hoot to drive. The looks are going to drive compact car makers to the limit to catch up. If you want a great quality built car for 17,000.00, this is it.
Great affordable car
benpax, 01/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought the mazda 3i today, and drove all over 100 miles for fun. Handles great, smooth ride, and suprise on the acceleration. Drives like a sports car, but only a compact. The 3s have more add ins, but the price of the 3i you cant beat.
Hot Car
Chris Dellorco, 09/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The looks of this car are incredible! Mazda really put together a great car. The interior materials are top notch and it's put together nicely. The car in an all around beautiful car. It performs great and no other car comes close in it class. It begs to go for long fast drives, it loves corners and entrance ramps. Mazda is by far the hottest car company! The finished product is that of engineers who spent late nights and thinking outside conventional compact. Go Mazda!!!
1st New Car
Dill, 01/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After having researched this car I found that it was the best in its class. After having drove it, I found that it's the best on the road. This car looks good, feels great, and is priced even better. I bought this car with all of the options available and I am very pleased with the results of each of them. I have no regrets about my purchase, and recommened this vehicle to anyone.
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.
its good drivin
mikal5555, 06/14/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i just got my mazda 3 s its a very fine pieace of machinery when you drive this car you automatically feel like you are driving a much more expensive car it really is a zoom zoom experience.
2.3L mazda3s sedan - great car!
m3gozoom, 09/05/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You can't really find this kind of compact car elsewhere - its for people who want more than the low powered corollas and civics and don't want to pay mega bucks for the bmw/audis. I find it great to drive, everything I expected and more. I wanted something a little more powered and a little bigger than my old corolla, and this fits the bill exactly! Found out that my tire pressure monitoring system works - 3wks old and a flat tire =( I get about 25-26mpg and its about 50/50% city/highway driving. Insignificant minor flaws, super features. Brake dust is an issue, but thats only because the open spoked hubcaps make it visible - cleaning it can be a pain.
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.
Class by Itself
birdman579, 09/07/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda3 is truly in a class by itself. Its larger and more solid than the Civic or Corolla, but more nimble than the Accord or Camry. The closest competition is the Jetta that costs thousands more. The 3 feels like a European sport sedan due to the amazing handling, precise shifter, and powerful engine. All these great characteristics while still delivering a smooth, quiet ride. There's also the great styling (inside and out), quality interior materials, and luxurious available features. Thanks Mazda, you've delivered by far the best car for the price.
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.
Excellent!
M3LoVeR1, 09/01/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car runs very nicely! Handling is very responsive and the looks are just very appealing! It is very hard not to stare at it all day long. The interior is spacious too, with lots of legroom and headroom, and the layout of the interior center console is beautiful!
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.
This is the Best Econo (Not)
Akrais, 09/11/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is not an economy car. The 2.3 liter is a joy to drive: I've zoom zoomed ~350 miles in the three days I've owned it. The car comes alive in third and the 40-85 mph acceleration is incredible. 52-48 weight distribution and built in roll bars eliminate body-roll and instill confidence behind the wheel. No Honda, Toyota, or Nissan sedan can come close to the 3's performance.
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.
Mazda
StephanieAnn, 09/11/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I haven't owned this car for a whole year but so far I love it. I have no regrets on buying it. I have never ownes a Mazda before and haveno problem with buying another one later on. The design og the car is awesome and more sportier than the other mazdas before. the performance is out of this world. it will get up and go at no time! I can't stay away from driving it! zoom zoom zoom is right!
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.
best car in its class
gmu luke, 09/11/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
people know they spent way too much on their car when they see the mazda 3. for the money, nothing can compare. looked at cars the entire summer and after test driving the mazda3, i couldnt imagine driving anything else. its a thrill to drive. got my 3 with the power package
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.
First 18,000 miles
Shep, 09/09/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent compact car. Fuel efficient. Fun to drive. Plenty of power to pass with the 5 speed. Drove to San Antonio TX from Arkansas last May. Got 41 mpg. I get about 37 mpg combined city/highway (mostly highway).
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.
I love my 3!!!
sillyguy, 09/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. The best I have ever had!
comfort, conviniense and performance
Atif Siddiqui, 06/13/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best compact sedan for the price. Comfort and conviniense with performance haven't seen in one car before.
Great Car
panch34, 01/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
All in one package with sensible fun!
Renee, 03/23/2006
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Buy of the Century
BByron, 06/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a fully equipted 4drS in lieu of the Mini Cooper I lusted after for years. This little 3 just fits, I'm 6'3". It looks great, handles like a dream, rides very comfortably, turns tighter than the Mini and has a longer wheel base than my old Mazda 626. It runs on regular fuel and is just plain fun to drive. It has all the features of cars two or three times its cost. I have GPS navigation and its both fun and practical. The Mini was fun but try hitting a speed hump at the posted limit and you'll take the 3 as your daily driver. Fun and practical and cheap. Hard to beat.
Best for Money
NickNich, 09/24/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After breaking my foot in a biking accident,I had A LOT of time to research a new car. I began with the latest issue of Consumer Reports, Edmunds.com, and data from the internet. I narrowed down my search for a fun and fuel efficient vehicle to the Mazda3, Acura RSX, and Scion Tc. I personally loved the Scion, but was concerned about production problems (and the seats hurt my wife's back). The Acura handled well but only had two seats in the back and I have 3 children; & the cost was getting above my budget). The Mazda3 was the best value and is a blast to drive. I got every factory installed option except for the navigation system. I saved money and now
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.
Nicely Done
heehee, 09/30/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Previously owned '93 Toyota Corolla. Test drove '04 VW Golf TDI, Scion tC, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3s and 3i. Mazda is the best among them. Golf is less reilable. tC feels heavier. Civic lacks horsepower. Corolla doesn't have the style. Mazda 3 has all of these for a very good price. Bought 3i with power everything, alloy wheels, AC, fog lights, ABS, and airbags all around. Handling around tight curves on Lake Shore Dr is excellent. Seats are surprisingly comfortable and supportive on long highway trips between Chicago and Minneapolis. Independent wheel suspensions are quite good. Fuel economy is a plus. Design is unusally stylish.
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.
great car
tonym84094, 09/23/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the first time I saw a 3 I Have thought they looked great. Since buying it my opion has only improved. All my friends have complmented me on it. Every thing about the car feels and looks exceptional. The power is great and the handling supurb. Iwould strongly recomened it to anyone looking for an inexpensive sedan.
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.
Damn!
charlies factory, 02/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the best 4 cylinder automatic on the market. the new srt-4 neon is nice but sometimes u dont always want to drive a stick and my car gives u an option
Very Happy With My Mazda
R. Holbrook, 09/30/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving for over 35 years. I have owned 10 new cars. My Mazda3, after 7 months of use has been my favorite. The pick-up is hearty, fit and trim is excellant, it is very comfortable and I still get looks while I'm driving it. I am sharing it with my sixteen year old daughter and we actually fight over who gets it. I only wish the gas mileage was better. We get better mileage on our 2002 Camry which is heavier and has a larger engine. Even so, I'd rather be, "zoom,zoom, zooming".
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.
The Best in its class
Michael Gore, 10/09/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has more "bang for its buck" then anything else in its class. The power is excellent, and it handles like my friends BMW 325xi, and for half the price. The leather seats are very comfortable, and the 6 disk CD changer is easy to use, and works well with the rest of the console design.
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.
Wow I'm Impressed!
pishii, 02/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price this was the best value I could find. The look of the car is decidedly European and the handling falls right in line with what you would expect from a Euro car at a much higher price. I love everything about this car and I am sure that once you test drive it yourself you will come away saying the smae thing. I got the 2.4 Liter 160hp s type sedan in Velocity Red and its just awesome. I have been telling everyone that I know how great this car is, which is something I normally wouldnt do considering its an economy car...but man this car rocks!
2004 Mazda 3 Review
Watersdeep, 06/16/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Mazda 3 Review
Nancy Birchfield, 02/27/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A. It's hard to rate build quality after and reliability after 1 month. B. My only complaint is one of the things I loved at first. It's hard to read all the red stuff on the dash at night. Also, the emergency brake light should be a color other than red or a signal should sound. The red brake light just blends in with all the other red.
Mazda Fun
BluesMedic77, 06/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 3i to get the price a little lower. I did have the Power package and 16" alloy wheels added. Aside from the slightly bigger engine and fog lights, the 3i is no different than the 3s. Its a fun car with great handling and performance.
1 Week Old
Gogo, 01/19/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a black loaded 2.3L Mazda 3 sedan with auto, leather, mp3 player, 17" wheels, and aero package. Interior quality and design is comparable to much more luxurious (ie $$$) cars. The exterior with the aero package and the 17" wheels manages to be classy and racy from all angles. The 2.3L feels strong and relaxed if not racy. Leather seats are comfortable but don't have a seat warmer option. The dash looks great at night even though the instrument cluster is a little busy. Handling is top notch with the ride never being harsh. Highly recommended. The Mazda 3 is by a landslide the best in class.
A lot of car for little cash.
dozhdbog, 06/20/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great acceleration and a tight suspension make this car fun to drive.
First Car
Shortiestephy, 06/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
FUN and FAST
NCUSA550, 06/19/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
car is a total head turner !! fun to drive and fast with 160hp. i got cloth interior, because the leather looked like cheap grade leather to me