Used 2004 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 3 for sale
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.
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?
Only had 3i for 2 weeks, but I love it
dkw411, 11/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed to find a stylish, economy car after my 95 trans am convt died. I thought that I would never find a vehicle that looked and performed as well as my trans am, until I found the 3i. I test drove this car and I loved the handling, performance, and overall looks. I do not miss the 285 hp, gas guzzling trans am at all. This mazda gets great gas mileage and it performs surprisingly well for the price. I first test drove a new Suzuki Forenza, which was nice, but the 3i seems to be in an entirely different class. I am about to graduate from college and I am on a strict budget, so I fell in love with the price tag on my 3i. I recommend this car to all college students and anyone on a budget.
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.
Yes!
mexigirl, 12/01/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since July and am so happy with it. I must say I added chrome 17in rims and tinted the windows a little darker then I probably should but it looks super fly while I'm cruising. Best deal for you money on looks, mileage, and pure driving lust. All my friends are want my car and I always get looks when at the stop light, you know. Then some idiot had to pull in front of me and I got in an accident. Anyways now that I'm in a rental I REALLY appreciate my lil Mazda. Once you've tried the 3 you'll never be free. :-)
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.
zoom zoom
Jcmansor, 12/08/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car rocks! Worth every cent.
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.
Somebody pinch me
T-rex, 04/15/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car reads my mind and accelerates. Trust me, it is that quick! Build quality is first rate. My wife an I really enjoy this car.
Zoom-Zoom to Putt-Putt
Paul, 11/21/2008
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my Mazda 3 in March of 04, brand new, with only 4 miles on it. I shopped around for several months, and knowing I couldn't afford an Audi, I went with something as comparative and fun to drive. The first couple of years were great. It turned heads and drove like a cat. It had a few small annoying features, like no finger pace to open the trunk, poor cabin sound and a mediocre stereo. But then the transmission and clutch started having problems. It gave a little trouble at first, and then the third gear just went along with the warranty.
Great value
duane, 08/21/2006
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had to return to the dealer twice for the same problem with the front end. Dealer was great.
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.
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.
Love it!
D2nmary, 01/06/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got my little 5 spd Mazda 3 in Mica Solar Yellow. woe, it really turns heads. Fun to drive.
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
1 Year Review
mdurg, 01/24/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was originally looking for a used A4 or maybe a Jetta when I noticed for the same price I could pick this up new. I drove all of the above and when I found that the Mazda 3 was just as fun to drive as the others it was a done deal. It has great styling, a good amount of power and rides well. Even after a year I still find it fun to drive on a daily basis. Keep in mind this is an economy car. Miscellaneous comments: I put in an aftermarket stereo. I changed the oil at 5k and 10k. I had a recall for an airbag sensor (fixed). The carpets are hard to vacuum. Console intrudes on leg area, and I have short legs.
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.
Great fun car
Jonniejr2, 02/09/2005
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great. I have had it now for 3 months and I just love it. It is my first car that I actually bought and I can't be happier. I don't have a whole lot of money right now so this smaller sized car is great for someone who just got out of college and needed a new car. It gets great gas mileage and is sporty looking and fun to drive. The 4-cylinder on this baby isn't even noticable, accelerates like a champ.
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
After 5 months of ownership.
04mazda3i4dr, 02/18/2005
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 5 months now and I am still impressed by it. It has excellent fuel economy and it is so quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. No buzzing at all from this car and it feels like it will last you for a lifetime! And this car does have the zoom-zoom factor. Out guns almost anything on the road and it has composure that a few compact cars have. Good ride and balance, flat cornering, and the shifter is awesome. Always keeps you in the 'sweet spot' of the engine.
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.
3 Series?
Itsjustlife, 05/05/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've never really been impressed by any new car under 20k and definitely never have had a huge desire to buy one. It was at little to no sacrifice. I cross shopped the Acura TSX and Volvo v40 (The mazda 3's cousin) Nothing really compares to the 3 for the money. I got the titanium gray w/ all the options, and the excellent NAV system although a little slow to program. The handling compares to most sports cars double the $ but double the fuel economy as well! It was my first 4cyl but that didn't let me down. I haven't had to bring it to the dealer once and the interior layout and quality is top notch. You can't go wrong with this car!
Just Awesome
Daniel P, 05/01/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Mazda. I have always owned Acura and decided to purchase this car after seeing it at a car show. I love it! It handles nicely and is great on gas. GREAT DESIGN! I am hooked!
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.
AXELA
Paul, 10/18/2005
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it took my breath away. Overall style, class, ride and just looks. I have driven and looked at many other cars, they didn't come close. I looked at this car once, wanted it without driving it. Then I drove it. So I bought it. Since then, it has been lowered, I added exhaust, changed the badging to "Axela," the Japanese version. This car is 2 years old, and I still get looks. I love driving my car, and all my friends love it too. I went from a beat up Honda del Sol, to this. This car is truly best-in-class. I don't care what anyone says. Toyota's and Honda's last forever, but I don't see a Civic or Corolla that looks or drives like this.
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!
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.
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
The Lemon of the Year
Tess, 10/10/2006
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a new 2004 Mazda 3 in 2004. From day one the brakes squeal when reversing (5 new sets have been renewed with no end in site - apparent reason, wet); transmission went at 48,000; Radiator chip dysfunctional and caused engine to overhead (1st time mis-diagnosed) second time (chip replaced). Have been towed 3 times before car reached 50,000 miles. While at servicing (same dealership bought at), car has received 2 door bang marks, engine was not cleaned of antifreeze from overheating, and recently black marks all over headliner when car was receiving new radiator chip.
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
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
A great car for the money
odie82, 02/26/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the money, it can't be beat. Watch out for the earlier build dates though, they are laced with some problems. I'd personally wait till mazda works out some of the kinks of their first year car. Otherwise, it's a great drive!
GREAT CAR
Peter122, 06/20/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent car. everything about it
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!
Love this car!
BluZoom, 02/21/2009
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Factory ordered Jan04; picked Strato Blue out of the book. What a looker! Will never find another paint this beautiful; even Mazda changed it after 2004, probably because it scratches so easily. Still turning heads after 75,000 miles though. Absolute fun to drive on tight back roads, but really tough on tires. Easy to spin even from a stop sign. Gas mileage with aftermarket roof rack is around 23-25 mpg mixed, but 30-33 mpg on long trips using cruise control. Good reliability; only three unscheduled trips to dealer that was the car's fault...dash cracked, CD player fried, and transmission programming issue. Most difficult is thinking of trading it off! Might just have to buy another one!
Best car ever!
veester, 10/25/2012
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new 8 years ago and I can honestly say it has been the best car I've ever owned! Thus far the only things we've had to change on it have been the brakes and of course the tires. Anyway, great first time car for anyone! I will be trading up soon for a small SUV.
A great Car
lunas, 06/21/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Mazda 3.
GRRREAT!!! ;)
J@Y MONEY, 01/18/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I TRADED IN MY 2003 PROTEGE 5 FOR THE NEW 2004 4 DOOR MAZDA 3S NICE RIDE;) THE BIGGER ENGINE IS WORTH THE DRIVE&PURCHASE ALONE, NO COMPARISON TO THE PROTEGE 5 OR PROTEGE. IVE DONE ALOT OF WORK BORING OUT THE ENGINE IN THAT CAR!! AND STILL DOESN'T COMPARE TO THE 2.3 160 HP BESIDES ALL THE GOODIES YOU GET IN THE S MODEL FOR THE PRICE, IS GRRREAT!!! SPORT SUSPENSION, 17" ALLOY WHEELS, SUNROOF, XENON LIGHTS ETC ITS DEFINATELY WORTH THE PURCHASE!!!
Sporty yet luxurious!!
Dawn Grutzius, 03/01/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fabulous! I am very excited about owning this vehicle. I have now had my car for three weeks and it feels like it has been months.
Cute, but whats the deal
Kyttykat, 06/23/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is fun- very speedy for a 4 cylinder. Good suspension compared to the Civic SI. I can't figure out why all the dash lights keep coming on... airbag and then check engine light?
Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt
Nomoremazdas, 10/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.
Great Car, Zoom, Zoom
NeilTheWheel, 07/28/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The most fun car to drive of all we have owned. The Navigation system really adds independence to our driving.
zoom zoom
wheeleam, 09/03/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! I love it! It is comfortable and fun to drive. It also has a lot of great features.
Quality Compact
european sensibility, 09/24/2004
2004 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My search for a new compact lead me to two cars in the end. Both the VW Golf TDI and the Mazda 3i had features that attested to their quality build. They both handled the road nimbly and had adjustable seats/steering columns which were important for my short wife. The Golf TDI is a stylish car that gets great milage but its reliability seemed questionable after reading all of the reviews. The Mazda 3i seemed to be a little more reliable in the long run. In terms of fuel economy, nothing can beat the TDI's 49mpg, but when you consider all the smog that it produces, Mazda's clean burning engine is much more environmentally friendly.
Fun to drive and WOW the power !!
dep292, 10/06/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my fourth Mazda so it goes without saying that I enjoy the reliability of them. This; however, is the most fun car I've ever driven, ok so it's tied with my RX7. The sport package (2.3) is worth the extra money and the look of this car gets really turns heads.
Great little car
brett65, 10/04/2004
2004 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for a little over a week so I can't really rate the reliability, but this is a great little car to drive. Looks awesome and rides even better. Mazda has a winner with the 3...I'm zoomin.