bought this car used in August 2008 with 51,800 miles on it; I've had it now for 18 months and have put about 12,000 miles on it since then. I originally wrote a review a week after I bought it but figured an update might be in order... Handling is probably this car's best attribute. It's enjoyable just to drive the 3 around town running errands, with quick, precise steering, an absurdly tight turning circle and moderate body roll. The 2.3-liter engine provides reasonable pick-up but won't win you many drag races; still, it's just fine for me. The interior is well built on the whole and looks and feels nicer than you might expect in a <$20k car. However, since I bought it a few annoying rattles have developed, mainly from the glovebox door and somewhere along the headliner, that make the car feel less solid than it used to. I've had no mechanical/maintenance issues with the car other than a burnt out signal light. My main complaint about my 3 is road noise. It's very noisy, even at low speeds; on the highway you practically need to yell to keep up a conversation. Admittedly this is partly due to what I think is a bent right front wheel on my car, but I've heard complaints about road noise from various Mazda3 reviews so I think that's a pretty consistent issue. Other lows include a jittery ride (the payoff for such good handling), and poor rear seat space, at least for anyone over 6ft tall. Otherwise, this is a sporty, practical car that looks good and is reasonably sparing with fuel (I get about 18mpg city, 25mpg combined). Definitely recommended if you enjoy driving but need something practical!

The car drives wonderfully smooth, the braking and handling are also great! Very well built car, no problems so far. I love the design of the Mazda 3, has the proportions of a coupe but it's a sedan. Good on fuel and low maintenance. Very fun car to drive, enough power for a driver like me!

I love my car, great pickup, and it's extremely pretty. Runs well, not too many problems with it. Apparently in our family we love them so much, that we bought 3 of the same cars. I love Mazdas. I'll definitely buy in the future.

Fun to drive, handles great, steering feedback is pure mazda and amongst the best in the industry. Acceleration, braking, and cornering are top of it's class. Build quality is lackluster, rattles galore and I'm on my 2nd engine. Not a tuner car by any means, suspension geometry cannot be tampered with unless you're really willing to spend big $$$ on coilovers, arms and links.

The most fun car you can get in this price range. Quick, great handling, decent size, and great reliability are coming your way...straight from Japan. I liked it so much that my wife bought one as well. Only major misses is the paint is not very durable.