2004 Mazda Mazda3

Rating from mastersteve

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"if you want to own a very dependable car with great looks and decent power the mazda 3 is the way to go"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Rust Owner

(1)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		3 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"My main problem - rust all over the car 4-5 years after it was manufactured. All door jams and quarter panels (near the wheels). All 4 rims had to be replaced due to corrosion. At first Mazda rep was shocked at the rust and promised to help. Few weeks later I was told it is to be expected on a 5 year old year and the warranty was denied. Really? So which is it? Heat is very weak. AC - I thought something was wrong but the dealer advised it's just weak in all the Mazda 3's. Want to change the oil? Have fun. Mazda 3 sport is designed in a certain way that you will have to take it in to a dealer. My first foreign car and I was sure I made the right decision. I will never even look at a Mazda. Had a Ford and Jeep, both were more than 10 years old, sold with absolutely no rust on them. No way I can sell this one so I am forced to drive it until it falls apart (getting there)."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from No More Zoom Zoom Ever Again

(1)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I bought an '04 3 in the summer of '06. It had 33k miles on it when purchased but wasn't worried because its a Mazda and the Protege5 I traded in never gave me problems. Had to replace the belt tensioner at 50k because the plastic pulley on it blew apart, the part has been redesigned with a metal pulley since. Had to replace the engine at 66k due to a spun rod bearing. Had to replace the engine again at 78k due to another spun bearing. Had to replace the egr valve. When I traded it in it needed a thermostat ($30 online), a fuel injector and new tires. All the repairs cost came out of my own pocket somewhere in the neighborhood of $7,000. I'm definitely not buying another Mazda in the future or at least until Ford doesn't own them since these a Ford Duratec engines."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Mazda in Ohio

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I traded my 2005 Nissan Altima V6 SL for my 2004 Mazda 3 sedan 2.3. Even tho the 3 didnt have as much passing power as my Altima, the quick transmission shifts made up for it. Definitely gave you the illusion of a V6 with peppy acceleration. Also, the 3 has an "intelligent transmission" and will adjust to your driving habits. In terms of exterior looks.. i could not be more satisfied. I had one with a wing spoiler and stock body kit which i believe are standard on the 2.3's i would prefer this car over a BMW 3 series. unfortunately, i think i got a bad egg. I had to replace the alternator twice and 1st gear went out. luckily i purchased a warranty that covered it all. but it seems this is not the norm for the 3. To do an oil change you have to remove this skid plate thingy.. I had a constant problem with shops not removing it right, not putting it back on right.. they eventually broke it and had to fix myself. Please make sure wherever you get your oil change..that they put it back on right..The Xenon headlights were absolutely amazing. however they do come aimed a little low from the factory even when aimed at their highest with adjuster inside the vehicle. but you can adjust them yourself from the headlight to fix this. The steering is very tight and satisfying. Handling is superb. However, mine was equipped with the low profile optional wheels and the ride was very bumpy. When you hit a pothole, which is VERY often in good ole' Ohio it sounds so loud that you think you've done damage. Instead of doing any damage that i knew of.. i repeatedly got bumps in my low profile tires.. The view from inside is pleasant. The stereo is very good, as is the 6 cd changer. There are plenty of seat adjustments. I also had the navigation built in which is very uncommon. My DVD disc was out of date so i didnt use it much, but every time i started the car the NAV screen would pop out of the dashboard and i got very used to always having a map of where i was, it was very convenient when your looking for a road coming up you could always see it ahead of time on the NAV screen. The mirrors were good size. Very easy to maneuver. So-so on gas, but i am a very aggressive driver so gas mileage isnt good for me no matter what i'm driving. I do not own this car any more, i now have a midsize SUV. I really miss the the handling and acceleration of the 3 but i wanted something with cargo room. If this is also an issue for you i would suggest the hatchback. When i pay off my current vehicle i will probably keep it and go back to a Mazda 3."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from 64Stars

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"Affordable, comfortable, fun car to drive however when regular maintenance was needed it was ridiculous! Front brakes needed at 30,000 which was way too soon for me. This car was a manual. I had a Honda, an Acura that didn't need brakes until I had 70,000 miles on them. The problem is that when you need brakes you have to change the rotors as well as the pads and the shoes. $500 later. Then the rear brakes had to be done at 36,000 miles. Another $500. I guess that was Fords way of generating revenue! The dealer also wanted $50 a side to replace the wipers. I went to Autozone for $28 for both and got better wipers. Then when I went to trade it in, the resale was horrible. All these automotive websites say what a high resale value the car has. Where?"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Lamar Forest Park,Ga

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I purchased my 04 Mazda 3 2.3 almost 2 years ago and i must say this is the best car i have purchased. I drove the car down to miami which is a good 10 hour drive and it was a blast. i am a proud Mazda 3 owner and this car is a great pleasure to own and drive"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Sir Zooms-a-lot

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought my '04 Mazda3 after selling my V8 4x4 truck, talk about a huge change!! 17 mpg to 29 mpg! This car is saving me big time on the fuel costs! I'm all around very happy with the "3", but its probably because I've owned sportier cars in the past that makes me rate it 4 starts in performance and overall. In all honesty, the car holds its own well in the get-up and go catagory as well as putting a smile on your face! It feels solid all the way to 100 mph, and sure-footed in every situation I've found myself in. There is good room all around. I'm 5'-9" tall and if I leave the front set at a comfortable setting for myself and then sit in the back, the seat still doesn't touch my knees, and I don't have to slouch since there is plenty of headroom! Surprisingly roomy and holds 4 adults (under 6 ft) comfortably. My only real complaint: ford had a hand in making it. Look forward to replacing some of the electrical with quality aftermarket parts. Good thing I haven't seen too much influence from ford to prevent me from getting this car. So far, its a solid car worthy of consideration."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from am24

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"My Mazda 3 GS Sport has now crossed 146,000 KMs. Other than oil changes, break pads...regular maintenance this car has been solid. No unnecessary visits to the mechanic. The car drives like new despite the mileage, it looks sporty and still turns heads when i shine it up. I love the rain sensing wipers, beautiful dash, red lights, projector lamps up front. My only gripe with the vehicle is its noisy pulley near the serpentine when it first starts and a whizzing noise around 2000-2500 rpm, this is supposedly normal. The vehicle however is solid, dont be fooled by what others say this car is just as reliable as any toyota corolla or honda civic it just drives alot better, reminds me of a 3 series bmw."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from zoom3

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I have the 2004 3s hatchback and its almost 5 yrs and 30,000 miles I've owned this car, and can tell you that the car runs great, fit & finish is still good, no rattles on rough roads, but had to replace the original goodyears recently with michelin. Battery lasted 4 yrs. before I replaced it, haven't had any major issues with this car and still enjoying the zoom-zoom."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from zoom-zoom

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought my Mazda3 in 2007 it is a 2004 I love it other than I have had to charge the breaks 3 times so far and it goes through tires kinda fast to also I find that i always seem to have a light out I have changed each bulb twice since I have owned it. Other than that it has been a really great car!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A