2004 Mazda Mazda3 consumer reviews

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 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 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.

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 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 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've been extremely satisfied with this car over the past 5 years and 65,000 miles. This car is extremely fun to drive and has great gas milage. I have the 3s 4 door model with manual transmission. Plenty of room. Interior is durable and still in great shape. Handling and take-off is perfect for a person that loves a little sports car but can't afford a more expensive brand. Only one problem with this car are the tires that come with sport package. It does make the car look fast, but it's not practical. Handling in the snow is terrible on the original tires. I replaced those on year #2 with "all season" tires and it helped a ton. Although they seem to be prone to punctures and now I have to replace again this year for $800. Overall, I'm happy to have made this purchase. I'll be keeping this car around for awhile and five years later I still enjoy zooming around town.

I have had my Mazda3 since 2005 and put quite a few miles on it. It has been great. Very reliable. I have the 5 speed and it is VERY quick and has good economy as well - I get 32 mph on the highway. I have the 5 door hatchback which appears to saddle the ground and is very aggressive looking.

I have a 04 loaded yellow mazda. The first day we bought the car we took it back and noticed that a light was out. The dealership wouldn't replace even know we bought the extended warranty. Then the brakes squeel so loud in the morning it's embarassing. They say the brakes are fine it's just because they are damp. A month after having the car I wrecked in the rain. The car is so light that it's all over the place. I was going 20 mph when I wrecked around a bend. I went out and bought a 06 civic and let my husband drive the mazda. This car is hoorible in the snow. I have been stuck several times while other cars are flying through it even mustangs. Just this weekend we were going up a hill got stuck tried backing up the car slid from being so light and we hit a car. If you live in a snowy or wet area do not get this car. Other than that it looks cool.

Bought the car new in 04. Had trouble similar to others with factory tires wearing out quickly (34,000) and back brakes messing up rotors (51,000) which cost about $300. Funky auto transmission lurch from 1st to 2nd when engine cold. Dealer eventually fixed. But not once have I felt like I purchased a poor quality car. The drive and engine response, the style and the body integrity have all impressed me. This car is fun to drive and regardless of the problem areas I've mentioned, very reliable. I've never owned a new car whose factory battery lasted more than three years. The exterior paint and interior parts still shine like new. I would definitely recommend this car for a first time driver, for someone wanting to worry about gas mileage and still have fun driving.