Faults:

Brakes and suspension components wear out early.

Oil leak, not serious though.

Rust is a major issue, leading me to trade the car when it was older and approaching higher miles. Didn't hold value well.

General Comments:

A good looking and nice to drive common hatchback, the Mazda 3 really is the definition of average - nothing special at all here.

Difficult to say anything about it. I suppose it has a unique look. Running costs are OK and comparable to a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra. Little in it between these cars now.

1.6 is OK performance wise and economical for petrol (I got about 37 mpg and I drive fast).

If it had better rust protection, it might have had an edge over its rival cars. Overall not bad, just nothing spectacular, so it's hard to recommend the Mazda 3, unless you get a nice low mileage one for really cheap. Try for the newer generation after this one, but they are still expensive to buy.

Faults:

ABS sensor, A/C dead, front springs broken, exhaust, oil changes and belts, etc.

Interior trim rattle.

Rear washer won't work.

General Comments:

If you want a fun to drive family hatch that is also economical, check out the Mazda 3.

My silver Sport model is fun to drive and well equipped. Good looking car with lots of features (heated seats are my favorite for winter mornings). Nice alloy wheels.

Interior is a bit cramped, but seats are very comfy. The car handles like a dream. 2.2 turbo diesel is fast and does anything between 40 - 50 mpg.

Cannot believe it is over 10 years old, this car looks and drives as good as new, still feels very modern. You can get these real cheap on the used market for just a few grand now, well worth it in my opinion. Buy a looked after car with history and you cannot go wrong. I am keeping mine despite the age and miles getting on a bit. The car has never given me any reason not to trust it.

Faults:

Leaking rocker cover gasket causing a very small oil leak, no big deal. Dash trim rattles. Replaced front shocks. Caliper seized at rear, replaced discs and pads also. I keep up with oil changes and maintenance. Surprisingly little rust for a Mazda! Interior and exterior of this car look almost as good as new.

General Comments:

A great looking car in bright red, I love my Mazda 3. "Takuya" is a great trim, with plenty of toys, heated seats, A/C, electric windows, cruise control, etc. Sound system is also excellent. 16 inch Mazda alloy wheels look great.

The car is great fun to drive, handles much better than my old Fiesta. 1.6 petrol is fast for what it is and economical when you need it. I get 35 mpg around town rising to 43 mpg on a long cruise.

Ride's a little firm, but the car is comfortable, seats hug you and feel great around corners. Older and getting higher mileage now, but I want to keep this car until the end.