The Mazda MAZDA3 was introduced in 2004 as the replacement for the Protege and was intended to appeal to a different type of consumer - those who were partial to price of base level economy sized sedans and wagons yet craved a more stylish body style and a more lavish interior. Both the sedan and the wagon-hatchback immediately gained the favorable approval of the American public and automotive industry specialists.

The two trim levels that were available for the 2004 and 2005 model years were the 'i' and the 's', with the 'SP23' Special Edition being manufactured for 2005 only. All were competitively priced, successfully conveyed an appealing vision of luxury and distinction and an upscale kind of comfort inside. All models benefited from a 2.0 or a 2.3 liter inline 4 cylinder engine and all models were front wheel drive.

In 2006 , 'i' and 's' touring trim models were added to the lineup, as was an 's' Grand Touring model. The new trim packages combined a variety of comfort and convenience features as well as sport performance details while the MAZDA3 enjoyed being amongst the top selling economy cars and continued to receive much praise for its novel approach to designing and manufacturing the economy car. The 2.0 liter engines were enhanced with variable valve timing and 2.3 liter models returned with variable intermittent front wipers and anti lock brakes as part of the vehicles standard features.

The Mazda MAZDA3 for the 2007 model year proved to make a very good thing even better. As in the previous model year, some optional or unavailable features were added to each of the models list of standard features in 2007 including a rear seat center armrest, additional power outlets and auxiliary input jacks and a tire pressure monitor. All models were now available with either manual or automatic transmissions, too. In addition, a stability control system was made available for the upscale Touring and Grand Touring models. The base model, 'i' Sport sedan comes nicely equipped with a peppy 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine. Standard features include a CD stereo system with audio input-output jack, 60-40 split folding back seat with a center armrest and tilt steering. The remaining various models and trims provide the option to customize your MAZDA3 to accommodate different and more advanced degrees of comfort and style. All eye candy and cushy comfort aside, the economically priced high quality MAZDA3 is a great value for the money; has a superbly refined suspension, braking system and steering mechanism accompanied by sophisticated and more than adequately sized engines which help to deliver the type of smooth ride you might expect in a larger sedan, yet it is still small and nimble enough to be a lot of fun.