Mazda Mazda3 Model History

Previously called the Mazda 323 in the United States from the 1980s until 2003, the Japanese automaker explored a new character to accompany their compact car's redesign for the 2004 model year. Through Mazda's tight partnership with Ford Motor Company at the time, the 2004 Mazda3 was offered as four-door sedan as well as a 5-Door hatchback. Respected as a practical yet fuel efficient compact, sedan, the Mazda3 was available in two trim levels (Mazda3 i and s) through the first two years on the market. For 2006, a Mazda3 Grand Touring (GT) model provided a satisfying dose of value-oriented refinement with features such as automatic climate control and leather seating. Redesigned for 2010, the Mazda3 sedan wore the brand's smiley face grille, wider wheelbase and a new 167-horsepower 2.5-liter engine choice. The Mazda3 received a considerable technological refresh for the 2012 model year. The auto brand's new SkyActiv philosophy that dictates a light and aerodynamic design blended with an efficient power through a direct-injected four-cylinder engine. A redesign of the Maazda3 in 2014 presented a greater definition for SkyActiv technology. For 2017, minor exterior and an interior featuring enhanced sound deadening was performed to the Mazda3 sedan. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control technology also becomes standard on all 2017 Mazda3 models.