Mazda Motor Corporation assembles the Mazda3, an automobile model (known in Japan as the Axela), and offers it to the public under the Mazda brand. Based on the MX-Sportif's concept stylings, the new 2004 Mazda3 replaces the Mazda Protegé. As of 2005, 499,164 Axela and Mazda3 models had been sold worldwide since the very first Mazda3 rolled off the assembly line on December 8, 2003.

The car is based on Ford's global C1 Platform developed by Volvo and shared with the latest European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Chassis development was carried out by Mazda and suspension designed by Ford. The Mazda3/Axela is available in two different bodyworks, a four-door sedan, marketed as "coupé style" in Europe, and a five-door hatchback, branded the Sport version in America and Japan.

In the U.S., the Mazda3 only has two trim levels, "i" for the 2.0 L engine and "s" for the 2.3 L. The "s" trim not only updates the vehicle with a stronger engine but also includes: air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver's seat and power windows, door locks and mirrors. The "s" sedan has crisper handling with it's larger, 16 inch (406 mm) and wider (55-series) tires. The hatchback increases tires to 17 inches (432 mm) along with width (50-series).

The Mazda3 is powered by a variety of engines, depending on the market. In its native Japan, the engine is either a 81 kW (110 bhp JIS) 1.5 L, 110 kW (150 bhp JIS) 2.0 L or 126 kW (171 bhp JIS) 2.3 L, all of the MZR engine family. Only the two most powerful of these are available in America, with slightly inferior power levels, while in Europe, the 2.0-liter is the top of the line, joined by smaller 1.4 L or 1.6 L MZR engines, as well as a 1.6 L Diesel unit similar to the Ford Duratorq, re-branded as MZ-CD and capable of 80 kW (109 bhp ECE).

A five-speed manual transmission is standard and for 2006, a new five-speed Sport automatic transmission is optional.

The Mazda3 has been very well-received in all markets, and as of 2004 was the third best selling car in Canada. Mazda is increasing production of the Axela/Mazda3 at its Hofu 1 and 2 factories to meet heavy worldwide demand of over 300,000 units per year.