Overview & Reviews

All new for 2004, the Mazda 3 receives only minor changes for 2005. The four-door "i" model gets a new 15-inch wheel cover design, and Sirius Satellite Radio is now available on all models.

• Fun-to-drive character, stylish interior design, strong engines, hatchback utility.

• Ride might be too stiff for some, a few ergonomic quirks, tight rear legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 303.00

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  Stay Away - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By AngryMazxa - October 15 - 8:13 am

  Purchased a 1 year old hatch with 24,000 miles, with 50,000 now, I have had to replace the engine and transmission linkage. I had an Explorer with less problems and that is saying something. Buyer beware of this one.

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  Whats with the brakes? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - September 29 - 3:03 pm

  Love my Mazda except for the constant problem with the noisy front brakes. At 4000K had no brake pads and at 8000K had new ones again. Dealership said is is a problem but the new softer pads (sorry dont know the right terms) have reduced this problem. When it is cold outside however, the brakes when backing up scream. The dealership pretty much hates seeing me now, so I have decided to live with the problem. I guess if that is all that is wrong - its a bonus.

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  Best in Class 3i automatic - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve Cypher - September 9 - 1:23 am

  55 year old. My last car was a Focus ZX3 5-speed. The quality and attention to detail is incredible. Mine is Rally White with the moon roof, ABS, sport pkg and all the air bags. The car handles much better than the Focus and has the aggressive look of a BMW. Fit and finish is world class and the materials in the interior are light years ahead of any of the products offered by the big 3. I looked at the new Civic and really disliked the new dash layout and that was the only other vehicle that I considered.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By johndiggity - August 30 - 3:00 am

  Great handling and good power. Comfortable and attractive seats, roomy backseat. Cockpit is a little narrow. Quality materials and finish. Cheaper plastic on the lower console is prone to scratching, but its black. Stereo does sound a little muddy, controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch though. Great trunk space. Tons of fun to drive. This is a drivers car.

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  Utility, sport, and value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I considered a CPO Acura RSX and new Scion tC, but the 3 was the best compromise between the utility, fun factor, and value that I was looking for. The tC was nice, but the interior cannot compare in terms of space, ease of access, or aesthetics. Cargo volume with the seats down was surprisingly similar. The RSX was ultimately just too small; the rear seat is a shelf for packages, not people. I do, however, wish I had the RSX 5-speed auto and the gas mileage and performance that came with it. Be careful if youre considering the 3 largely on price, especially with the hatch model as it starts at 17k and moves past 20k with a sunroof and ABS. Good value, but hardly inexpensive.

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  repeat buyer - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By taki - August 12 - 7:10 am

  I was very happy with my 1995 Protege, so when it came time to upgrade, my choice was the 3i. Dont let salesmen try to supersize you into an s if fuel economy is of primary importance. You can get lots of extra features on an i, and its not always true that its "same price as an s" by the time youre done adding. I find 144 hp to be plenty of power for my commute, which includes pulling out onto busy roads and merging with traffic from a stop. My only real complaint is the all-black interior. Every speck of dust shows. Like a white kitchen floor, its going to take a lot of regular attention to keep it looking clean (sigh).

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  WOW! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DANNY - August 6 - 1:23 am

  I love my 05 Mazda3s 4door. It took me by surprise when I drove it! What a fun car to drive. It handles the winding rocky mountain roads great with no slipping around corners and takes a steep hill with any SUV. I get a lot of compliments on it. the basic reaction is " WOW I didnt know Mazda had such cool cars!" Drive one, you will buy it!

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  Zoom Zoom, indeed! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michigan_guy - July 9 - 4:46 am

  Ive owned an 89 Toyota Tercel, an 02 Chevy Prism and now the Mazda. Love. It. Its got a lot longer gear ratio than most 4-cylinder cars and at highway speeds can very capably accelerate past everyone else whos not having as much fun in their car. The interior has an excellent design, the exterior looks fluid and lean and all of the mechanics seem above average on dependability and ergonomics. I might never buy a different car.

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  Nice little car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - May 17 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had this car for 5 months and 6,000 miles. The mileage keeps getting better as the engine gets broken in. Is now ~35 mpg (mostly highway) with the 2.0 and 4 speed auto, and still more than 30 with some city driving. I dont like the front seat and the console that cramps my right front leg (why do all these little cars have them if theyre FWD?), but its fun to drive with very good passing acceleration and the SMOOTHEST automatic transmission of any car Ive ever been in. The oil filter is not really a problem since the dealer is very reasonable on the cost (~$10 over Wal-Mart) and does an inspection, too. Nice little car!

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  Best small car out there - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vk - May 13 - 7:40 am

  Forget boring Civics and Corollas. This car is stylish and handles beautifully. Platform is based on the new, yet to be released Ford Focus platform and is also used in the new Volvo S40. Very lively in the handling department and the interior is a refreshing change from the mundane plastic seen in other cars of the same class. Who says small family cars cant be stylish.