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 141 through 150 of 303.00

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  cup of tea - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bl fong - August 14 - 5:30 am

  Great handling, excellent brakes. Steering feel excellent -- you steer, it turns! Very good ride even with 50 series tires. No ABS brakes, excellent modulation. I got the auto transmission; spouse request. Very good from a stoplight. Seats and steering wheel infinitely adjustable and comfortable. Stereo 6 CD changer very nice. very little brake dust on wheels. Glove box huge! My golf clubs will fit in back. Rear seats tight -- exit/egress lacking. I would buy again!

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  cheap thrills - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Isenbergh - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  I was looking for a small wagon, but what sold me on this car was how much more fun it was to drive than its competitors (Subaru, Scion, Toyota). Steering, braking, throttle response and shifting remind me of a good sports car. I replaced the stock tires with Toyo TS-1 ultra performance ones and the handling got even better. Otherwise the car seems solid but unspectacular: engine is smooth, linear and quick, but no scorcher; ride is quite firm; seats are sturdy & supportive, but plain; fit, finish & ergonomic design are very good. Audio and AC good for economy class. Rear seats tight but serviceable. Cargo area adequate for a big dog. Highway mileage 35 at 65mph. Nice dash.

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  Teething problems ? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alan - July 17 - 2:03 pm

  Sport badge should be dropped as handling is rather poor. Believe it can be attributed to the electro hydraulic power assisted steering. Just doesnt suit my driving style, really disappointed !(have now covered 14000 miles) Steering creeking and growning for second time despite mod. Road noise excessive and distracting. Wheels tend to track the slightest rutts in the road surface. Air con lacking. Radio reception poor. Accessories extortionately priced. Drivers seat beginning to lose support and fabric baggy dispite me only being of average weight.

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  Good Value - All Around Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By davidej123 - July 9 - 11:15 am

  I recently picked up a 2005 Mazda 3s, with the 5spd, as a grocery-getter / everyday workhorse. I wanted something versatile, reliable, and cheap to maintain, with above average city mpg. However, I also love driving, so I wanted to make sure it was still fun and very much a "drivers car". The 3s has been good-to-excellent on all counts. The shifter is superb. Somedays, I actually like it better than the shifter on my M5. The handling is precise, like a go-cart. The brakes are good. In combined driving, I average about 28-30mpg without fail. Typical trip to the pump is 11gals for 330mi. Decent - but if fuel economy is your absolute top priority, buy a Prius because it will crush this.

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  Makes Sense - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By william - June 28 - 9:53 am

  Got a good model year-end deal on a silver 3 with leather and moon roof. Very happy with car. Everything seems solid and well thought out. Very quick, handling is precise and firm. Not sure about low-profile tires that came on car - they seem a bit noisy and not sure how much they add to performance. Otherwise, car is very quiet, with just the right amount of auditory feedback from engine. Slight flaw on placement of brake and accelerator pedals - a bit too close for large feet. Good for heel and toe but its easy to hit the brake when youre doing normal shifting. Taking some getting used to. Mileage has been less than expected, but the car and I are still getting to know one another.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason baltimore - June 15 - 10:23 am

  I was in the market For a new car i test drove a couple Then the Three Came along WOW i was very impressed the The ride resembles that of a BMW! Handles Very NICE Everything Is layed out were it should be my Mazda 3s is everything I wwas lookingfor in a car Thanks Mazda J

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  great everything - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By lovethezoom - May 9 - 4:50 am

  This is a car for everyone. Its powerful, fast, comfortable, reliable, and looks absolutely great. I have a 2005 black Mazda 3s with 6 CD player, moonroof, spoiler, and ABS package. This car is amazing.

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  Mazda 5 door 2.3L - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - April 25 - 12:50 am

  I have 49,000 miles on mine and it has been terrific so far. Very fun to drive, the only glitch has been that the tire pressure warning light has been stuck "on" for some time although I have confirmed no tire pressure problems and actually gone to a new set of tires. Dont want to pay the dealer an arm and a leg just to make the light go out. Anyway, a great little car and I laugh at the guzzling SUVs when I accelerate by.

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  Best ride under 20 k - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Titu - April 21 - 9:56 am

  I have owned it for 5 months now with 7500 miles on it. I am highly satisfied with it. Its more like a cheap Audi A3/A4 than a compact. There is attention to detail in every part of this car. This is the only compact car to have a personality. I am surprised to see people buying Jettas paying 5k more instead of the 3. I found the 3 to be better in all respects except the interior. Go for it.

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  A Solid Decision (and lots of fun) - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jpook730 - April 17 - 1:23 am

  Great Drive: Handling is superb; steering exquisitely communicative and well weighted,; engine (2.3) sounds great, revs easily, and goes like a Jack Russell Terrier after drinking a bottle of Jolt. Great Practicality: 5 door hatchback is flexible, roomy and comfortable; the cloth seats are grippy, supportive, and firm; gas milage is great (25/32 with the 2.3). Great Future: Highly rated reliability; fantastic projected resale value (best selling fleet car in Europe for this reason); safe; well-built and stylish. Conclusion: An economical, practical family hauler with the soul of a much more expensive european sports sedan (or is that Zoom-Zoom?).