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 21 through 30 of 303.00

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  Been great so far! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By nathanh2 - April 17 - 6:22 pm

  I bought it used with 46,000. It now has 58,000 and I have had no problems with it what so ever. Gas mileage has been pretty good although the car is small and I would expect it to get better. But other than that it has been golden. No mechanical problems. Turns on a dime. Rides beautifully on the highway. Put good tires on it if you havent already. I had the Eagle RS-A and as soon as I switched them out the car was much quieter and rode a lot smoother. A/C can be a little weak. But it seems to do fine if you turn it up another notch. All around a very good car. I am very happy with it and I dont expect that to change

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  Will buy the same car if I need one - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By crazyjerry - March 18 - 5:40 am

  I constantly pay attention to better cars. Mazda 3 hatchback is still the ONE in this price range, best overall value for an upscale economy car. I have the strip version of hatchback with the exception of rearview mirror and mp3 player. I did not drive it hard (except break-in period), but rather lively most of the time. And this car definitely lived up to every occasion with zoom zoom, never missing a beat. It averaged 30 mpg in cold weather and 32 in warm weather, with about 70% of freeway driving, in its first 16k miles.

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  Very Pleased with 1st Mazda Top Notch - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christian - March 12 - 12:20 am

  Recently bought my 3 and I am very happy with it. I have put about 1800 miles on it. Handles great, decent brakes (like to squeak when backing out of driveway). Hatch is very roomy, I am in the process of moving and it has been able to carry everything so far. The fog lights are useless, not worth buying on the 4 door; come standard on 5 door. I love the styling, projector headlights, euro style tails. Visibility is excellent, back seat a little tight for taller people, good for average height. Cant wait for the speed edition coming next year; do I hear TURBO ALL WHEEL DRIVE? Look out econo cars....

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  Great car for everyday...almost perfect - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By QuickTurn - February 21 - 7:40 am

  Overall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although its on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldnt tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.

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  Great Auto Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sageking - February 17 - 1:56 am

  I live in Puerto Rico, which has winding roads, hidden roads, streets arent in the best shape. This car is absolutely up to the task. I have had this car for 5 months now, its a beauty to look at. Its great fun to drive, sometimes I look for side roads just to be able to put that suspension to the test. The accelaration is great almost gave me whiplash the first time I rushed out after light change. The Mazda 3 is an absolute must to test drive. The SP23 has a rich cabin filling sound by Bose. Enough space in the glove compartment to store small appliances. I test drove Corolla and Civic and this car is ALOT more bang for the buck, motors cannot be compared, the MAZDA3 beats them both.

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  More fun than a Civic or Corolla - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gantw - February 16 - 5:53 pm

  I bought my Mazda3 after owning two Honda Civics and a Toyota Corolla. The Mazda feels like a race car in comparison: peppy 2.3L engine, strong 4-wheel disc brakes, quick steering, precise clutch/ shifter, and firm suspension/tight handling. I plan to drive my car in autocross races -- its handling is that good. On the flip side, my Mazda3s build quality is poor compared to Honda or Toyota standards. After just four months and 5,000 miles, my car has more rattles in the dash and doors than one of my Civics had after eight years and 110,000 miles! My cars fuel economy (2.3L engine/manual trans./moderate throttle) has been 25-27 mpg city (A/C on) to 30-31 mpg city (A/C off).

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  A great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - January 17 - 9:43 am

  I Love my car. I got the s with the sport package which is worth the money. The car handles like a dream and is soooo fun to drive. Although I love my car I have a few complaints. For one the carpet is cheap and slips out from corners. Another problem is that there is little protection for the interior and it scratches easily. But its little things like this that you have to expect from economy cars. Though the minor set backs I would still choose this car over any other in its class

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  Zoooom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - December 22 - 1:23 pm

  It was a difficult decison, being a Toyota man for over 20 years -- Mazda 3 or Scion TC. 4 doors won out. First two weeks have been fun fun. I use the car to commute 65 miles each day. I recommed the 2.3 engine and all the extras that come with it. Have sun roof and ABS and side and window air bags, all for less than $18 k -- hard to believe

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  Park it in the Winter - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mike volsch - November 24 - 2:03 am

  I have enjoyed this car throughout the summer and fall months. Gas mileage is great, fit and finish are of good quality and it looks great. But I have found its downfall. Without a doubt this is the worst car I have ever driven in ice/snow. If a hill gets in your way you better better have up a good head of steam because if you dont you will be going backwards. A set of snow tires on it may help but without them this car goes to the garage until the sun shines and the grass is green.

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  Many problems! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By artiesmartie - November 20 - 7:10 am

  I am very dissapointed with my Mazda3! Ive had it for 6 months and Ive had many problems with it. I live in Ottawa, Canada and winters here are quite cold. The car never started on the first try on a cold day, no hot air (there is a defect in all 2004s that no one knows about), there is noise when one turns (most likely from the axles), interior rattles quite often, and the biggest frustration is the vibrations from under the seat. Ive been fighting with my dealership to fix these problems, but so far they do not have any clue what causes such things. The replaced my axles, brake pads, heating system, and nothing has been FIXED! Be warned about this car.