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 31 through 40 of 303.00

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  3i - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jim - November 13 - 7:00 pm

  i chose the 3i because i commute around 65 miles a day to work. the 2.0 liter engine is suprisingly powerful tip-tronic is a fun little feature for those of you that dont want the hassle of driving manual all the time, but still want that little extra oomph on the highway. not to mention its fun! interior is so roomy for its class suspension is tight and responsive, may be a bit rough for the casual driver

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  SP23 is a Great Start - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Norman Fowler - October 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned my SP23 Mazda 3 Hatchback now for seven months. It was the most difficult new car I ever purchased because it is a limited edition model. With that said it was worth the effort and time. My Mazda dealer was great and worked very hard to secure this car. It is a very fun car to drive but could use more horsepower. The carpets are real low grade and that was a surprise. The Bose sound system is awesome and the standard features of this car are worth the price of the car. Best value for the dollar. Plenty of storage space and with the split rear seats you have plenty of options. Need to make available more choices of of exterior colors.

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  Not Satisfied - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - October 13 - 7:13 pm

  Seats are very uncomfortable on trips over 4 hours. Steering is too light, comes off center too readily and has too much oversteer. Switches are not easy to operate or intuitive. Rear cargo area has very limiting width. Dashboard displays are gimmicky. Engine, transmission and A/C are rather noisy. Owners manual is lacking on important details but abounds with information on overly elaborate audio system. Fuel consumption is mediocre. Clutch engagement is not easy from a start, especially on hills. Gear selection is difficult. I have driven manual transmissions for 40 years, this is the worst. Sorry I bought this car and will dump it in 3-4 years. It is highly over rated.

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  This Car saved our lives. - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By sonsah - October 8 - 9:16 pm

  I was recently in a car accident in my new Mazda3. This car was so amazing and so safe (I had the side airbags and ABS option) that we were told by several authorities that it was a miracle that we walked away from the scene, with just bumps and bruises at that! The car was totaled, but we were in very good condition. I owe my life to this car and wouldnt even consider buying a different model now.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sid - August 30 - 8:20 am

  Sporty, fun to drive hatchback for less than $19K -- what more could you want? I got the car with the sunroof package as well as the safety package, with the 5 speed manual. The car handles very well and accelerates smoothly. The interior of the car feels like it should cost about $5K more. All this with the practicality of a hatchback.

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  Miata-class fun, Audi A4 practicality - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bryan in Central VA - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  Plenty of creature comforts (heated leather, Bose, Xenons, ABS, steering wheel controls)...looks like a little BMW 325. I wanted something japanses to replace my service issues on my last three Audis and two Passats. This car is smaller and less expensive but even more fun to drive. Strong engine (w/5- spd) loses steam at 65 mph+ 9great around town baut looses punch on highway. SP23 was ltd edition and I have not seen another in 3 months of ownership. I would not have considered its "peer economy" competitors. Buy it for style & handling - not price. SP23 thinks its all grown up. A relative bargain for a "euro" sedan. Combination of Jetta/A4 and Miata. Practical fun with reliability.

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  FUN CAR!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike C. - August 14 - 1:36 am

  I bought an "i" model for an outside sales job 3 months ago and have over 10k on it already. This car has had no problems at all. Interior, stereo, handling and exterior are all better than I had in my 01 Civic. It really carves up the road if you push it. At many speeds it will not downshift without use of the manumatic and that gets a little frustrating, it has very little torque. Produces a lot of brake dust but only on the rear wheels. I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. 90% of my driving is highway and I get between 28-29 miles per gallon. My Civic alway got over 36. If you want the feel of a Bimmer on the cheap, this is the car for you!

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  This is a good car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mtrblkd - July 24 - 7:23 am

  We bought this car on Mothers Day weekend 2005. We have put almost 24,000 miles on it in less than a year. We love it and couldnt be happier. The car has performed beyond my expectations. My wife says its a tad uncomfortable but I disagree. Our only complaint is trying to fit all our babies stuff into the trunk. If it is packed right it can be done though. This car looks good and drives great. For a car in this class it cant be beat.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Shaboom - May 31 - 5:36 am

  I am a mature male professional who enjoys cars and has owned many varied makes and models over the years. This Mazda 3 S is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I considered many alternatives this time, from Mini to Saab 9-3 to Nissan Z. All things considered, the Mazda 3 is far and away the wisest choice. My car has just about every available option and every accessory, (even after-market heated seats) other than the Navigation system. Really impressive styling, both inside and out and the black perforated leather makes the interior.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cah - May 26 - 9:26 pm

  I had a 2000 Protege. I thought I loved that car until the first time I sat in my new 3. The handling is that of a European sports car. I have received many compliments. Fit and finish is excellent. I have never been happier with a vehicle purchase.