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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  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 Bang for the buck - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mikeabbott - April 10 - 6:13 pm

  After doing a lot of research I bought mine brand new and after 4 years it still puts a smile on my face. I have no plans to sell this car anytime soon. Mechanically the car has been sound. A couple of sensors had to be replaced under warranty, no big deal. Performs well for 4 door sedan and is a blast to drive on the twisties. Interior is fine for a under 20k car and more than one passenger has commented on the lighting and sleek interior design.

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  Great purchase - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 for fun - February 3 - 5:03 am

  Purchased the car in October 2004. The car has GFX package, leather with 5 speed tran. No problems to signal after 8K/7 months of ownership. Car is very stable, feels solid and tight, has a firm but comfortable ride. Engine is very responsive and is a good performer. Car can turn on a dime! , 5 spd tran shifts moothly. Can cruise with ease at 80 + mph.

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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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  Uber wagon with a few quirks - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By uber wagon - March 18 - 9:53 am

  Great car. I love the hatch. I think that the sedan looks better but when you can put a fully assembled grill in the back it brings a smile to my face especially in an economy compact. Engine sound is buzzy, sound system is horrible and 4 speed transmission is is joke. At 80 MPH the engine revs at 3600 and this kills the fuel economy. I am used to a BMW 335i and Acura TL so my expectations are high.

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  Wheres the air? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt Breaux - March 14 - 6:56 am

  Do the Japanese not have summer conditions? In Texass 98 degree F weather, neither the fan has enough volume nor velocity, nor does the evaporator have enough capacity. Drivers leg room is awkward where the knee is in contact with the center console. Steering is great, shifting in manual convenient. Volume and radio controls on the wheel very nice. 1st gear leaves you desiring more. Maybe thats found in the 2.3. The trunk raises completely out of the way. Be careful with the doors when beginning to open, they dont rest until wide open, which may call for scratches and dings. Gauges are easy to read day/night. Terrible, horrible gas mileage for a 2.0L. Factory tires are low mileage.

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  Style but serious flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By rconn2 - November 4 - 4:26 am

  I just bought the 2005 Special Edition Mazda3, with SP2 Security Package, Moonroof and Navigation. I have decidedly mixed feelings; am actually considering selling (and have had less than 2 weeks). Why? Despite researching and reading all I could, you dont really know until you buy. 1. There are many posts on the internet saying this car is awful in the snow... the worst theyve driven in 40 years... an embarrassment. Some say its the tires, some the wheels and tires. Who knows. 2. Fuel economy is poor -- especially with the automatic transmission. Lots of complaints here too. Like in the low 20s. 3. Consumer Reports just dropped it. 4. Nav system is featureless.

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  Zoomin Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ANPope - October 22 - 12:50 am

  My last car was an Audi A4. When it was time for a new car I went with the Mazda3. Its fun to drive and responsive, with decent handling for this price range. The only handling problem is the tendency to spin the front tires when making a 90 degree turn from a stop onto wet roads. It affords good visibility and I never have a problem merging quickly into traffic. I get 30 to 31 MPG on the highway even with the larger engine and automatic transmission, although you can knock 2 MPG off that when running the AC.