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

• 

  Overrated - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eddie Money - October 9 - 11:03 am

  I traded in my Subaru WRX to save some money with lower payments, lower insurance and to get better mileage, plus the WRX required premium gas. I just wanted a nice commuter & I even bought an A/T car for the first time in 15 yrs. I like the styling and a lot of the accessories, but what really bugs me is all the loose things on the car. Lots of interior squeaks and there is a clunking in the back after only two weeks. I think the build quality is mediocre. The power sunroof is almost worthless because it makes such an annoying sound when driving down the road at 40-45, it goes away on the freeway.

• 

  Excellent car but.... - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By tnmats - October 2 - 5:16 pm

  The 3 is a fun car to drive; call it a BMW 3 on the cheap. Mine has the 4 speed auto, which while detracting a bit in the fun-to-drive area, still is a blast to drive. Steering is tight, handling is crisp. Its just right. The main gripe is the pathetic air conditioner. That is one known issue with this car, and so far Mazda hasnt really addressed it properly. Outside of that, the fuel mileage could be better for its size.

• 

  Superb car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  Just purchased this car a few days ago but it is clear what the pros and cons are. Great Handling, very firm and responsive steering. Acceleration actually surprised me when I first jumped on it and the car does feel sporty (I am guessing maybe 0-60 in 8 seconds?) For the money you can touch the performance and great looks. The only drawback is the seats are hard, they dont hug you like a Subaru or a Honda Civics, they are more like folding metal chairs (with lumbar support) I will be looking for a way to increase the comfort of them ASAP. The uncomfortable seats are a price I pay for the fun of driving this car, I never had a car I looked forward to so much to driving everyday.

• 

  i love my car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By amanda - July 9 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 3 about 6 months ago and have had no problems with it to date. I have found the manual trasmission to be extremelly fun to drive. I think that the ride is much smoother than a civic or corrolla... and I love the unique exterior design!

• 

  Nice Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Girl - June 4 - 12:50 pm

  I really enjoy my Mazda 3 it was a graduation present and Im generally happy with it. I think its a little smaller as far as seating capacity and trunk space than what I would have liked but its ok.

• 

  Great Outside, Cheap Inside - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Good but Cheap - May 31 - 5:16 am

  I have owned this Mazda for 3 years. Its a good car. Engine is quite and peppy. Very reliable. Just add gas, change to oil regulary and go. The thing that gets me about it the cheap and tough to clean interrior. In typical Japanese automotive fashion, its cheap and plastic. The cloth on the sests attract any dirt and I always have to use a sweater shaver on them to get rid of the fuzzballs the fabric makes. The fabric trim on the door came loose. (Repaired under warranty) The carpet is difficult to vacuum, hold objects like velcro. The air conditioning could use more power. The horn needs a boost too. The windshield wipers need a intermittent adj. The tires wore out at 30,000 miles.

• 

  Mazda 3: $21,000 worth of fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By StukaFox - October 1 - 6:16 am

  Dropped $21,000 cash, not a BIT of regret: car is surprisingly peppy; suspension like a racecar; snaps to attention when right pedal is pressed. Expecting laggy and plastic, got a car out of a videogame. No bad habits on the road; does what its told without complaint. Visibility like a F-16s cockpit. Interior is luxury-car roomy. Cargo space that would make some SUVs blush. Piled on leather, airbag package, and ABS, still only came to $21,000 out the door. Was never going to buy import, Mazda 3 totally changed my mind. Detroit, wake up: Japan is about to eat your lunch again!

• 

  Visibility driving/Acceleration/Cargo - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  NOTE: Vehicle is less than one month old. My issues may stem from being the owner of a new, small car -- having switched from a 2 door coupe, larger American vehicle to this new small, economical car. Front visibility is very good, but side (from 2nd row seats back) and rear visibility is not. Large pillars in rear near hatch make for small windows. That, coupled with tall headrests, makes seeing other cars while changing lanes a hit or miss proposition. Acceleration is somewhat sluggish before vehicle warms up. Also, there seems to be some sluggishness when vehicle changes gears. Cargo space is pretty good when rear seats are folded flat. W/ seats up, cargo space is limited

• 

  How fast am I driving? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Waldemar - May 31 - 8:43 pm

  The Mazda3 is fun to drive and gets good mileage. I bought it fully loaded with automatic, ABS, and side air bags. I like the cars handling, feel for the road, and the manual mode on the automatic transmission. On the other hand, a nearly fatal flaw is that the speedometer and other gauges are so far recessed into the instrument panel and unlit that theyre extremely difficult and tiresome to read on sunny days within 3 hours of sunrise/set or driving in and out of shade. I have to stare at the instrument panel for a second or two to let my eyes adjust to the darkness before I know how fast Im going. The gauges are fine on cloudy days and fantastic at night.

• 

  Mazda 3s - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - May 5 - 3:03 am

  The car is a great car for the $. I only have one real knock against this car; it has too much road noise. Mazda really needs to work on this - it should be a simple solution and would dramatically improve the driving pleasure!