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 221 through 230 of 303.00

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  this was the best decision ive ever made - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By D.Coplin - April 22 - 7:40 pm

  this car is amazing...it meets my every need....it goes fast looks good and can hold all my junk!!!!!! its the real meaning of zoom-zoom because thats all i do!!!!!!!

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  Great Econo-box - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gone Ron - April 5 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the car for business trips. Has averaged between 32 - 35 MPG on highway, has plenty of power and has proved to be very comfortable on long trips. Stereo (6-CD changer) is awesome, still getting used to the atomic cockroach exterior styling.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By gps - March 27 - 5:43 pm

  I had researched this car before I purchased and found it to be the best buy for the money. This car has great pickup and is fun to drive.

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  Mazda "Axela" excels competition - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaMan - March 1 - 3:13 am

  The new Mazda 3 puts the competition to shame when you compare it to a Honda Civic or Kia Spectra. Ive taken a lot of cars for test drives and none felt quite as solid as the 3, otherwise known as the Axela. The turning ratio and grip to the road is amazing, especially compared to a Dodge/Plymouth Neon or Chevrolet Cavalier. Aside from that, the styling is way more appealing to the eyes than any other car, even more than most in the sport compact class. Another HUGE plus, the interior design, though very race-inspired, is still luxurious and comfortable. On the exterior, there are no lines more than a centimeter away from each other making this car the best choice under 15,000.

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  Very good but not great - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Veronica - February 26 - 2:20 am

  I bought this Mazda after trading in my 1999 Protege ES (which I loved)with 110K miles. There are a few things I notice with the 3 that arent as good as the Protege. First is the stereo. The new one is VERY weak. That was one of the impressive things about the Protege - given that it was a small economy car. Second are small things like the window controls and vanity mirrors. The quality isnt the same. It seems like the new version uses cheaper, flimsy parts. The leather wrapped steering wheel feels like sandpaper. The old one felt great. The AC in this car is extremely weak. I could run it on full blast all day and never get really cold. Back seat is not as roomy.

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  A Fun Value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Reader - February 20 - 8:50 pm

  After 11 months and 14,500 miles, Im still extremely happy with this car. I have an automatic, with ABS, and sunroof. Its fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable, even on long highway trips. Mazdas done a great job in developing a car that is both fun and practical. Thats not to say its a perfect car as it does have some minor problems - but for the money, its very difficult to beat. The dealer experience was also much better than expected. Complaints are relatively few: gauges tend to wash out in bright sunlight, the tires are great in normal driving but not very good in the snow, and the textured interior material, while it looks great, scuffs easily.

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  3 year 60000 mile test drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mzdvr - February 10 - 11:13 am

  Been driving this car for 3 yrs now and still think its the best car under $25,000. I havent had any mechanical problems. Had a brake job at 50,000 and new tires. I live in the city and get a combined 27 mpg. I have a gas gauge which commonly reports mpg in the middle to upper 30s on the highway. There is minimal wear on the car after 60k such as a small area of the stitching on the leather seat has come out, a few exterior issues due to things happening to it.

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  Its in the details - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unbreakable - February 9 - 10:30 pm

  At first glance this car sets itself apart with bold styling. Wide fender flares, an aggressive nose and unique style make it very eye appealing. The real catch is in the details. From the hidden cup slots in the doors to the unique multi-colored dash lights to the leather wrapped steering wheel, the car just feels like a higher dollar car despite the modest price tag. Great bang for the buck!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tbizz H - February 5 - 2:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost 5 years. During that time Ive taken it to the dealers to get fixed twice. One time was so they would tighten the wiper blades and the other was a sensor that was throwing faults. They were both before warranty expired and I havent had a problem since. I drive 40 miles to work everyday and it does it very well. Ive used synthetic fuel since 20K every 7 thousand miles. That may have contributed to the reliability but I doubt it. Mines a manual transmission too.

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  Quality plus Handling - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By White Flash - January 25 - 5:36 pm

  I drive 1000k a week and finally I have a car with great handling, comfort and good mileage. Have averaged 29.0 (accurate) for the the last 20k. The handling makes you feel like a professional driver. Brakes are awsome, but be careful of those tailgating SUVs. Ergonomics are best of any car I have owned and love the red interior lighting. So far NO costs above tire rotation and oil change. Fit, finish and interior quality that of a much more expensive car. Mazda 3 just got a good and recommended rating from the Insurance Institute for frontal crash. Safety extras are the collapsable brake pedal (in accidents), side and curtain air bags. What more could you want?