2005 Mazda MAZDA3 Review
Fuel Economy
25 - 27 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Good looks, strong engines and sharp handling add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap.
Pros
Fun-to-drive character, stylish interior design, strong engines, hatchback utility.
Cons
Ride might be too stiff for some, a few ergonomic quirks, tight rear legroom.
What's New for 2005
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.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best Bang for the buck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
Handling and steering responsiveness. Added the phatbox audio system and haven't used a cd in 2 years. Very reliable. If you keep it between 55- 60mph you will get great gas mileage, i got 40 last summer. However, once you go above 65 gas mileage plummets. Still been getting between 24-27 in the city.
Suggested Improvements
AC is a bit weak. Wish the clutch grabbed a bit lower. Rear window visibility is a bit poor. Cant see the trunk so gauging distances is a bit rough. Wish fog lights could be turned on without the headlights on.
Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've had this car for almost 5 years. During that time I've 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 haven't had a problem since. I drive 40 miles to work everyday and it does it very well. I've used synthetic fuel since 20K every 7 thousand miles. That may have contributed to the reliability but I doubt it. Mine's a manual transmission too.
Favorite Features
-Fuel Mileage - I'm getting an average of 30-34 miles per gallon. Heat and road type dependent. -Steering wheel radio controls -It looks good...still.
Suggested Improvements
Road noise is more than I'd like Stock tires werent that good -Eagle RSA's I need more room next to my right leg. I'm a bigger guy and need just a little more leg room. -
3 years of cross country driving
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Where should I begin? I think I've truly put my 2005 mazda3 hatchback to the test. I'm now 24 and I've put exactly 50,000 miles on my hatchie since 1-2006 packing up my life and somehow managing to get every box, bag and loose item into the back all 9 times; yes, I've lived a crazy past 3.5 years and yes I don't own any furniture hah and yes, this car is magical! I can't complain a second about my Mazda so far, have had no problems. I've kept up on my oil changes, got new tires last summer, and here I will now mention that I've put my hatchie through 3 brutal Michigan and Minnesota winters and the baby is still as good as new. I recommend the heck out of this car!
Favorite Features
Tip-tronic transmission is awesome and fun and very useful to be able to switch back and forth(auto and manual), awesome bright colorful dash display, exterior design is sporty and quality, GREAT MPG!!!! steering wheel audio controls!!, back seats fold down soo easily, low profile tires, sexy wheels
Suggested Improvements
I don't think I can think of anything to improve about this car! The gas mileage is great, the workmanship has proven, performance top notch, no I was not paid by Mazda I just feel like I've been by having purchased this car!
Awesome Ride!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I LOVE this car!! I have not had any problems with it! I bought it used in 2008 I own the 2005 Mazda3 S. I have had it for a little over a year its almost at 49,000 miles. I have a friend who owns an older Mazda626 which has been an awesome car for them which was one of the reasons I actually considered buying it. I had originally wanted to buy a honda accord but I have actually been happier with my Mazda than I think I would have been with the Honda. It was cheaper but I definitely don't believe its cheap quality. Ford makes Mazda and Ford's are usually pretty dependable however this car is like no Ford that I've ever driven.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
After the 1st one I did it again!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s 4dr Wagon (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
After we picked up my wifes mazda 3 2007 grand t. I had to have one too. I loved my nissan z but for the price this car is a sleeper in the USA. the 3 lets you feel the road and it likes to be pushed.
Favorite Features
handling.the whole design.
Suggested Improvements
nothing is broken leave it alone.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Mazda MAZDA3
- 2009 Mazda MAZDA3
- 2008 Mazda MAZDA3
- 2007 Mazda MAZDA3
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- 2005 Mazda MAZDA3
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