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Used 2005 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
315 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW's handling, unmatched in its class!!

Euro Auto Lover, 03/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I used to lease a BMW 328i. I've spend 3 months looking for my next car to purchase. Gee, I no longer need the European cars since I found that Mazda 3 and 6 closely match the European handling!!!! Not the Matrix, not the Civic, not the Scion, this Mazda3 tops my driving test scores in styling, handling, power and price. The steering is top-notch, it is even better than my previous heavier 328i. The handling is just as good as the BMWs. I don't put my food on the brake going around corners, I even accelerate out of corners in the 3!!! Cars disappear in the rear-view mirror!!! Braking is top-notch, no fading whatsoever during hard braking!!!! It is a MUSH-HAVE fun-to-drive machine!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Two months into my adventure

doug, 08/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My only complaint is that the car seems to hesitate when you applied pressure to the gas....and this is the 2.3

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Visibility driving/Acceleration/Cargo

Mike, 03/30/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

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4.88 out of 5 stars

After 4 SUVs I fell in love

Kristen, 06/05/2008
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have previously owned 4 SUVs (2 Fords and 2 Jeeps), so I was more than a little hesitant to exchange my 4x4s for a compact sedan. That is until I drove the Mazda3. I drive 50+ miles to school and back 5 days a week, and this car makes the commute fun. I love on-ramps and passing. The car has so much zip. I love, love, love the fuel economy! I record my average for every tank, and it's always been around 35mpg (33-36). The driver's seat offers great visability-something that I was afraid of missing after driving SUVs. Regular oil changes, and you are good to go! I get complements on my car all of the time. I couldn't be happier with my Mazda! Civic beware!

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5 out of 5 stars

fun car to cruise in

Larry, 03/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far my experience has been excellent. I love the way it handles, and it gets great gas mileage. For a 4 cylinder it's got some power. I would definitely buy another one in the future.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love it!

Kristin, 08/17/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love my Mazda 3! My dad leased mine for me while working at Ford and I loved it so much that once he had to turn it in I decided to buy it as my first car! It's so much fun to drive and while it is a compact car it's much roomier than most. I also love how it's a lot sportier than the Focus i used to drive. I don't think you can get a better car for the price!

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5 out of 5 stars

great everything

lovethezoom, 09/11/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a car for everyone. It's powerful, fast, comfortable, reliable, and looks absolutely great. I have a 2005 black Mazda 3s with 6 CD player, moonroof, spoiler, and ABS package. This car is amazing.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

2.3 Manual Trans Rebuilt at 11000 Miles

golfdoc, 03/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Mazda 3 after years of owning Toyota's & Honda's. I have never had any major mechanical problems with any of these vehicles. Was I surprised when after owning my 2004 Mazda 3 2.3, my manual transmission was stuck in second gear. Now after 16 months and 11,000 miles my 3 is at a dealership getting the transmission rebuilt. It's had 2 recalls and is also waiting for the glove box to be replaced at another dealership because it sticks. The only plus is Mazda paid for the tow and the dealer is paying for my rental car. I will NEVER buy another vehicle manufactured by FORD motor company. There is definitely truth in the saying you that a FORD will be (F)ound (O)n the (R)oad (D)ead.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best ride under 20 k

Titu, 08/31/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned it for 5 months now with 7500 miles on it. I am highly satisfied with it. It's more like a cheap Audi A3/A4 than a compact. There is attention to detail in every part of this car. This is the only compact car to have a personality. I am surprised to see people buying Jettas paying 5k more instead of the 3. I found the 3 to be better in all respects except the interior. Go for it.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

The Wife's Toy

Chris' Review, 09/13/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall this is a very good car. We had some issues early with the dealership and the rear spoiler (color). The car just went into the shop for a leak in the transmission. The dealership says there was a leak at the temperature sensor that was not mounted flush. This leak was discovered at 3,500 miles at a local mechanic -- not the dealer. The car does plow in corners when speed is applied. My wife loves the car and its "pep." The fuel economy is a little weaker than I thought it might be. It also might be our lead foot as well.

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