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Used 2005 Mazda 3 Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
315 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

fuel pump/car starting problem

bryan, 04/24/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i purchased my mazda3s 3 months ago. in the second month (4000 miles) i began to have problems starting my car. on the initial start up, the car would crank, but would not start; i would have to turn the car off & then re-start it in order for the engine to start. serviced @ dealership; they stated it was fuel pump, dealership replaced fuel pump, car worked for 3 weeks & 600 miles later (4600 miles) car is not starting again; cranks but will not start. currently no recall

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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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4.25 out of 5 stars

Utility, sport, and value

Russell, 05/21/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I considered a CPO Acura RSX and new Scion tC, but the 3 was the best compromise between the utility, fun factor, and value that I was looking for. The tC was nice, but the interior cannot compare in terms of space, ease of access, or aesthetics. Cargo volume with the seats down was surprisingly similar. The RSX was ultimately just too small; the rear seat is a shelf for packages, not people. I do, however, wish I had the RSX 5-speed auto and the gas mileage and performance that came with it. Be careful if you're considering the 3 largely on price, especially with the hatch model as it starts at 17k and moves past 20k with a sunroof and ABS. Good value, but hardly inexpensive.

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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

Zoom----Zoom

Mosquito, 05/19/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It is a great car. This is my first Mazda, I have owned 2 Subaru's prior. For the money I couldn't go wrong. It has all the bells and whistles of most major luxury car makers at a fraction of the price. The design, both interior and exterior are well thought and beautiful. I get people asking me all the time what kind of car is that! It catches people's eyes for sure. After I tinted the window's it took on a totaly different look. I would love to see Mazda put the 6 cyc. in the 3. It would make it even better!! It is quick now, but with the 6 cyc. WOW!

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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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5 out of 5 stars

Very Nice

Underpants, 05/24/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Moving from the world of RWD V8's, I decided I wanted something smaller, better handling for my daily driver. The 3 wagon is a dream, as in its much better than I ever expected. The stick is one of the smoothest I've ever used. The handling is a blast (get rid of the stock Goodyears immediately, they are garbage) and it can haul all the stuff I need for a cross country trip. The build is up there also, I hit a pothole so hard in this thing that I thought the A arm was coming through the front fender, but it didnt. And gas mileage, I routinely get 26 with all city driving (a lot of it heavy footed) and with less than 1000 miles on the odo, I got 37+. EXCELLENT CAR

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4.88 out of 5 stars

What A Value!

edweissmanesq, 06/07/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After looking at other 5-door hatchbacks in the price range (notably the Kia Spectra5 and Toyota Matrix) I test drove a Mazda3. 10 minutes behind the wheel sold me. The 2.3 liter engine with the auto- stick transmission is probably the most powerful 4-cylinder power plant I've ever driven. Nothing in any of the competition came close. The Kia, while good with some low end torque, was noisy and bottomed out at 70MPH; the Toyota was marginally powered in the FWD configuration, and painfully underpowered in the AWD version. Neither of those cars come close to the tight handling of the Mazda3. The interior of the 3, though smaller than the Matrix, is surprisingly roomy and comfortable.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car!

Sid, 05/26/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sporty, fun to drive hatchback for less than $19K -- what more could you want? I got the car with the sunroof package as well as the safety package, with the 5 speed manual. The car handles very well and accelerates smoothly. The interior of the car feels like it should cost about $5K more. All this with the practicality of a hatchback.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

cheap thrills

Isenbergh, 09/14/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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4.88 out of 5 stars

Solid and stylish and fun to drive

Johno, 05/25/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Loving this car. I've had it for 1/2 a year now and it still feels and looks brand new. It's very roomy for a compact. (I'm 6'5" and there are still a few inches of room above my head.) My biggest gripe with the car is the road noise. It's invasive at times. There's no wind noise and the engine is quiet and responsive and the car handles extremely well. My last car was a 1990 Mazda MX-6 and it performed well for 14 years with minimal repairs. I'm hoping this car will last as long.

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5 out of 5 stars

Nearly perfect!

Dan, 03/30/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was debating between a (Toyota) Scion TC and a Mazda 3. After researching, testing, and spending some time with each car, my only regret is that I wasted so much time with the TC. I settled on a 2004 3s (2.3 engine and trim extras). The quality of the parts and build is simply amazing for a car in this price range. If you spent 10 minutes in either car, the difference is night and day. Anyone in the market for a sedan under 25k should look everywhere else first, then when you see this car you'll be even more amazed at what they offer you for the price. For the gas mileage people: i'm getting BETTER than rated (i'm at 28/35) at 1,300k...so it's not even broken in yet!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Zoom-Zoom!

Luvin the Zoom Zoom, 08/24/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a great car! I love driving my Mazda3. It has more get-up-and-go than my previous car, which was a V6. I have gotten tons of compliments on the way the car looks on the inside and the outside. A great sporty car with tons of room and safety features!

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my Mazda!

Kec5142, 06/21/2008
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I haven't had a single problem with this car. It runs like a champ and looks great. I have kept my car in excellent condition and I keep up with routine maintenece so it runs like it does. I love this car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Very Pleased with 1st Mazda Top Notch

Christian, 09/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Recently bought my 3 and I am very happy with it. I have put about 1800 miles on it. Handles great, decent brakes (like to squeak when backing out of driveway). Hatch is very roomy, I am in the process of moving and it has been able to carry everything so far. The fog lights are useless, not worth buying on the 4 door; come standard on 5 door. I love the styling, projector headlights, euro style tails. Visibility is excellent, back seat a little tight for taller people, good for average height. Can't wait for the speed edition coming next year; do I hear TURBO ALL WHEEL DRIVE? Look out econo cars....

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5 out of 5 stars

car of my own

mags84, 03/31/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The mazda 3 has never disappointed me in the 5 months of owning it, easily the best car I have driven in terms of handling, performance on and off the highway, and overall style.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car For Anyone

Tony, 06/21/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for 4 months, and it has been great. Reliable, quick, economical, and good looking. What more can you ask for?

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2005 3S

bamark, 09/14/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for about 6 months now, and it is a very reliable, responsive and fun car to drive. The metallic red turns heads, the interior is well done, and gas mileage has averaged 27 combined with the 2.3 .

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5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous Car

Gary, 09/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Mazda 3 wagon is the coolest car I have ever owned. It is fabulous and I would highly recommend it. It drives like a sports car; it has ample room for passengers and gear. On a recent road trip I consistently got 33-35 mpg. (typically, 27 around town.) Yet is has plenty of power and cruises very comfortably while relaxing and listening to the CD.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent vehicle

Ed Weissman, 06/30/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Not only is this car a head-turner, it's the most fun to drive vehicle I've ever owned. Combine this with decent gas mileage (yes, there are economy cars with better mileage, but but they also have less low end torque). The auto trans is extremely smooth, the handling tight without being 'go-kartish', the suspension taut but still comfortable enough for highway driving.

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5 out of 5 stars

It's in the details

Unbreakable, 09/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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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4.63 out of 5 stars

3i

jim, 07/01/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i chose the 3i because i commute around 65 miles a day to work. the 2.0 liter engine is suprisingly powerful tip-tronic is a fun little feature for those of you that don't want the hassle of driving manual all the time, but still want that little extra oomph on the highway. not to mention its fun! interior is so roomy for its class suspension is tight and responsive, may be a bit rough for the casual driver

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5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful Car

Shaboom, 04/01/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am a mature male professional who enjoys cars and has owned many varied makes and models over the years. This Mazda 3 S is one of the best cars I have ever owned. I considered many alternatives this time, from Mini to Saab 9-3 to Nissan Z. All things considered, the Mazda 3 is far and away the wisest choice. My car has just about every available option and every accessory, (even after-market heated seats) other than the Navigation system. Really impressive styling, both inside and out and the black perforated leather makes the interior.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I just bought it but I already love it

Jeff, 07/02/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

People are so in love with their cars and with this car I'm no exception. I bought a base "s" -- no options at all -- and it is still a lot of car! Power locks, windows, tilt and telescope wheel, keyless entry, GREAT stereo, etc. And the engine is fantastic. You really need to be in above 4k RPMs before it really kicks in, but that is pretty normal for all them 2ish liter 4 cylinders that get max power aroun 6-7k RPM. And when it kicks in it really kicks. Keeping it in third around town and in fourth on the highway keeps the RPMs at a very responsive level. etc. etc. Also it's quite roomy by small car standards, but I would't take a long trip with large men in the back!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Auto Experience

Sageking, 07/01/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I live in Puerto Rico, which has winding roads, hidden roads, streets aren't in the best shape. This car is absolutely up to the task. I have had this car for 5 months now, its a beauty to look at. Its great fun to drive, sometimes I look for side roads just to be able to put that suspension to the test. The accelaration is great almost gave me whiplash the first time I rushed out after light change. The Mazda 3 is an absolute must to test drive. The SP23 has a rich cabin filling sound by Bose. Enough space in the glove compartment to store small appliances. I test drove Corolla and Civic and this car is ALOT more bang for the buck, motors cannot be compared, the MAZDA3 beats them both.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Buy

red69viper, 07/05/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For anyone considering a vehicle around 20 grand this is the car for you. Plenty of Zoom Zoom with reliability and, with the hatchback, plenty of storage space. Love this car.

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5 out of 5 stars

ZoomZoom

Scott, 10/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have the 05 Mazda3s 4 door and I love it. It's nice on the inside and out and fun to drive. I'm 18 and commute to college on Long Island. I get compliments on it all the time and with the JL audio speaker upgrade and the addition of subs and a 2000 watt amp really makes the difference. I have neon under the dash and in the side door panels with lambo doors. 15% tint all around really looks great on the silver. I got new 17" rims and put the stock tires back on because they were fine. For around $22K with $5K in add ons you can't beat it. I will have this car for a while.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great car for everyday...almost perfect

QuickTurn, 07/05/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although it's on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldn't tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.

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5 out of 5 stars

2005 Mazda M3 - all around great car

Ben, 07/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just bought a new, off the lot, M3 from a local dealership. My motive to buy was to own a more economical vehicle - i was driving an F150. This vehicle handles great. I got the sport package which comes w/ 17" wheels - it really grips the road. It performs much better than my needs, and also cruises on the interstate very comfortably. The external styling is superb, w/ a noticable euro-style feel to it. The interior features are also great, although just a step up from adequate. It has a super sharp feel and look when sitting in the driver's seat - all primary and 2ndary controls are at easy reach and visible. Overall I am extreemly pleased with the purchase.

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5 out of 5 stars

Still Lovin' It!

mubutterfly, 04/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my 3i fully loaded for almost a year now. I still love it! So much fun to drive, around town or on long trips it's done well. Performs great in the Arizona heat as well, AC cools down quickly, though it could get colder a little faster. Accelerates great on freeways, perfect for speeding around the snowbirds. Overall I have no complaints about the car. Maintenance experience has been great with the dealership, and had no problems to take it in for.

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4 out of 5 stars

Overrated

Eddie Money, 10/21/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Continually amazed by great performance

DARIN, 07/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car can be summed up in one word - tight. It is one well built car, and I knew this the minute I shut the door after the first test-drive. It drives circles around the Civic. The interior is roomy, and all the gauges are fun to look at. This car is the Swiss Army knife of cars, it can do so many things. Coming from a VW, this car is light years ahead of VW in performance, and reliability. Just in case, Mazda includes a 5 year, 50,000 warranty. The engine just purrs. I have a manual, and is it so fun and easy to shift. If you are looking for reliability, great looks, and some power to haul the family around with, the M3 is it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Car Washing Is Fun Again!

Sh0kker, 07/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When the car was introduced in 04, I knew I'd own one. I waited for any "beginner" bugs to be worked out & bought the GREAT reviewed 05 model. To date, I have no complaints. The style, the power & the extras can't be compared with any other car in the $20k range. I also looked at the Civic, Corolla, Focus, Matrix & Jetta. It may get beat in gas milage, but the other cars are boring & plain. Besides, I see a few dozen of those other cars on the road everyday. This car is a head- turner. I go hiking, The Sport AT transmission is great for climbing the big hills & it makes it FUN. Lots of cargo room. The exterior/interior styling is great. Lots of room for my sports stuff & the kids stuff!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

SP23 is a Great Start

Norman Fowler, 10/22/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my SP23 Mazda 3 Hatchback now for seven months. It was the most difficult new car I ever purchased because it is a limited edition model. With that said it was worth the effort and time. My Mazda dealer was great and worked very hard to secure this car. It is a very fun car to drive but could use more horsepower. The carpets are real low grade and that was a surprise. The Bose sound system is awesome and the standard features of this car are worth the price of the car. Best value for the dollar. Plenty of storage space and with the split rear seats you have plenty of options. Need to make available more choices of of exterior colors.

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5 out of 5 stars

value with zoom

andy lyon, 07/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The new mazda 3 five door special edition makes the 3 an even more enjoyable delight to drive. Grab hold of the leather bound three spoke steering wheel, press your body back into its supple leather, and turn on the seat heater. You would think that you where in a new 3 series bmw. The value of this amazing machine is far beyond anything else in the market today.

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5 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom....OH YEA!

londonblue007, 07/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I totally love this car. My brother actually wants to drive it over his Miata with a brand new mazdaspeed engine in it...go figure. Awesome handling, great for pulling high speed corners on New England on/off ramps. Drove to Virginia and back getting 35 mpg on regular gas! I am still in college, and this is the perfect car for someone who is on a budget but wants a new, stylish, sporty car that is reliable. Still runs just as good now, as it did 18 months ago, and it has 28,000 miles on it! I love the looks I get from people when I drive around campus or into Boston....so many people are shocked to see the Mazda symbol....Zoom Zoom!

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5 out of 5 stars

My favorite car

Seva Popov, 10/27/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was shopping among more expensive cars like Acura TSX and Subaru Legacy when my attention was captured by the Mazda3. Immediately I liked the Mazda3 looks from the outside and the contemporary design inside the Mazda3 cabin. I did a test drive of Mazda3 and fell in love with it. I've been enjoying it for three months now. Mazda3 is a very fun to drive. I am very happy with my decision to buy it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom Zoom!!!

Napster, 07/17/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in my Protege5 for the Mazda3 Special Edition. What a find! Excellent handling and an interior that belongs on cars costing twice this amount. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Find a dealer with a Special Edition and make an offer.. Then Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

fun 2drive, poor MPG with 2.3L engine

Andre, 07/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2005 Mazda3s hatchack. Pros: good looking car, fun to drive, good output above 3000 rpm, good handling, does not lean much in corners, assembled in Japan, warranty 48 months. Cons: poor gas mileage with 2.3L engine (regardless if MT or AT), poor visibility, cupholder position for MT owners, low rpm torque is absent, soot on exhaust pipe, soot on sparkplugs, brake dust, dust & dirt & scratches shows easily on interior, windshield wiper control is too busy with too many functions (hard to turn the damn wipers off). Underdimensioned catalyzer for the 2.3L engine?

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great car

Chuck, 10/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Needed a car for back & forth to work but wanted something a little different & fun to drive. Well my Mazda 3 was it. I love the front grill, 17" tires, sport tranny, & steering wheel controls for radio & cruise. The 2.3 engine really moves & the handling is great. Interior quality is much better then my '03 Jetta. Trunk space was a little small even with the hatchback, but my golf clubs fit so I'm happy!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great deal for a great car

t. p., 07/20/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My first new car purchase. I've had this car for 3 weeks now and it is great. I enjoy driving it everyday (plus you don't feel so bad b/c it gets very good gas mileage). Mine has ABS/sideairbags, moonroof, 6 disk, tpms, 5 spd, xenon,step plates, wheel moldings and diffuserplate. I would suggest finding one with ABS/airbags b/c tests show poor side impact ratings w/o sideairbags. ABS brakes feel great stopping the car. Step plates are good cheap option for protecting rear bumper. I would not suggest buying arch moldings or diffuser since they are non- functional. Ride is firm which I like. I highly recommend this vehicle. Get the stick if you can; manumatic will not allow downshifting as i wish

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4.5 out of 5 stars

superfun, but poor mpg w 2.3L

x519178, 07/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Pros: good looking car, good output at 3000+ rpm, good handling, doesn't lean much in corners, fun to drive. Cons: poor gas mileage, brake dust, cupholder in the way of shift stick, absent low end torque, poor visibility

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4.63 out of 5 stars

In limbo...

imnmpbaby, 07/27/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had been looking at a Mazda 3 for about a year, and finally purchased mine back in May- it's beautiful and gets a lot of looks around town. Moving from a Pontiac Grand Am GT1 to this car took a bit of getting used to, but I really enjoy my new car. If they could fix the AC problem with this model, this car would be absolutely perfect!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great commuter car, Good for tall people

twozeroone, 07/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2005 Hatchback Automatic 2.3S. Great little car. Fun as can be to drive alone on long windy roads with lots of tight turns. Very good handling, similar to BMW. Built extremely well with many stock features. I am about 6'3" tall and had a tough time finding a car I was comfortable in which was good on gas. I drove the 5 speed and was a little tight due to the clutch, but the automatic has a perfect spot where the clutch would be that is empty and I can extend my legs all the way to the fire wall. Great car for tall people like me. The seats hold you in position good on fast turns.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

More fun than a Civic or Corolla

gantw, 10/30/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Mazda3 after owning two Honda Civics and a Toyota Corolla. The Mazda feels like a race car in comparison: peppy 2.3L engine, strong 4-wheel disc brakes, quick steering, precise clutch/ shifter, and firm suspension/tight handling. I plan to drive my car in autocross races -- its handling is that good. On the flip side, my Mazda3's build quality is poor compared to Honda or Toyota standards. After just four months and 5,000 miles, my car has more rattles in the dash and doors than one of my Civics had after eight years and 110,000 miles! My car's fuel economy (2.3L engine/manual trans./moderate throttle) has been 25-27 mpg city (A/C on) to 30-31 mpg city (A/C off).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome!

Ali, 07/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have only had this car for a month but I ABSOLUTELY love it. It's wonderful and gas is great. I'm so happy with my purchase!

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5 out of 5 stars

The best small car under 20,000

Joel D. , 07/28/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I chose the Mazda 3s 5-door hatchback for a number of reasons.It is practical and more dramatic-looking than the sedan. It's delightful to drive and pleasing to look at both inside and out.It has a commodious cargo hold. The most exciting thing about this cabin is the list of available options including navigation system, Xenon HID headlights side curtain airbags, and a tire- pessure monitoring system. Mazda 3 brings exciting features to the class of economy cars. On the road, the 3 has enough power to please an econo- excitement. The car handled twisted road with ease. It has a firm suspension. The seats are supportive, and with telescoping/tilt wheel, it's easy find a driving position.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great purchase

Mazda3 for fun, 04/18/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
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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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4.75 out of 5 stars

Canadian Mazda

oksana, 10/31/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just an excellent small car! So fun to drive! Beats my old 316 (to my surprise). Zips around the city, good and steady on the highway, get better mileage than manual claims.

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5 out of 5 stars

Mazda3 rules

yoda, 08/02/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I want to say that I love this car. I bought mine with a special package. I see that I'm the only Mazda3 out there that has Injen Intake system in it and dual chrome exhaust pipes. I still love this machine no matter what. For the review, it handles very well. Far better than my old car. Boxy. I love the space it has in front for the driver and passenger. I love how they made the Mazda3 with the controls for the radio and CD player on the steering wheel with the cruise control as well. I also like that this Mazda3 has more than 2 cup holders. More storage space. The most comfortable seats ever.

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