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Used 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
126 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nothing compares

Enthusiast, 05/31/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Dismissed the Corolla outright because of its appliance-like nature. Civic seemed too unrefined in comparison, and was turned off by so-so reviews of the Cobalt. At this price range, there's nothing that even comes close to the 3. This car is simply superb! The exterior (especially of the hatchback), is distinctive; the interior is comfortable, attractive, and refined. Performance from the smooth 2.3L engine is more than adequate, and it's a joy to row through the gears. Too early to report on fuel economy, but this car begs to be driven hard, so I'm not expecting stellar mileage. Don't take my word for how great this car is - read the reviews by the professionals and test drive it!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Buying another

Matt, 05/20/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought as third car because of experiences with 8 Mazdas owned over the years. Our other cars are a Porsche Boxster and a Honda Pilot. Car was such a blast to drive it accumulated more miles than the Porsche. On May 2, 2006 the car was destroyed by an aggressive driving 18 wheeler who ran over 2 pickup trucks and then me. The speed differential was estimated at 40 mph when the truck hit our Mazda. Structure of the car did exactly what it was supposed to do and collapsed, absorbing the blow. After the crash the front doors still opened & closed perfectly. Even with most of the rear crushed the tow operator was able to drive the car on to the rollback.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Will buy the same car if I need one

crazyjerry, 06/21/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I constantly pay attention to better cars. Mazda 3 hatchback is still the ONE in this price range, best overall value for an upscale economy car. I have the strip version of hatchback with the exception of rearview mirror and mp3 player. I did not drive it hard (except break-in period), but rather lively most of the time. And this car definitely lived up to every occasion with zoom zoom, never missing a beat. It averaged 30 mpg in cold weather and 32 in warm weather, with about 70% of freeway driving, in its first 16k miles.

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4 out of 5 stars

Cheap Fun Car

Chris, 08/04/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the most fun car for the money I have had. It is not the best car you can have for any given situation but it is likely the best car for the money. Handling is great, performance is decent, the car has nice features like xenon lights, 6 disc CD etc. I don't think this car would be half as much fun without the 5 speed which makes you feel like it is going faster than it is. The wagon gives you a little more cargo but it still is a tight squeeze to get your golf clubs in with the seats up. I could have gotten a more expensive car but chose the Mazda. There are better cars out there but looking only at the car, few are better for the price

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My First Car

Dav, 06/10/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the mazda 3 is my first car. i've researched many cars and found that the 3 was the best... i browsed honda, toyota, nissan, and mitsubishi but found the mazda the best in style and comfort... i got the fully loaded S, all packages, the 4 speed automatic with sport shift mode, and the color is titanium grey.... the 3 is very roomy compared to its competitors, gas mileage is great, and the performance is great (very smooth pickup and cruise driving)... overall the mazda 3 is the best of the compact market! (to Me)

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