Used 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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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.
Makes Sense
william, 01/20/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got a good model year-end deal on a silver 3 with leather and moon roof. Very happy with car. Everything seems solid and well thought out. Very quick, handling is precise and firm. Not sure about low-profile tires that came on car - they seem a bit noisy and not sure how much they add to performance. Otherwise, car is very quiet, with just the right amount of auditory feedback from engine. Slight flaw on placement of brake and accelerator pedals - a bit too close for large feet. Good for 'heel and toe' but it's easy to hit the brake when you're doing normal shifting. Taking some getting used to. Mileage has been less than expected, but the car and I are still getting to know one another.
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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.
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.
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!
Mazda 3s 5 door BEST in class!
GTPONY, 05/14/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Though I have only owned the car 3 weeks, I am astounded at the quality, performance, styling and value of this car. The car i9s tight and rigid, no rattles, and exits the freeway FLAT. The automatic has a manual shift "tip" option that's great! The 2.3 is the same engine in the Mazda 6 and really MAKES THIS CAR MOVE. This is a sporty, quick, tight car... not an econobox. I agree with the consumer and car magazines.. this car is best in class! Any downsides? Well the car has 17inch low profile tires, so you do feel and hear the road somewhat... but personally I like the feedback and response the tires give me.
Fun and Stylish
DognPony, 04/07/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun compact that begs you to thrash it! Powerful (but thirsty) big 2.3L engine gets you there in a hurry ... great handling, and the looks of my 5 door turns a lot of heads. For $18,000 it's loaded with most of the goodies (everything but GPS and leather in mine). You really won't believe how much fun this car is!
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
fun, fun, fun on the autobahn
Rocky, 12/21/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We also own a fairly loaded 2.5 X Type Jaguar. The Jag. has been trouble free and extreemly nice on the road. However my 3 is the car I drive the most. I have 5 door that has everything except the nav. system. It has been trouble free, a lot of fun and constantly brings lots of good comments.
best hatchback for $20k period!
logan42, 12/24/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Beats the stuffing out of the Focus, GTI, Matrix, PT Cruiser, Hyundia, Kia, you name it! I never thought I'd be able to own a car this nice for under $30,000.
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!
A Fun Value
Reader, 01/04/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After 11 months and 14,500 miles, I'm still extremely happy with this car. I have an automatic, with ABS, and sunroof. It's fun to drive and surprisingly comfortable, even on long highway trips. Mazda's done a great job in developing a car that is both fun and practical. That's not to say it's a perfect car as it does have some minor problems - but for the money, it's 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.
zoom zoom
lhixson, 09/14/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall fun car to drive, you can feel the quality thats built into this vehicle. has a lot of options not offered by competitors of small wagons.
My ideal car
Clare, 01/16/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove several vehicles in this segment and none had the feel of the Mazda3. It genuinely feels like a far more expensive car. It is a real treat to drive and own. I highly recommend this car.
I love my Mazda3
Jess, 01/16/2008
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I decided to buy myself a birthday gift in 2005 and got this car. It had all of the features I wanted and is the best looking hatchback on the market. It is so much fun to drive and has never had a single mechanical issue in 2.5 years! I will drive this car for many many years, even if I could afford a higher performance vehicle. I mean it isn't as much fun to drive as a Lotus Exige S, but for a hatch that can easily fit snowboards (and a bunch of furniture from Ikea) it is the best option!
The Mazda 3
Adam Joseph, 01/22/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mazda3, with its sleek exterior design, and its luxurious interior design make this car worth buying. The exterior design is both fun and mature, appealing to young and mature adults. Handling busy New York City traffic, with the automobile's abrupt stops, and their many attempts to cut in front, is so much less stressful with a Mazda 3. The car becomes an extension of your arms and legs. The anti-lock brake system has helped me avoid many accidents because of its amazing ability to stop you right on time. The acceleration and easy steering work together to help maneuver your car in and out of thick traffic. You will never be late for work again. It has helped me in and out of NYC!
cup of tea
bl fong, 09/14/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great handling, excellent brakes. Steering feel excellent -- you steer, it turns! Very good ride even with 50 series tires. No ABS brakes, excellent modulation. I got the auto transmission; spouse request. Very good from a stoplight. Seats and steering wheel infinitely adjustable and comfortable. Stereo 6 CD changer very nice. very little brake dust on wheels. Glove box huge! My golf clubs will fit in back. Rear seats tight -- exit/egress lacking. I would buy again!
Great Econo-box
Gone Ron, 02/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
Mom's Zoom
barnatcb, 02/19/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazda's. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, that's what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people, early 20's, and they're jealous of my ride. Don't worry, I let my son borrow it too. He's looking for a Mazda Speed down the road, so we're definitely a Mazda family now.
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.
Love the look
Pamela, 05/20/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was captivated by the exterior of the Mazda3 hatch. I had been to Europe before purchasing the car and I liked the the look of many cars there. The Mazda3 looked almost European. The power windows and keyless entry float my boat. I'm not used to luxury. The disappointing 24 mpg city surprised me. My very old Toyota Corolla did better than that. The suspension is a letdown. When taking turns I don't feel the tightness of a former Honda Accord. It's very similar to the Corolla. The price at $18,300 is reasonable. "Winning Blue" is an eye popper.
BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY
ROBERT, 08/03/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives great, this 2.3 engine is fast with the 5 speed. Nice looking for a 5 door. Close ratio gears makes it easy to shift.
Best Hatchback ever
x2choctaw, 03/23/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving my new Mazda 3. It has so much more power than my recent car and it handles so well in the corners. There is nothing that I can find wrong with this car.
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.
No More Minivans!
FL Mom, 04/03/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car! I traded in my minivan because I was sick of spending $70+/week on gas. The handling, design and driving experience are all top notch. The 5- speed is very responsive and gives excellent control. I average just under 30 mpg in mixed driving, with A/C on most of the time (I live in FL). The hatch is surprisingly roomy inside: my 2 kids have ample room in the back, and the hatch has plenty of room for groceries and backpacks. The dash is very attractive, with logical controls. My only real beef is with the horn: wimpy and high pitched. I don't trust that it would grab the attention of other motorists in an emergency.
You can't beat this wagon
Joseph Kirk, 04/17/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle so far, Like the mpg/horsepower tradeoff, but with current prices for gasoline, wish it got a few more mpg. Can't wait to get it on an open deserted road to test out the V-rated tires.
Great Experience
Bryan, 05/20/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has turned a couple 34+ year olds with two children into the youthful spirits we had be yearning for. The car is fun to drive. I have experienced few better handling cars. The 5-door's styling turns heads everywhere we go. Lower the windows, pull back the sunroof..adjust the leather seats, switch to manual transmission mode..turn the 6-disk stereo up and...zoom,zoom.
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).
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
What a blast
kmh030, 08/11/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This thing is so much fun to drive. Get the 2.3 motor (not the 2.0). It is so much fun to drive everyday. I couldn't ask for more car at $18,600. It's well built, handles like a dream, quick off the line and you can fit a piano in the back. Big strong brakes and a great chassis offers a stiff yet surprisingly smooth ride. The automatic transmission could be a bit more smooth but it's not bad. It boots around the city and whips easily into any parking spot. On the down side the seats are not comfortable. The seat hurts after 1.5 hours and it gets worse. I'm going to buy an aftermarket seat. The cockpit ergonomics could be better too. But I don't care and you shouldn't either.
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!
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.
New class
european, 05/25/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked at the Mazda3 because it is built on the new Ford Focus platform. I owned a 03 Focus and loved the sporty chassis...and sadly the new Focus has not been released in the US yet. When I drove the Mazda3 I was amazed at how accomplished the vehicle was and it definitely has gone up a class into semi-luxury while still being fun and sporty to drive. I travel to the UK frequently on business and read the discerning journalism on cars. The Mazda3 is highly rated along with the new Focus.My experience has supported that and I am now a proud owner of the 2.3 hatchback.
Wonderful car, except...
T Block, 01/09/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is awful in the snow and on ice. Sporty performance, fun to drive, roomy and a very efficient interior, cool looking dash at night, and I believe one of the best exterior designs on the road regardless of price. I love this car. I know I could get better mileage if I drove it conservatively, but what's the fun in that?
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.
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.
fun
cjb, 03/24/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun car to drive, peppy engine that loves to be pushed and comes alive at higher rpm`s. Gas mileage is so so with a heavy right foot even with a stick shift. If you live in a snow belt you better save $600 for a good set of snows as the Goodyear all season stink in winter driving. Cheap to insure.
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.
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
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)
Great Value for your money!
Sp23Freak, 08/05/2006
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You cannot find a better value for your money. My Mazda3 SP23 is fully optioned, with the exception of a Nav system. For under $21K you get 4-50 bumper to bumper warranty, leather, heated seats, power everything, ABS, tire pressure warning system, auto headlights, automatic windshield wipers, 6-CD Bose system, front/rear airbags, Xenons, LED taillights, polished 17-inch rims, power moonroof. It's optioned like a Lexus for less than half the price. So far very reliable; unique styling - get more comments from passers-by on this car than I get for my medium quasar blue metallic '92 Corvette...go figure.
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.
Mazda 5 door 2.3L
Dennis, 04/25/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 49,000 miles on mine and it has been terrific so far. Very fun to drive, the only glitch has been that the tire pressure warning light has been stuck "on" for some time although I have confirmed no tire pressure problems and actually gone to a new set of tires. Don't want to pay the dealer an arm and a leg just to make the light go out. Anyway, a great little car and I laugh at the guzzling SUVs when I accelerate by.
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.
A Good Hatchback in the Long Run?
psychoart, 05/17/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not quite a Golf GTI GLX (VR6).It's doesn't feel as comfortable, and as responsive as the VW 4th Generation. Yet, the Mazda3 SP23 may be a better car to keep in the longer run with Xenon HID w/ manual leveling control, some rear LEDs, Bose system, automatic front wiper, audio and cruise controls in the steering wheel, and aluminium 2.3L chassis. The car is somewhat customizable with some aftermarket parts, yet may retain better reliability than the Golf IV in the electronic segment. The engine setup is very strange, and maybe good for some user.At 1k rpm to 2k rpm, the car seems to be on extreme saving mode.It's only near 5k rpm where the car STARTS to kick in. The trunk is well organized.
This car zips, errr, zooms
AtlOutlaw, 10/18/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a second vehicle, I have an f 150 supercrew as well and I needed something with better gas mileage for around town. I haven't driven my truck in over a week, I love this car so much! It handles very tight and sporty, it has amazing pickup, and it looks great! The gas mileage is a little over double my truck (I'm getting almost 30mpg in mixed city/hwy driving). Plus, I routinely leave behind the tricked out imports in my area. The car is fully loaded, leather, automatic with sport mode, xenon and tpms, rear bumper step plates, autodimming mirror with compass/thermometer, cargo mat and net. It's easy to park, rides pretty smoothly and looks great!
BEST CAR MAZDA EVER MADE
DNOBLE, 10/27/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR IS THE BEST CAR I'VE EVER BUILT.
Mazda 3 rulez!!!!
Mazdamania, 11/03/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best handling car I've driven besides the BMW! It's amazing! I love the performance and the style. It's very aerodynamic and again the best handling car out there for the bucks. Plus it's fun to drive and great for cutting corners. This is a must have for anyone who seeks a car like BMW and cost 1/3 the price of the the BMW.
Far Out
Brian, 07/07/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing! For the money, you can't go wrong. It feels, looks, and handles like a car worth much more money. On the test drive I caught myself grinning like a little kid and I'm almost 59! My wife likes it two and we are having a ball! Go for it!