Used 2005 Mazda 3 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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High Mileage Club!
John Henry Johnson, 09/15/2020
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 for 15 years and 3-1/2 months! My total mileage is a whopping 414,565! - original engine and no modifications. I replaced the clutch twice and have never had a flat tire (having gone through numerous sets, thence, the high mileage). My car is the 5-door hatchback with saddlebrown leather seating. This car was made for me! I will turn 61 years old on October 29th. I will by saying that my car - Starscream - is fast, very maneuverable, and comfortable on the road.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Stay Away
AngryMazxa, 11/23/2009
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 1 year old hatch with 24,000 miles, with 50,000 now, I have had to replace the engine and transmission linkage. I had an Explorer with less problems and that is saying something. Buyer beware of this one.
2005 Mazda 3 for sale near you
3 of 29 listings
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,499306 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,500758 mi away
- i SedanMSRP: $4,995829 mi away
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Great Car!
bfong, 09/03/2008
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Adequate power for 2.3 liter, regular gas a plus. I get 25 mpg 60/40 city - on long trips I get 31 mpg hwy. Front seats are very good once all the adjustments are made. Stock Goodyears are worn out at 33k miles. I'll replace them with Yokohamas s-drive. Excellent steering feel. Mazda3 handles on rails. Get abs brakes, great feel but not the ultimate stopping power. Audio and cruise control on steering wheel. I added a louder horn for better sound. Slight vibration with 4A tranny at idle-still shifts good. Air conditioner kicks out sometimes-a quick flip of the fan speed switch turns it back on. Remote alarm ONLY beeps on lockup. It's quiet when you unlock it. nice.
Park it in the Winter
mike volsch, 12/05/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this car throughout the summer and fall months. Gas mileage is great, fit and finish are of good quality and it looks great. But I have found its downfall. Without a doubt this is the worst car I have ever driven in ice/snow. If a hill gets in your way you better better have up a good head of steam because if you don't you will be going backwards. A set of snow tires on it may help but without them this car goes to the garage until the sun shines and the grass is green.
Bang for the Buck - Knock on Wood
Master D, 08/16/2005
2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Okay fellas ... It would be a wise investment for the safety of all to purchase a set of winter rims and tires as most of us above the 49th parallel understand that there are different compounds and characteristics of rubber that suit different temperatures and environments. The M3 has great curb appeal, well laid out interior - with excellent visibility ( the rear head rests can be removed easily and replaced as needed), excellent fuel mileage when driven decently, excellent handling and acceleration for highway passing. Overall one of the best improvements by a manufacturer in the economy/4cyl class - hope it holds true to my experiences so far ... knock on wood!