Used 2005 Mazda 3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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!
WOW!
DANNY, 09/07/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my '05 Mazda3s 4door. It took me by surprise when I drove it! What a fun car to drive. It handles the winding rocky mountain roads great with no slipping around corners and takes a steep hill with any SUV. I get a lot of compliments on it. the basic reaction is " WOW I didn't know Mazda had such cool cars!" Drive one, you will buy it!
Can't be beat
Chai Charin, 09/19/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
29 year old with 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2. OK, my last car was a 2001 BMW 330I with the sport package that I leased for 3 years 12,000 miles per year. For more than half of the money I am still in disbelief how much I like this car. I got mine in Rally White, added sport pkg, moon roof, auto dimming/compass/outside temp mirror,rear wing spoiler, dealer installed black leather heated seats, anit lock brakes, after market 20% tint on side and rear, 17" stock sport wheels and tires, PIAA xtreme white headlights. This car handles and drives like a 330I BMW. The sport shifter is a blast although I wish it had 5 gears; it does the trick with 4. Everything is an A+ with 29 MPG with 4,500 miles
3i Sedan
ECM56, 09/22/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have about 1500 miles on my 3i sedan with manual transmission. Mileage is good - about 33 mpg around the suburbs. It's hard to not put your foot down (which is, of course, bad for mileage) - this car begs to be driven! First car I've had in years with enough leg room (I'm 6'2") - I don't even have to put the seat all the way back. Easy to set up a good driving position with the adjustable steering wheel. Transmission has a nice feel and short throw. I have found the A/C more than adequate for my area (Virginia). Big trunk and lots of little cubbies for storing stuff (huge glove box).
Fun car
Ed, 10/03/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car less then a month ago and enjoying the heck out of it. Not totally happy with gas mileage but I heard it gets better as the engine breaks in. Got it with auto transmission and it seems to shift well. I'm in my fifties but it's very comfortable even compared to my Volvo.
I love this car
mbd007m, 10/04/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have found this to be one of the best compact cars I've ever driven. Sometimes I forget this is a compact car. It has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder. There is plenty of head room for me (6'0') in the back. I rarely ride in the back though. The suspension is firm. I have found road noise to be a little distracting, but compared to the Nissan and the Honda I've driven it is about the same. Acceleration is excellent. The car gear ratio gives you plenty of torque. When I shift I rarely have to go over 3200 RPM. I have had no problems with this car.
I love my Mazda
kcerin, 11/01/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fabulous car. Everything about it screams fun. Great, sporty handling, interior looks great. People always mistake it for a luxury car. Wouldn't trade it for anything!
ma review
Kimmerz, 11/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE this car! You will surely enjoy this vehicle but there are some drawbacks; for one you can't really pack the trunk full of things because this car can bottom out but there might just be damage that the dealership can't see that it underneath the chassis. But overall a good car.
Mazda 3s 2.3 AT
Paul Davis, 12/07/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the way the vehicle drives for a 4 cycle. Handling is great. The build quality of the vehicle is top notch.
Where's the air?
Matt Breaux, 01/13/2006
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Do the Japanese not have summer conditions? In Texas's 98 degree F weather, neither the fan has enough volume nor velocity, nor does the evaporator have enough capacity. Driver's leg room is awkward where the knee is in contact with the center console. Steering is great, shifting in manual convenient. Volume and radio controls on the wheel very nice. 1st gear leaves you desiring more. Maybe that's found in the 2.3. The trunk raises completely out of the way. Be careful with the doors when beginning to open, they don't rest until wide open, which may call for scratches and dings. Gauges are easy to read day/night. Terrible, horrible gas mileage for a 2.0L. Factory tires are low mileage.
Loving it
Rachel, 02/17/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and I am extremely satisfied with my pick. The 2.3 liter 160 horsepower is the best in its class. This car gets the job done and does it well. Always fun to drive, it's a zippy little car with an excellent turning radius. My little brother is a new driver, and he prefers driving my car over my Dad's 2005 Acura TL and my brother's Honda Accord.
Great Car
DJ, 03/17/2006
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ordered an i model with auto transmission and loaded up with almost all the options and all the safety features (wanted the smaller 4 cylinder for maximum mileage). This has been a great car so far after one year and 17k miles. Very fun to drive and have had no problems at all. Were going to get either a Civic or Corolla, but after driving the 3 it was an easy decision. I have only one real complaint that others here have have also noted regarding intermittent and rather harsh upshifting when cold at low speeds, and sluggish downshifting at low speeds. Dealer said everything was fine (of course). I'm overall very happy with this car.
Money Well Spent
b.fox, 04/05/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Would I buy this car again - you betcha! Out performs the Protege ( which was my first Mazda purchase), excellent acceleration, everything on the dash is convenient, plenty of room.
This is a good car
mtrblkd, 04/27/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car on Mother's Day weekend 2005. We have put almost 24,000 miles on it in less than a year. We love it and couldn't be happier. The car has performed beyond my expectations. My wife says it's a tad uncomfortable but I disagree. Our only complaint is trying to fit all our babies stuff into the trunk. If it is packed right it can be done though. This car looks good and drives great. For a car in this class it can't be beat.
A great car
Dan, 04/30/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love my car. I got the s with the sport package which is worth the money. The car handles like a dream and is soooo fun to drive. Although I love my car I have a few complaints. For one the carpet is cheap and slips out from corners. Another problem is that there is little protection for the interior and it scratches easily. But it's little things like this that you have to expect from economy cars. Though the minor set backs I would still choose this car over any other in its class
no regrets
John, 06/14/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great small sedan for the price. The mix of features, price, build quality and driving mannerisms far outpace anything else that's available in this class of automobile.
Best Bang For Your Buck
cah, 08/10/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a 2000 Protege. I thought I loved that car until the first time I sat in my new 3. The handling is that of a European sports car. I have received many compliments. Fit and finish is excellent. I have never been happier with a vehicle purchase.
running great and fun to drive
adam, 10/09/2006
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Mazda in March 05 and now have 33K on it. I haven't had a single problem. Only routine maintenance. It drives great and is fun to drive.
Tight Handler
zanellaii, 10/05/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle as an alternative to driving my 4x4 pick-up back and forth to work. I drove all the competition, none of which had the quality, price, power or handling of the Mazda 3s. I am most impressed with the handling of this car. It's a safety feature as much as a plus for having fun. The fit and finish is on par with some of the best cars on the market. The solidity of the body is the best in its class, period. I have never been in a small car that didn't feel like a small car until now. Everyone who rides in the vehicle, or drives it, comments on how quiet and solid it feels. The interior is also best in class. Only complaint, no electric trunk release on keyfob.
1 Year plus--and lots to like
L.A. JAFO, 11/29/2006
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife drives this car around town, but I made sure we took it on some real road trips to make sure it was solid. Am I impressed...you bet! On a 455 mile trip from LA to the Salton Sea and back through Palm Springs in 114 degree heat with the A/C on max it still did 29.2 MPG. On a 700 mile trip to Northern California using highways 101 and 1 we did 33.2 MPG. Power is very good. Handling is solid; it responds like a BMW or an Acura and when you turn the wheel, you move RIGHT NOW, no slop or lag at all. Interior space is good, and even at 6'5 I have both head and leg room thanks to the telescoping steering wheel. Trunk space is very good for big suitcases (2 of them!) or lots of groceries.
Great car
walt, 06/13/2007
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. It handles well and has a lot of features. It could do better on fuel economy in the city. Also more leg room in the backseat. Other than that, it is a fun car to drive.
Luxury and Performance
Luxury Feel, 08/15/2007
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've recently bought a used Mazda3s w/most of the options (leather, sunroof, abs w/side, spoiler, and 6 CD changer). For the price that I paid for it, I feel like driving a luxury vehicle. It handles great and has an appealing look. The leather feels so comfortable. I actually slept in my the car, learned it was more comfy than my previous cars. I average 26 city and 32 HW. I'm sure you can achieve similar results if you cruise as much as possible on highways and not stomp on the gas in city roads. The gas is not as good as the Civic, but everything else are lot better. I recommend test drive the 3 before considering other vehicles.
Awesome car!
Nickwad, 06/11/2007
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best cars I've ever owned. I've owned all of the Japanese brands; this one feels like a European sport sedan. Great handling, build quality and mileage. I average 28 mpg and would probably get 31 mpg if I could keep my foot off of the firewall! It's just fun to drive.
Great value
Great from A to B, 03/03/2008
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first car that I have owned and I bought it new in 2006. I loved this car for all seasons but winter. This car is horrible in the snow! The handling is great if the roads are not wet. The car is overly noisy going over puddles and water. I have no other complaints about this car besides driving it in snow/ice.
Has everything
dodo, 12/05/2010
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car new. Has everything one could want: -Great gas mileage avg 32mpg -Room for the family -Slick -and I mean slick!- manual shifter -Fun to drive -Reliable (have not had a single problem)
Zoom Zoom
M DAlessandro, 10/12/2004
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great Car!!!!
i love my car!
amanda, 06/07/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Mazda 3 about 6 months ago and have had no problems with it to date. I have found the manual trasmission to be extremelly fun to drive. I think that the ride is much smoother than a civic or corrolla... and I love the unique exterior design!
GREAT car
Jason, 03/02/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My partner and I bougt a new Mazda 3s (FULLY LOADED) and it's been just the best car I've ever owned. Love the styling inside & out.
Faster than you'd think
JT, 03/29/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about 2 months now. The first month spent breaking it in, while the second was more agressive driving. If you want a comfortable, fuel efficient, family sedan, buy this car. You can't beat it for the price. If you want an import racer... BUY THIS CAR. So far my brothers EX Civic with mods can't keep up. My brother-in-law's Integra GS-R modded out doesn't pull away like you'd think. Oh yeah, a 98 Mustang V-6 doesn't even compare. And OH YEAH... I have the 2.0 that doesn't have any mods other than I took the air silencer off. I plan on getting a cat- back and CAI VERY soon.
No Brainer
cal, 06/12/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Hands down the best value on the market. Fun to drive, turns heads, and provides plenty of bang for the buck. One test drive and you won't leave the lot without it. Looks and feels great. Low points; loud turn signal. That's it.
my new car
shantelly, 08/17/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is a great driving experience and the style is nice and sleek. otherwise, the car is great except the fuel intake. i seem to have to fill my tank three through seven days. this car burns alot of gas.
FUN CAR!!
Mike C., 10/30/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought an "i" model for an outside sales job 3 months ago and have over 10k on it already. This car has had no problems at all. Interior, stereo, handling and exterior are all better than I had in my '01 Civic. It really carves up the road if you push it. At many speeds it will not downshift without use of the manumatic and that gets a little frustrating, it has very little torque. Produces a lot of brake dust but only on the rear wheels. I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. 90% of my driving is highway and I get between 28-29 miles per gallon. My Civic alway got over 36. If you want the feel of a Bimmer on the cheap, this is the car for you!
What a LEMON!
Ihatethiscar, 01/23/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
My engine light keeps going on.The dealer fixed it three times and the engine light went off again. I think the car can't handle the cold. With 10 months & 4,000 miles, I should be ok. Car slides all over the road and won't stop on snow covered surface; mechanic blames 17 inch tires. Don't buy this lemon!
Many problems!
artiesmartie, 03/06/2005
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am very dissapointed with my Mazda3! I've had it for 6 months and I've had many problems with it. I live in Ottawa, Canada and winters here are quite cold. The car never started on the first try on a cold day, no hot air (there is a defect in all 2004's that no one knows about), there is noise when one turns (most likely from the axles), interior rattles quite often, and the biggest frustration is the vibrations from under the seat. I've been fighting with my dealership to fix these problems, but so far they do not have any clue what causes such things. The replaced my axles, brake pads, heating system, and nothing has been FIXED! Be warned about this car.
Car lighter fuse blow out
Sara, 08/22/2005
2005 Mazda 3 s 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my new Mazda 3s on Friday and by Sunday I had no turn lights, power locks, stereo console lights, tachometer lights, working keyless entry, rear defrost or A/C, and it said my parking brakes were on even though it was disengaged. The service man said "Don't go blaming the car now, this is a common problem if you plug in an ac adapter into a Pontiac, Subaru, GMC car...." All this because I used a car charger to charge my phone?!
Nice little car!
Ed, 03/02/2006
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 5 months and 6,000 miles. The mileage keeps getting better as the engine gets broken in. Is now ~35 mpg (mostly highway) with the 2.0 and 4 speed auto, and still more than 30 with some city driving. I don't like the front seat and the console that cramps my right front leg (why do all these little cars have them if they're FWD?), but it's fun to drive with very good passing acceleration and the SMOOTHEST automatic transmission of any car I've ever been in. The oil filter is not really a problem since the dealer is very reasonable on the cost (~$10 over Wal-Mart) and does an inspection, too. Nice little car!
Great car
Brandon, 05/14/2017
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Get better clutch
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05 Mazda3
McKinney Robin, 01/21/2022
2005 Mazda 3 i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought mine new in 05! Just rolled 300,000 on it and still going strong. By far the most reliable car I've ever owned.
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