Used 2005 Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews
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High Mileage Club!
John Henry Johnson, Rogersville, AL, 09/15/2020
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
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- Reliability
- Value
Stay Away
AngryMazxa, 11/23/2009
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.
Bang for the Buck - Knock on Wood
Master D, 08/16/2005
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!
Love it, love it, love it!
Bill, 03/08/2006
Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
In 25 years of car owning, this is by far the most fun car I have ever owned. After nearly two years of ownership, I still cannot believe I paid well less than $20k for a car that drives like a sports car. Acceleration is great, it's comfortable and quiet on my daily 45-minute combined city and highway commute (on which I average 29 MPG). I would buy this car over again in a minute. Previous cars: Two Accords, a Golf, and Rabbit.
Style but serious flaws
rconn2, 03/12/2005
Mazda 3 SP23 Special Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just bought the 2005 Special Edition Mazda3, with SP2 Security Package, Moonroof and Navigation. I have decidedly mixed feelings; am actually considering selling (and have had less than 2 weeks). Why? Despite researching and reading all I could, you don't really know until you buy. 1. There are many posts on the internet saying this car is awful in the snow... the worst they've driven in 40 years... an embarrassment. Some say it's the tires, some the wheels and tires. Who knows. 2. Fuel economy is poor -- especially with the automatic transmission. Lots of complaints here too. Like in the low 20's. 3. Consumer Reports just dropped it. 4. Nav system is featureless.
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