Average Ratings from 55 reviews
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Duncan writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback Review
ProsAgility, steering feel, styling, hatchback practicality ConsRoad noise, ride quality, rear seat space
65
Fun To Drive And Easy To Live With - As Long As You Don't Mind Road Noise — bought this car used in August 2008 with 51,800 miles on it; I've had it now for 18 months and have put about 12,000 miles on it since then. I originally wrote a review a week after I bought it but figured an update might be in order... Handling is probably this car's best attribute. It's enjoyable just to drive the 3 around town running errands, with quick, precise steering, an absurdly tight turning circle and moderate body roll. The 2.3-liter engine provides reasonable pick-up but won't win you many drag races; still, it's just fine for me. The interior is well built on the whole and looks and feels nicer than you might expect in a <$20k car. However, since I bought it a few annoying rattles have developed, mainly from the glovebox door and somewhere along the headliner, that make the car feel less solid than it used to. I've had no mechanical/maintenance issues with the car other than a burnt out signal light. My main complaint about my 3 is road noise. It's very noisy, even at low speeds; on the highway you practically need to yell to keep up a conversation. Admittedly this is partly due to what I think is a bent right front wheel on my car, but I've heard complaints about road noise from various Mazda3 reviews so I think that's a pretty consistent issue. Other lows include a jittery ride (the payoff for such good handling), and poor rear seat space, at least for anyone over 6ft tall. Otherwise, this is a sporty, practical car that looks good and is reasonably sparing with fuel (I get about 18mpg city, 25mpg combined). Definitely recommended if you enjoy driving but need something practical!
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Levi writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback Review
Prosi have loved owning this car, its an absolute blast to drive and makes the driver just really fall in love with the car. its not the fastest and it doesnt handle like a supercar but if you find yourself on a winding, twisting road, you will realize you can do nothing but smile and enjoy driving Consnothing i can think of right now....
85
Mazda3s Hatchback — test drove just about every car in its class (Civic, Corolla, etc..) and loved this one more than any other. Better handling, more responsive throttle, and smother ride update (11-6-11) i bought this car used in 08 with 31k and i have now owned this car for 3.5 years and put 80k on it in that time, maintenance and reliability have really been impressive. the biggest issues were a clutch around 95k (i live in a very hilly city, and i had modified the car to make more power so i wasnt upset that the oem clutch made it around 100k) and a set of struts around 105k (i had the car lowered for more than 50k before they went out so again, one of those parts i expected to have to replace but lasted longer than i thought) Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Joseph writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 i Review
ProsHandling, braking, ride, fuel economy, comfortable seats, transmission, styling, and reliability. ConsRoad noise, low beam headlights.
45
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saskie22 writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback Review
ProsGreat handling, lots of pep for a 4 cylinder. Lots of fun to drive. Roomy for 2 people. Good performance overall. Longest battery life ever (8yrs!!). Nice to look at. ConsSmaller backseat makes for uncomfortable travelling for anyone back there for an extended period of time. 17" rims/tires makes for horrible handling in ice/snowy weather, and you're screwed if you add any amount of incline to that kind of weather. Expensive to replace tires. Fuel economy average, but not as great as one would expect for this small of a car. 
25
Sporty, Zippy And Fun To Drive! — I fell in love with the Mazda 3 in 2004, but didn't purchase until 2005. The interior was sleek and stylish, and didn't look "cheap" like similar models (ie: Pontiac Vibe) did. When driving, you really felt you could show off the handling of this car. The build felt very solid, as you didn't hear much exterior noise. It was a little disappointing that the mileage wasn't as great as I expected, but it made up for that in the "fun" category for me. I always said that I would buy another one of these cars, however, given that Hubs & I are expecting, I'm going to look at larger Mazdas to cram a kiddo in the back seat now. Will miss this car! Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Julsm writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s Review
Prosreliable Conscrack in windshield 
20
Reliable, Nice Looking, Gas Saver — It is very clean inside and loaded with features! The steering wheel has radio control buttons and cruise buttons on it. Rides smooth and fun to drive. It is a great gas saver and looks very nice on the outside, especially with tinted windows! Primary Use: Family transportation | ||
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forevernatalyn writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 Review
Prosgood on gas, great price point, Conscompact car, not sutibale for fuller sized man. has to usually be fixed at mazda dealerships only..which can be expensive compared to mom and pop auto repairs 
25
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Chris writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 s Review
ProsThe handling is excellent for a FWD car. ConsMazda paint isn't the most durable...chips turn into rust quickly, so keep on top of your 3!
35
I Like It A Lot. — The most fun car you can get in this price range. Quick, great handling, decent size, and great reliability are coming your way...straight from Japan. I liked it so much that my wife bought one as well. Only major misses is the paint is not very durable. Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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David writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 i Review
Prosbuy a Mazda.. you wont be let down !! Consthe seats are not very comfortable
25
Mazda Love — my Mazda 3 is a great car and was worth every penny. it has surprisingly good performance and the quality of the car is awesome, i have not had the car very long, but the 5000 kms ive put on the car already have been great. i love the look of the car, i would like to lower it and change a few things to make the appearance better. over all i think if your buying a new car for a good price, a mazda is the way to go. Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.) | ||
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Andrew writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback Review
ProsHandling and looks Consmileage and random problems that pop up
25
Great Car If U Have Money To Put In It — Amazing looking car, these tend to rust and this one is no acception but overall a good car. Handles like a go-kart, begs to be mod'ed but is fun even without it. Be prepared to spend some money on maintenance if you want to keep it nice and keep up with the rust! Primary Use: Commuting to work | ||
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Tom writes:
2005 Mazda MAZDA3 S Hatchback Review
Prosthe 5-speed version is a bit sporty ConsFWD sucks!!
25
Good Car For City Life, But That's About It. — Its FWD and I prefer RWD, the 5-speed is fun to drive, the 4 cylinder engine is sporty but has zero low-end power, and the thing that I hate the most on mine is that you can't turn the traction control off. Primary Use: Family transportation |
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