2005 Mazda MAZDA3 User Reviews

Pros

Fun, manuverable, great little city car, that sips gas.

Cons

Lots of torque steer when you push the tiptronic hard

I love this car! What a great value.

Only one serious beef...the factory tires are some of the worst I have ever ridden in the snow. Imagine a front wheel drive car getting stuck in 1/2 inch of snow! I blew away the stock tires and got some real rubber from tirerack.com. Then the Mazda just ate up the snow.

I hope I still like the car this much a year from now - I ve got 7K on it now....read morehide

Pros

steering, control

Cons

too many problems

I purchased my Mazda 3 in August of 2004 and I have had so many problems with it. Every single light possible that can come on has come on (airbag lights, engine oil light, automatic transaxle light). My car has been in the shop more time then I can remember. I was told from somebody that all the 2004 models have problems because it was that year that they came out with that model.

The car overall is very good. I love driving the car when it works....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy

Cons

loud road noise

Road noise is terible. Came with Toyo tires.Bought Michlins best at a cost of $400. Road noise was improved a bit but forget the radio when traveling on the turnpike.Gauges can't be read in the daytime. Good at night.

Pros

Great Looking Car

Cons

Transmission Failure - TWICE

I have a 2004 Mazda 3 - Purchased in March 2004.
In December 2005, my transmission had to be replaced. Mazda told me they replaced it with a "New Transmission" - which they just happened to have on hand at the dealership.
January 2006 - my transmission starts playing up again. After 2 days worth of testing conducted by Mazda Australia - it has been determined that my transmission has to be replaced AGAIN - Thats TWICE in 2 MONTHS - but this time - I need to wait for a new transmission to be shipped to my dealership.
Makes me wonder if they replaced it with a new transmission in the first place.
I guess I was wrong....read morehide

Pros

Snappy little thing, handles great, brakes great, good on gas

Cons

brake dust, needs to be mazdaspeeded up (turbo), not alot of low end power.

they deffinetly could use a turbo. Low end power is not there. can't really pull out in traffic. High end power is there for what the car is. Handles amazing, brakes amazing. Overall, a good buy and by the looks of it, mazda 3's are takin over the roads...

Pros

small car with a lot of bang, it handles great

Cons

my tires wore out at 8000 and performance parts are hard to come by

the seats are comfortable even after a thousand miles non stop. it feels like you become the car and it has a forgiving clutch. there is a lot of room in the engine compartment. The car can also hold a buddy, myself and all our snowboarding gear inside quite comfortably.
I always look forward to driving it.
But I deffinetly suggest the manual and if you don't know how ask a male in your family cause it's worth it...read morehide

Pros

good fule economy great handling perfect style attractive

Cons

ride is smooth wonderful controll good size car

great design and standard car.
very good loking
great price.
great miles
very good performance
afforable for anyone special for younger adults.

Pros

Very fun to drive w/ 5 spd man. Looks great. Fuel econ v good when you drive at or below 3000 rpm.

Cons

not great in snow.

Love the car. Flawless fit, trim, and workmanship. Not a single issue in over 9,000 miles. Handling is great and very responsive. 5 speed is smooth with a very easy clutch. Fuel economy is in range of 28-31 which for me is primarily freeway. If you keep it at or below 3000 rpm's you get the best mileage.

Only klitch is the handling in snow. Not great at all. The car comes with mud and snow Goodyears (17 inch). You wouldn't know it as it is not very sure footed in snowy conditions. Truthfully, I only drove it in one snow storm so far....but the impression was not good on me.

Trunk space in the 5 - door is limited.....but I didn't buy this car to haul things. I have a Honda Pilot for that....read morehide

Simply said, I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! I went from a honda civic to this car and i have no regrets. When going into this purchase i had done research on a few vehicles and this is by far a better buy compared to the Civic and Corolla... and anything in their class.

Great Acceleration! Handles like a dream! Mileage isn't bad; depends on the driver. Has a great Sporty look! THe interior is Spectacular! This SPECIAL EDITION is great and comes with all the bells and whistles: Bose Sound System, 6 disc changer, sunroof, leath interior, 2.3L engine, etc.

I would highly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a simple car that goes a long way!!! I've had no problems with my vehicle and it's still running strong like the first day i got it!...read morehide

Pros

excellent performance, hatchback utility, FUN to drive, best value in its class

Cons

Disappointing fuel economy, ride can be a bit rough, rear visibility could be better

I've had my Mazda3 Sport for about half a year now, and it's been great. Mazda has definitely shaken up the compact car market with this car - this certainly isn't an econobox.

The 3 has excellent performance. It's really a thrill to drive. Steering is tight and precise, and the 2.3 litre engine provides plenty of pickup - even with an automatic transmission. It takes tight corners beautifully, and parking has never been easier. The car does exactly what I want it to do, when I want to do it.

I highly recommend spending the extra money and getting the hatchback. I had to move across the country a few months ago, and was amazed - AMAZED - by how much the car could hold with the seats folded down.

I have only a few minor complaints. Although the car's tight suspension contributes to its overall "sportiness", the ride can get pretty rough on bumpy roads. Also, I don't know if it's the same with the sedan, but rear visibility out of the hatchback isn't as good as maybe it ought to be.

Perhaps my biggest issue with the 3 is that I bought it with the hope that switching to a small car from an 11-year-old Mercury Sable gas guzzler would ease my pain at the pumps. Honestly, though, I don't think I've really saved all that much. It's not all that impressive on gas, and especially pales in comparison to the Civic or Corolla.

But I guess every car comes with its pros and cons, and so far it seems as though the former still outweigh the latter. The Mazda3 truly has a lot to offer, and for the money you pay, I don't think you can get anything better....read morehide