2005 Mazda 3 S model hatchback from North America

Summary:

Zoom zoom zoom is not a myth

Faults:

Low profile tires are expensive, but come standard on this car, so if you do a lot of miles it can add up.

Loud road noise.

After almost 79000 miles in just over 2 years, the ride is not as smooth as at 1000 miles.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, steering and handling are great. I got a ticket my first week. OOPS!

Overall, Low cost, 28 mpg on average, cheap insurance, no break downs.

You can fit a small child in the glove compartment.

I'm on the road a lot for work and I have to say, I LOVE THIS CAR!

I'm short, so the telescoping steering wheel was a nice feature.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2007

2005 Mazda 3 GS 2.0L I4 from North America

Summary:

Zoom Zoom Indeed!!

Faults:

Only one thing has gone wrong so far, and that's the EGR valve had to be replaced under warranty.

Very reliable car.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute blast to drive. The engine is really peppy, and the transmission shifts fast and smooth. Not to mention quiet. If you stall the motor, you can't even tell by listening.

The interior looks like it belongs on a way more expensive car. Center stack separates driver and passenger, looks very nice. Everything lights up red, which is very sporty.

Radio works well, should be a jack for Mp3 though, and A/C is a bit weak.

Minor faults are that it's hard to see out the back window, because of the angle of the window, and the fact the car is very low to the ground. Also the pedals are too close together. I'm always rubbing my foot against the brake while trying to press the gas.

I think that the Mazda 3 has raised the bar to insane heights with this car, Not even the new 2006 civic can match it for performance/value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2007

2005 Mazda 3 S HATCHBACK 2.3 MZR from North America

Summary:

Unique in its class

Faults:

2days after having my 1st oil change at the dealer I blew my engine at 5,000 miles. its the dealers fault. They probably used the wrong tool to take out the oil filter canister. The filter canister is plastic so be careful and use right tool. After replacing my engine everything works great and had no problems at all. Of course I started doing my own oil change after that incident.

General Comments:

This car is a great reliable car. Great car for the price. Not even comparable to any other car in the same class. This car can rip through corners with the help of the Volvo chassis on it. Why settle for a bland, old looking car if you can get one of this and pay just the same.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2007

14th Jun 2007, 00:13

There is no Volvo chassis on it. The Mazda 3 shares the Ford Focus floorpan (even if the 3 preceded slightly the current generation of Focus), which subsequently was passed on to Volvo for the current S40.

19th Jul 2008, 13:24

Perhaps it wasn't the dealers fault. A friend of mine drove an '05 Mazda 3s and the engine blew after 8k miles, despite regular oil changes.

I don't know if Mazda has a history of this, but unfortunately it has ruined my perception of the company as a whole, especially how the company dealt with the issue, and I will never consider buying one for myself.

24th Sep 2008, 23:53

The Volvo S40, the Mazda3 and certain Focuses use the same chassis.

16th Jan 2009, 13:04

Same chassis on the Mazda 3 and Volvo S40... Just a note to everyone doesn't matter the car. When driving on the highway there is more fuel consumed if your windows are open. Using the A/C for highway speeds will get you better fuel economy. Window open = more drag = more power from your engine needed to fight through the wind... Windows closed = better aerodynamics. I'm a physics teacher... I've tested this with my students on a '04 Accord Sedan.

Sincerely.

Looking for a car to build