Mazda 3

Name: 2005 Mazda 3
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Mazda3 is among the most well-rounded models in the small car category. It is quieter, rides more comfortably, and is more agile and fuel efficient than its Protegé predeccesor. Moreover, it returned very impressive fuel economy, especially for a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle with an automatic transmission. The Madza3's very good interior quality stands out in a category where many vehicles are cheaply finished. However, rear-seat room and trunk space are relatively tight. The Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test when configured without side- or head-protection airbags.

2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Mazda 3

vs. Similar Cars

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Chrysler PT Cruiser

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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2005 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2005 Mazda 3

$3,325 - $4,325

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

$3,025 - $3,700

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,975

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,200

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Civic

$3,175 - $5,575

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Insight

$3,500

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Hyundai Accent

$2,925 - $3,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Hyundai Elantra

$2,850 - $3,300

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Kia Spectra

$2,975 - $3,050

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $12,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Nissan Sentra

$2,775 - $3,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Pontiac Vibe

$4,075 - $4,625

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Saab 9-2X

$3,175 - $3,425

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,925

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Scion tC

$3,325

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Scion xA

$3,300 - $3,350

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Scion xB

$4,100 - $4,150

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Subaru Impreza

$3,400 - $10,400

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Suzuki Forenza

$2,800 - $2,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Corolla

$4,525 - $4,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Matrix

$4,100 - $4,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Prius

$4,900

EPA MPG 56 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Golf

$3,250 - $4,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,975 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo V50

$3,600 - $3,775

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (148 hp)
2.3-liter 4 (160 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Mazda3 is offered in sedan or hatchback forms. The sole engine is a carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is now available. The interior is nicely furnished and features a new infotainment system that drivers interact with by using a screen exclusively through a rotary knob. Handling is still nimble but less sporty than in the previous 3. Mazda has improved the ride; it’s firm, but absorbs impacts well. The cabin is relatively quiet and nicely finished. There is an available Driver Monitoring System that watches the driver's face and sounds an alert to warn of fatigue. For 2021 a new 2.0-liter became the base engine, and a much more powerful 2.5-liter turbo is optional. The latter is coupled to all-wheel-drive. The 2.0-liter engine was dropped in 2023. ACC is standard for 2025.

2014-2018

2014 Redesign Year

Available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback, the Mazda3 is a joy to drive, thanks to super-sharp handling, sprightly yet efficient engines, and smooth transmissions. Mazda's entry-level car also offers a number of features normally found on luxury cars, including a modern infotainment system; it is controlled by a console-mounted knob and can be somewhat frustrating. Optional active safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are standard on Touring and Grand Touring trims, a nice touch. Ride comfort takes a back seat to sporty handling and interior noise levels are a bit high. A 2017 update brought some improvement, as well as more features. The four-door hatchback has a good sized trunk, while the hatchback offers more flexibility; both have a somewhat cramped rear seat for the class.

2010-2013

2010 Redesign Year

With its 2010 reboot, Mazda3 remained one of our top-scoring small cars. Just as with its predecessors, this version of the Mazda3 is gifted with agile handling and a well laid out passenger compartment hosting quality materials. Still, while the interior is upgraded, the rear seating area remains a bit tight and road noise is somewhat pronounced. Stability control became standard for all trim lines beginning with the 2011 model year. For 2012, Mazda added a new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine and that boosted fuel economy to an impressive 32 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission. A blind-spot detection system was made available for 2012.

2004-2009

2004 Redesign Year

Available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the Mazda3 holds the distinction of being one of the better small car choices. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Protege, it features strong and refined four-cylinder engines, along with precise, responsive handling and a firm, but comfortable ride. Interior quality is very good, though the cabin is noisy and the rear seat somewhat tight. If you're shopping in this model year range look for one with the available curtain airbags, as the Mazda3 received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without them. These were added as a standard feature for the 2009 model year, along with side airbags. Uplevel Touring and Grand Touring models have standard stability control, starting in 2007; these are the versions to get.