2005 Mazda 3 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mazda's compact comes in 4-dr sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan is available in base "i," midlevel "s," and uplevel "sp23" trim. The hatchback is offered only as s and sp23 models. Two 4-cyl engines are available: a 148-hp 2.0-liter for i models, a 160-hp 2.3 for s and sp23 versions. With either engine, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional. The i model has 15-inch wheels or optional 16s. The s sedan comes with 16s; 17s are included in its Sport Package option. The sp23 sedan and hatchbacks have 17-inch wheels. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and ABS are grouped in an option package for every Mazda 3. Leather upholstery is standard on sp23 and available for s. A navigation system and a package that includes a tire-pressure monitor and xenon headlights are available. Air conditioning is optional on the i model, standard on other models.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

News

A MazdaSpeed hatchback still looms as a 2006 prospect, as Mazda doesn't deny eyeing an extra-sporty 3. Unlike the recently added sp3, the MazdaSpeed should use a high-tune 2.0-liter engine, possibly turbocharged. Also likely are a handling-oriented suspension, upsized wheels, and various styling add-ons for appeal to the young "tuner car" set. This aside, the 3 is expected to carry on with no major changes through model-year 2008.

Meanwhile, Mazda seems ready to add a crossover wagon based on the global C1 platform shared among the 3, Volvo's S40/V50 compacts, and parent Ford's Euro-market Focus. Possibly labeled CX-4, Mazda's new little hauler is said to be bit larger than the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. It also targets the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevy's similar new HHR, and the '06 sportwagon replacement for the Dodge Neon. We hear CX-4, if that's the name, will have a 2.3-liter 4-cyl engine and 17-inch wheels, plus sliding rear side doors and six individual seats that can be arranged in a variety of ways. More news as it happens, so keep checking back with us.

2005 Mazda 3 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Cargo room (sedan)

Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	4	5	6	4.1

The i version's 2.0-liter is adequate for most purposes, but lacks passing punch and is noticeably slower with automatic transmission than with manual. The 2.3 provides more pep, but passing on 2-lane roads still requires plenty of room with automatic transmission and some planning ahead with manual. Automatic smooth, responsive. Manual feels precise, has short, positive throws.

Fuel Economy

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Test manual-transmission s versions averaged 26.5-27.6 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. No opportunity yet to measure with i model.

Ride Quality

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.6

All 3s have a firm suspension for good composure over all but most-severe high-speed dips and swells. Impact harshness increases with wheel size, with 17-inch tires suffering mediocre absorption on some sharp bumps, but ride is never punishing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
6	6	7	7	5.4

Among the best-handling compacts. Nimble, balanced, highlighted by precise, linear steering with good road feel and excellent directional stability. Braking is stable, though we highly recommend the option package that includes ABS among other important safety equipment.

Quietness

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4	5	4	4

Road noise noticeable in hatchbacks, better muffled in sedans, but not intrusive for the class. Same for highway wind rush. Engine note more ragged with 2.0 than 2.3. Some testers noted clunking from chassis over sharper bumps in s hatchback.

Controls

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.5

Controls generally easy to reach, though some test drivers had to stretch to reach the climate switches. Available navigation system fairly easy to use and a rare feature in this class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5

Fine 6-footer head and leg room, though taller drivers may want more of both. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel aids positioning. Chairlike seats provide fine comfort, support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

Leg room cramped with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Fine toe room under front seats in both body styles. Head room ample in hatchbacks, but taller passengers will want more clearance in sedans. Small door openings hinder entry/exit.

Cargo Room

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
2	2	2	6	3.9

Sedan's trunk is small, but has low liftover and is tall enough to provide usable space. More-versatile hatchback has standard rear cargo organizer. Both have 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold almost flat. Sufficient interior storage highlighted by a glovebox big enough for a laptop computer.

Value within Class

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
9	9	9	10	5.8

With its solid build, pleasant interior, and sporty character, the Mazda 3 is a strong competitor. It's more fun than comparable Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla models, rivaling the Jetta, Golf, and Ford Focus for driving dynamics. Add in competitive pricing, and the 3 is a worthy Best Buy.

Total Score

i w/16-in. wheels, man.	i w/16-in. wheels, auto.	s sdn w/Sport Package, auto.	s hatch, man.	Class Average
53	52	55	60	48.6

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		63

2005 Mazda 3 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/24/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

i 4-door sedan	$13,680	$12,801	$560

s 4-door sedan	$16,615	$15,537	$560

s 4-door hatchback	$17,105	$15,995	$560

sp23 4-door sedan	$18,685	$17,468	$560

sp23 4-door hatchback	$18,685	$17,468	$560

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 195/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.

s adds to i:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, cargo cover (hatchback), intermittent rear wiper (hatchback).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler (hatchback), 205/55HR16 tires (sedan), 205/50VR17 tires (hatchback), alloy wheels.

sp23 adds to s:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/50VR17 tires, polished alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
ABS/SAB/SAC Pkg.
i, s	$800	$688
Antilock brakes w/electronic brake-force distribution, front side airbags, curtain side airbags. i requires Power and Alloy Wheel Pkg., air conditioning.

Moonroof and 6-CD Pkg.
i, s	$890	$765
Power sunroof, in-dash 6-disc CD changer. i requires Power and Alloy Wheel Pkg., air conditioning.

Power and Alloy Wheel Pkg.
i	$1,400	$1,204
Cruise control, power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, illuminated entry, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels. Requires air conditioning.

Appearance Pkg. 2
i	$840	$672
Body cladding.

Appearance Pkg. 3
i	$1,070	$856
Body cladding, fog lights.

Sport Pkg.
s sedan	$490	$421
Side sill extensions, 205/50VR17 tires.

Xenon and TPMS Pkg.
s	$700	$602
Xenon headlights, tire-pressure monitor. Requires ABS/SAB/SAC Pkg. Sedan requires Sport Pkg.

Interior Trim Pkg.
s	$250	$200
Unique interior trim, premium floormats.

Security Pkg.
sp23	$1,600	$1,376
ABS/SAB/SAC Pkg. plus tire-pressure monitor, alarm, xenon headlights.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
i, s, sp23	$900	$810
i requires air conditioning.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning
i	$850	$731


Navigation system
s, sp23	$1,750	$1,505
Requires ABS/SAB/SAC Pkg., Xenon and TPMS Pkg. Sedan requires Sport Pkg. sp23 requires Security Pkg.

Power sunroof
sp23	$700	$602


AM/FM/MP3 player
i, s	$325	$260


AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
i, s	$500	$400


Leather upholstery
s	$590	$507
Sedan requires Sport Pkg.

Cargo net
i, s, sp23	$40	$32


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
i	$275	$220


Rear spoiler
sedan	$300	$240


Wheel locks
i, s, sp23	$30	$24
i requires Power and Alloy Wheel Pkg. or alloy wheels.

Alloy wheels
i	$400	$344
Requires air conditioning.

2005 Mazda 3 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mazda 3 4-door hatchback	Mazda 3 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	103.9	103.9

Overall Length, in.	176.6	178.3

Overall Width, in.	69.1	69.1

Overall Height, in.	57.7	57.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	2762	2696

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	31.2	11.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5	14.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.1	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.4	37.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.3	36.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /122	2.3 /138

Horsepower @ rpm.	148 @ 6500	160 @ 6500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	135 @ 4500	150 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	28/35	25/32

4-speed automatic	26/34	24/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mazda 3 4-door hatchback	Mazda 3 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	4	NA

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/Unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Mazda 3
Trim Level: s
Arrival Date: 02/14/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door hatchback
Transmission: 5-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $17,105
Price as Tested: $19,930
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 5390
Mileage at End of Test: 6182
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 29.922 gals.

Major Options: Side Impact Airbags and Curtains, In-Dash 6-CD Changer,

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 26.47 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta What the hatchback body style contributes to cargo versatility and, to some eyes, racy looks, it seems to subtract in refinement. The sedan version of the 3 feels quieter and more solid, with fewer buzzy resonances. Overall, this is still a fine compact choice.

Mark Bilek The 3 delivers on Mazda's promise of "zoom-zoom" with excellent handling and a zippy engine. Downsides include cramped interior and lots of road noise. If you are looking for an economy car with a sporting heart, look no further.

Rick Cotta At nearly $20,000 with manual transmission, our otherwise loaded s wasn't cheap. But it's among the nicest all-around packages in this class, and only a need for more power or more room would have me looking elsewhere.

Vehicle Evaluated: 2005 Mazda 3
Trim Level: s
Arrival Date: 04/21/2005
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 5-speed manual
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $16,615
Price as Tested: $19,355
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1967
Mileage at End of Test: 2490
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 18.94 gals.

Major Options: Side Curtain Airbags, In-Dash CD Player, Side Sill Extensions

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 27.61 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta This is a good -- but maybe not an excellent value at around $19,300, including destination. Knock some off list, and if I could be convinced that I could live with rather high noise levels and moderate rear seat and cargo space, and I'd own one.

Damon Bell The 3 s is a delight to drive, and practical transportation, too. I'd love to see a Mazdaspeed version with a bit more power.

Rick Cotta One of the more expensive small compacts, the 3 is still a good value because it's such a rewarding drive.

< 2005 Mazda 3 Photos

Also in the 2005 Mazda 3 Review:

Mazda 3

Mazda 3 Road Test

Mazda 3 Prices & Equipment

Mazda 3 Specs & Safety

Mazda 3 Photos

Mazda 3 Full Review

All Mazda 3s

All Mazdas

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