2005 Mazda Mazda3 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by tnmats
Member4528
Handling
Razor sharp handling, more like a go-kart than a car. It feels like a budget BMW 3 series but wit not quite as precise on-center feel. The car sticks to the road well, well-weighted steering feel.
Powertrain performance
Nice get-up-and-go for a 4 cyl. and automatic. The 2006 and later models had a 5 speed automatic for the 2.3L engine which should improve things. Nice sound when revved too.
Safety & braking
Quick, and I mean, quick acting brakes. The thing stops on a dime and has good pedal feel. Car has front and side/thorax airbags, along with ABS and brake force distribution.
Interior styling
Clean without flashy. Instrument cluster looks great with the deep-set binnacle design and electroluminescent gauges. Easy to operate controls.
Exterior styling
One of the better designs for a small sedan. Clean lines, especially the roof line.
Fuel economy
Not the best for a small sedan. Expect only 24-25 in the city, no better than 30mpg on the freeway. Geared for acceleration so the engine turns at high rpm in city traffic (nearly 2500 rpm), and on the freeway at 70mph the engine is over 3k rpm.
Reliability & durability
Had several repairs during warranty. None engine related except one. Nearly every repair was covered by a TSB so known problems. Plus developed rust on inside door panels due to improper factory clean;Mazda has a lot of problems with rust in this model
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