‘05 Mazda3 scores on quality, value
This week, we’re behind the wheel of the 2005 Mazda3, a youth-oriented car that offers great value for money spent. Our bright-red Mazda3 resulted in many “nice car” comments from the younger set. The best news, however, is that you’ll pay $280 less on the base price in 2005 than you would have for a 2004 model.
Available in four-door sedan and hatchback models, our “s” model was powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that is 100 percent Mazda-built. An adequate 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 150 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm will keep you moving, although we’d still like to see 15 more horses under the hood. (A 148-horse 2.0-liter powers the base “i” model.)
Our tester came with the optional four-speed automatic with manual shift gate for an additional $900. Also on the option list were beautiful 17-inch wheels and tires for $490. Front and side airbags, head-protector curtain side airbags and ABS are all grouped in another option package for $800, which we highly recommend. Our “3” also had a nice moonroof and six-disc CD package for $490 that, when added to the $545 destination, resulted in a $20,240 bottom-line sticker.
Mazda3’s exterior design features prominently the “Zoom Zoom” attitude promoted in Mazda’s national advertising campaigns. We especially liked the way those 17-inch wheels looked with the flared front and rear fenders, which made the “3” way more assertive. Mazda’s short, high rear deck extends the lines flowing from the front of the vehicle for a powerful appearance. However, due to its short rear area, there’s less cargo room than some may need.
Inside, Mazda3 is far roomier than the car’s exterior would indicate. A red backlit three-gauge instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls make for easy viewing, programming and listening. The sporty-style seats are comfortable, although I couldn’t find my “favorite” spot. Other noteworthy cabin features include a huge glove box that can hold really big items, like a laptop computer.
Mazda3 is still the segment leader in front and rear shoulder room and one of the best in class for knee clearance, thanks to the longer wheelbase. Thus, four adults can travel in comfort. If you want to seat five, pity the center rear passenger.
On the road, the MacPherson-strut front design unites with a rear suspension that borrows from the E-link system on the larger Mazda6, giving the Mazda3 a classier feel. The result is excellent road-holding ability, especially on twisty, narrow country roads. The ride is a bit on the firm side, but it’s built that way.
As for safety, you’ll receive all the goodies, most of which are standard equipment. Features like a collapsible brake pedal that breaks away in the event of a severe frontal accident to minimize foot injuries — a feature also found in Mazda6 and RX-8 — are what make this car worth lots more than the base price.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.9 inches, 2,696-pound curb weight, EPA numbers of 24-mpg city and 29-mpg highway, 11.4 cubic feet of cargo space and a 14.5-gallon fuel tank.
We gave the front-drive Mazda3 hatchback a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 in its debut last year, and again give its 2005 sibling a strong 9 for the new year. It’s really a fun, affordable vehicle.
Likes: Price, quality, looks, great safety features.
Dislikes: Limited cargo space, more horsepower would help