• The 2005 Mazda3 is a sporty economy sedan and five-door hatchback developed by Mazda in conjunction with corporate partner Ford. The 2005 model marked the second year for the 3, which replaced Mazda's Protege and Protege5 in 2004. The car's utility and sporty ride were well-received by the press. The 2005 Mazda3 placed second in a "Motor Trend" comparison that included the competing Scion tC, Mini Cooper S, Ford Focus ZX4 ST and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
  
  

Engines

• Two engine choices power the 2005 Mazda3. The base engine is a dual-overhead cam, 16-valve 2-liter unit with bore and stroke of 3.44-by-3.27 inches and a 10-to-1 compression ratio. An optional dual-overhead cam, 16-valve 2.3-liter motor has bore and stroke of 3.44-by-3.7 inches and a 9.7-to-1 compression ratio. For the 2-liter, power output is 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 135 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 2.3-liter produces 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 150 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Fuel economy is 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway for the 2-liter with manual transmission. With the automatic transmission this engine's fuel economy drops to 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway. As for the 2.3-liter, manual transmission drivers should see 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway; 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway for the automatic.
  
  

Drivetrain and Chassis

• The 3 uses a front-engine, front-wheel drive configuration across the model line. For all trim levels the standard transmission was a five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic offered as an option. The five-speed earned positive remarks from the media. Said the website AutoMedia.com: "Unlike the rubbery shifters we've come to expect in inexpensive front-drive cars, the Mazda3's lever feels crisp and precise." The suspension system consists of MacPherson struts up front with a rear multilink setup. Coil springs and stabilizer bars see duty front and rear. Four disc brakes with ventilated discs up front handle stoppage. Anti-lock braking was optional.
  
  

Exterior and Interior

• Larger than some competing compacts, the Mazda3 sedan is still a trim package at 178.3 inches long, 69.1 inches wide and 57.7 inches tall, riding on a 103.9-inch wheelbase. The five-door hatch is slightly shorter at 176.6 inches long, with other dimensions equal. Three trim levels were available for 2005: the base "i," the mid-level "s" and the top-of-the-line SP23 Special Edition. For the hatchback, only the "s" and SP23 Special Edition models were offered. Interior options included leather, a navigation system, power locks and windows. Driver and passenger front airbags were standard, while side and side-curtain airbags for the front driver and passenger only were available as options.