2004 mazda3 stereo option
 

My OEM 2004 mazda3 single cd stereo stopped working. I don't want to get an aftermarket cd player because I like my steering wheel controls, plus don't want to throw away my ipod integration module. Which OEM year models would be compatable with my car? I was told to look for 2004 or 05 oem models because 2006-09 may not work...is that correct?
Thanks in advance for your input.

I actually think they would work, there is no stereo theft code or anything, and I doubt they would change connectors, since no features were really changed.
after 08 or so, they disabled some of the hot keys to turn on the trip computer, but I think that's the only big change - which shouldn't effect functionality.

Find a junk yard / used model to try just in case it doesn't work right... or a friend with a newer model - swap the stereo to verify functionality before buying a replacement.

good luck

Correct, only '04-05 HU's will work in the '04 model. In '06 the wiring for the LCD was changed from being integrated in the HU to being a separate harness plug..... basically you could plug a '06+ HU in and it would work, but the LCD wouldn't display anything.

I, too have a 2004 Mazda3 Sport. When I bought it, I upgraded the stock stereo to an MP3 model, and made them give me the old stereo. Unfortunately, I discarded the old stereo sometime this last year, after it sat in the garage in the box for 5 years.

Perhaps you could put out a "Wanted" request for a stock stereo both on this forum and on Craigslist?

Edit: Sorry, I'm new to this forum and this software. I now see you have posted a "Wanted" request here.

Good luck!