Driveability and strong performance. Flexible, comfortable, driving position, attractive styling, convenient cup holders, storage and creature amenities. Excellent interior room, gas mileage, CD/stereo, generous standard options and appealing appointments.

One the worst things about this car was the factory tires and the decision by Mazda to put 17 inch wheels on the GT. The tires didn't last 30,000 km (which is average I found out). They are skinny little rubber doughnut things that are useless in winter and tend to skid and hydroplane in wet weather. But when I inquired about getting bigger (thicker) tires so that the ride over bumpy Newfie roads could be softened out, I found that no other 17" tire will fit in the wheel-well of this car. Furthermore, the replacement original equipment tires were $425 each (!!) but could be had for a deal at $250 each. I then located 16" aftermarket mags that look very similar, with tires rated for about 60,000 km for a total of $1,200, or about $200 more than the poor factory replacements on sale, plus they would last twice as long and were rated for rain. The winter wheels the dealer supplied were 16" wheels and tires...my first clue. The smaller rims do not affect brake function.
The automatic windshield wiper sometimes comes on and wipes four times for no reason, particularly after extended use ( approx 2 hours). When you turn the wipers off from manual and back on to automatic, they continue to wipe the windscreen for four more passes, then turn off. The multi-function wiper lever takes a bit of getting used to.
The auto lock feature on the doors is a bit annoying and tricky at times. If you pre-open the doors from the key fob, pick up an armload of things and don't get to the vehicle in time, it self-locks. Also, when you stop the vehicle, you can open all doors after the driver's door is opened but all of the other doors self lock if you don't open them. The panic alarm is easy to trip on the fob and can't be disabled.
The worst problem is the flimsy tie rod assembly. Hitting a bad pothole will require a wheel alignment. I have had four in 8 months and ended up with uneven tire wear. This shouldn't happen on any new car. There is currently no aftermarket solution.

I have now had this car almost 2 years. Overall it is a great deal for the money and performs much better than one would expect out of a reasonably - priced small car. I added a 6 CD changer, light tow hitch (for kayaks, used only once), winter wheels and tires to the standard GT package which explains the price increase over the base $$ (taxes brought this to $27, 900 CDN). I was initially impressed by the driving position. I had tried a Toyota Matrix and couldn't get comfortable with the steering wheel position and lack of arm resting space. I had no interest in a Mazda (Okay, I'm irritated by the Zoom Zoom commercials), but, as soon as I sat in the 3 GT, I was home. It has a telescoping steering wheel, great armrests, good seat adjustments and excellent arm and leg room, both front and rear. It handles like a very expensive car, mostly like a BMW I-series but lower to the ground. The shift is smooth though a bit loose if you like short, precise throws. It has lots of pep and can really kick out when you need it to. The automatic headlight feature is terrific and has spoiled me. They come on automatically when exterior light gets low. The automatic windshield wipers take a bit of getting used to but in the end they reduce the amount of diverted attention you may otherwise expend attending to the windshield under certain conditions. The dashboard colours and illumination are very easy to see yet don't create a demanding glare at night. The highbeams are fantastic, though the low beams are a bit sub-standard. The stereo is of good quality, though it lacks a clear, deep bass if you like to hear the door panels rattle. Visibility is excellent, brakes are good but tend to dust up and squeak after sitting for awhile. The available trunk/storage space is exceptional. The rear seats fold almost flat. I can fit a 8' step ladder in it by removing the passenger headrest then protecting the dashboard with a cloth. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't tried it. The glovebox is the biggest I have ever seen in any vehicle. You could store a laptop computer in there and still have room for dark glasses, the manual, tire guage, papertowels and your Blackberry. There is lots of additional storage for CD's and incidental stuff. I live on the coast of Newfoundland and the fog lamps have come in handy when the road is hard to find, though I would love to see them in amber. Gas mileage seems very good. I can usually log 5 and 1/2 to 6 hours of highway driving on a tankful....I put on about 25,000 - 30,000 per year. The AC can struggle to keep it cool in a black car with a sunroof. It would be nice to see an exterior temperature guage, especially in winter driving conditions. The bucket seats are a bit too dish-shaped and can cause pressure on your right thigh after longer driving periods, unless you have small hips and skinny thighs. I bought neoprene seat covers (Canadian Tire) which have helped enormously. The black cloth on the doors is tough to clean but looks great. The optional rubber mats aren't quite big enough to deal with winter snow and are hard to empty when full of water. Men's winter boots have very little room for error between the clutch and the gas pedals. Premature rust appeared at the bottom rear corner of both rear doors. The warrantee covered it and was rectified willingly by Mazda. With the exception of a few more things mentionned below, I thoroughly enjoy driving this car. The dealer support has been excellent. I find them very knowledgable, efficient and earnest about keeping the customer satisfied. I am surprised that manufacturers don't do follow-up surveys on their vehicles with customers though. I am also aware that my comments may appear negative about the car. Where I live, the elements are harsh, so flaws surface more obviously. This car is damn near perfect and some of these flaws could be rectified so easily. Are you listening Mazda?

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Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Nissan 300X, Alfa Romeo, Toyota 4-runner, Honda Oddessy, Ford Taurus, Ford Ranger, Mercury Villager.

Handles great. Good acceleration in the city. Stereo is decent. Everything else is am amzing with this car except for the weaknesses listed below.

Wipers are not the greatest. A/C is pretty bad. Micro processor unit had to be replaced which cost $1500 + labor. Luckily it was covered under warrenty. No trunk release on key chain which is annoying. Plastic interior scratches easy. Probelms with tires, but that is not the cars fault. Everything else is GREAT. Cant afford $1500 - $2000 repairs on a new car though, so I hope nothing else goes or else I will be selling it as my warrenty is almost up.

Handles great and is very fun to drive. Looks cool.

Handling and value

Engine feels a little flat at low revs. Gas mileage much lower than advertised or expected (low 20s, all around). And - no - i don't drive aggresively.

the dynamic feel of the car belies its sub $20K price. The handling is flawless, engine performance good, interior quality and ergonomics excellent and the styling - whether you like it or not - is unique.

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Have owned Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans. Test drove Scion TC before purchasing the 3.

Handling
Power
Price
Everything

A/C is a little weak.
hard to find sweet spot in clutch initially.
People that complain too much about this car take it for granted. Its suppose to be a cheap vehicle!!! It delivers more then it should.

Ive had my Mazda 3 for 2 years now..60000KM I have the base 2.0 engine with a manual transmission. Here are some of my thoughts after living with this great value machine.
1) The steering and suspension are still tight and precise. No change from the first time I drove it.
2) I put this thing through hell every week and not one problem yet. I drive 140 kmh every day on the highway.
3) Driving that fast I still get about 530km of driving per gas tank. Decent, respectable numbers.
4) Brakes are solid. ABS is really good. Good car for Ontario winters. I just seem to know what its doing at all times. Its predictable. Which is good!!
5) Power of 2.0 with MT is good. Laidback but when I want to go it flies. The MT is slick. Short throws and quick clutch.
6) Seats are supportive, Ergonomics of vehicle make sense. All seems to be in the right place.

I think this car is an All-Star!! A little BMW 1 Series. It starts on the ground and works its way up. The factory tires that I got on mine are the 16's and they are great. THE REAL MONEYMAKER ON THIS car are the suspension, chassis and shocks. As an example of how great the handling is..

I test drove a 2004 Audi S4.. Great car by the way!! Loads of power. Tight handling machine. I took this thing for a half hour romp!!! Of course I would take the 50000$ Audi over the 20000$ Mazda 3 but after the test drive when reality set in and I was motoring along in my Mazda 3. I couldnt beleive how I felt. The handling of the Mazda 3 is better!?? Couldnt be.. Took a few sharp corners. Stupid grin showed up on my face.. It is!! Here it is folks! The Mazda 3 feels more predictable, fun and light on its wheels then the 2004 AWD AUDI S4. It just feels better. I would like to thank the Volvo S40 platform that is used on the Mazda 3 for this. Has to be. Ths skidpad numbers for the Mazda at this price are astonishing!!

So as a rule. I guess a theme that keeps on popping up is: VALUE. More engine, more handling, more looks, better interior, loads of options.. all for a great price. I almost feel bad telling people how great this car is because it is an economy/compact to mid size vehicle. Mazda really isnt stupid. They took what BMW does, and applied to this segment of the market knowing that The Corrolla and Civic are so-so performers. The Mazda blows these 2 cars out of the water in almost every category. When it comes to the task of driving, The Mazda 3 is light years ahead of the competition.

Value, Fun, Reliable. After 2 years.

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I am a chronic test driver!! I love cars!!
2004 Toyota Corolla
2006 Honda Civic
Eagle Talon TSI
2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. (Owned it)
Audi S4 (Awesome car)
lEXUS is300
Lexus Es330
Lexus GS400
BMW 328
Mazda 6
2001 Ford Mustang (Worst car in the world)

Styling, Engine Power, Cool Gauges, Great Mazda Service, Awesome Storage Space and Functionality, Tilt-Telescopic Wheel, Steering Wheel Audio Controls

Bad break dust build-up on rear wheels, Corner of carpet that will just not stay in place behind the plastic edge, No variable intermittent wipers...just one intermittent speed, Gas and brake petals could be set slightly farther away from the driver compared to the steering column

I love this car. I was totally against buying a used one, but the dealer made me the offer with a complete 48,000 mile warranty on the remaining factory one. This is the first car I have ever purchased on my own, so it is exciting. Everyone raves about how awesome the car looks!!! They also love the interior look at night. I was a little apprehensive about moving from a six to four cylinder, but this car will move! Traffic driving is fun, and passing is a breeze. I love the "manumatic," or whatever Mazda calls theirs...don't use it too much, but when I want it, I have it. The keyless entry would work from the moon...it has great range. The storage space was brilliantly designed, and I can haul lots of stuff around. Sucks being in college with a car that can carry lots of stuff...people are already calling me to use it. The gas mileage has been great so far, especially compared to my old car. Time will tell when summer rolls around, and I am interested to see if I am satisfied with the a/c. One more things is that the service and people at Five Star Mazda are amazing. There were a couple things that had to be done when I purchased the car (reseal the windshield, program new remote and key). I drop the car off and I have a rental and am out in fifteen minutes. I pick it up the next day. I was so satisfied. Also, I am excited that the manual recommends changing the oil only every 5,000 miles, even under slightly more strenuous driving! Overall...it's a winner, hands down!

Good out of box performance
Takes to modifications well
Feels very solid and well made
A blend of sport and luxury unheard of in this price range.
A benchmark setter
Taut suspension
Very nice shifter, feels better than 06 civic (honda is known for quality shifters)
Steering Wheel controls

TIRES!!! They suck, don't grip in rain, puncture easily, and cost $250 each!!!.
No trunk release handle, or key fob button.
Brakes dust very fast (the fronts only)
Stereo lacks bass (no sub)
Stock wipers suck (replace asap)
Somewhat difficult to work on as a hobbyist, placement of things is strange (ie: header bedhind the engine).
City driving gas mileage is really bad, but its getting better slowly.
Clutch is numb
Cartridge oil filter must be purchased online.

Bought it new, put on 5000 miles. Modified it quite a bit already. Put in a cold air intake, header, exhaust, advanced ignition timing, removed balance shaft, bypassed throttle coolant, and installed stiffer engine mount. Car has taken very well to modifications, still very livable day to day, and not obnoxiously loud. One word of advice, if you have a 5spd, change the transmission fluid to redlin mt-90, you will feel a nice difference in shift stiffness, and smoothness.

I've read some of the other reviews. Come on, cheap carpet? It's an economy car, get some floor mats and forget about it, I mean does anyone expect persian rugs in a $20k car? Weak AC? Maybe its because mine's an 06, but passengers complain about my AC being too cold. Or maybe you guys forget to turn the recirculation on when you turn on the AC, thats right press the middle button under the HVAC controls, if you see an orange light, light up, you've done it correct. As for cheap stereo, yea I have to agree a little, my protege5's stereo was better, mostly because it had a 100w sub in the spare tire. But considering this car is bigger, faster, with more safety features, and only 30 lbs more, I can live with the lack of a sub. Crap wipers? Yea I agree, but I changed those out for bosch icons after the 1st rain, so no more complaints there. No trunk release button on key fob? Yea, thats annoying, at least install a trunk release handle on the trunk, what were they thinking? 20 grams of weight savings? Interior scratching easily? yea, it does, but one wipe down with some armor all and its spotless. Ford motor and trans? Yea thats true, everything says FoMoCo on it. But american engines don't break, just the rest of the car does, and the rest of the car is NOT Ford, its a Volvo.

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03 Protege5, 06 Civic LX

AWESOMENESS (see above).

Addressing previous concerns.

1. Air conditioning? Sure, but air conditioning should only be used sparingly in a car this delightful to drive, anyway. Air conditioning and sports cars do not mix, ok? Moving on.

2. Paint's a bit delicate? No, probably you just notice scratches more when the car is beautiful. Either way, 8.00 dollar tube of scratch repair, problem solved.

3. Blurry windshield-wipers. Ok, yeah. Those kind of suck.

4. Carpet. Not much to look at, sure, but I haven't had any trouble with mine. I wouldn't be shocked if I did down the road; it kind of goes with the territory, of, you know, NOT OWNING A BENTLY, but seriously what are you people doing to your carpets? Have, have you tried treating your car nice?

5. The trunk thing.

6. Sound system. Has its limits, but it SHOULD in a car this price, because otherwise you ain't getting as much CAR as you should, knowwhatimean? Besides, I have noticed upon several occasions that there is in fact a stereo system at my house. Once again, Mazda has not responded to my inquiries regarding this fact.

The value this car represents is overwhelming, and to sum it up, I would say you can't buy a better-looking new car for less than $20k, and, more impressively, you can't buy a car that handles as well for twice as much.

Of all the 3's virtues, none exceeds its ability to be thrown at a 90-degree turn at completely reckless speeds and dart through it as if it had been just a straight line. The combined forces of flawless balance, a firm connection to the gravel below, and crazy smart computer guidance thingies give your car a poise and spring that will make you one with the road, and reveal your inner stunt pro.

On the speed-side of things, the 2.3-version's engine is a regrettably questionable value, most of that extra space given over to torque, rather than horsepower, to give the car a fancy, faux-V6 feel: and that math doesn't really complement the sporty zeitgeist of this car in the way that Mazda's old Protege or Probe engines, little boxes of pure grit, always ready to squeeze every ounce of thrust they could out of each cramped little cubic inch, would have. But, on the other hand, just feel the easy, supple lift third gear gives at forty mph, a firm weight of confidence in the base of your gut, and this engine's inappropriately elegant, aristocratic character will suddenly seem indispensable. The 2.0 trim might be technically a better value, especially in terms of gas-mileage, but since the S mode throws in those gorgeous xenon headlights it's probably a wash.

And if you get schooled by a few Integras at red lights, well, just give them their due at the next right turn. Anyways, you look amazing. You can't walk away from yourself without glancing backward three or four times, delighted by each new and glorious angle. Every curve is a painted metal blade, cutting pure inspiration and light out of the stunned admiring atmosphere. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I mean -- the -- your car is.

It's only upon considering the interior, that reality sets back down, and the 3 looks like what it costs. It's no Bentley -- SHOCKING, I know. I've had it for a year and I've had to clean the interior TWICE -- scandalous, really. I keep calling Mazda but they won't do anything for me. But despite the lack of oak and ivory, and the large disparity in pure style between inside and outside, there's still plenty to love: telescoping everything, crazy space everywhere (you can fit a lap-top into the glove compartment, though you can't refrigerate it), lovely little circles carved into the door panel tray, clearly designed specifically to hold my water bottles, a clip on the underside of the two-level center compartment tray to hold my registration where it won't get mixed in with all the lap-tops in my glove compartment, and a lovely lighted instrument panel that correctly orients the odometer's start pointing downward, so that you understand that driving does not really begin until 80 miles per hour. Everything that could be cheaply done to make being inside this car nicer, was done.

Which is truly the story behind this car's whole creation. You sense that Mazda put as much thought as possible into every element of this car (except, once again, the philosophical implications of the engine's low compression ratio), to bring out the best out of every dollar you will spend. The results range from a sound, if pedestrian, interior quality, to a grace and flare of handling that floats toward impossible heights of wonder. And that's all there is to it, in the end. You will not get a better car for the same price.

That said, it's all a bit suspicious, really -- and as I've learned that a Mazda's performance can sometimes outpace its tolerance for abuse, I wouldn't walk away from the dealer without a generous service plan, to keep everything running trim and healthy. One year on for mine, however, and no shoes have dropped. Do drive carefully in the rain, though, or the tires will remind you that you are NOT ACTUALLY A TRAINED STUNT DRIVER.

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93 Mazda Protege. 95 Ford Probe. Extensive passenger time in RSX-s.

Large cargo area. Air conditioning is awesome. Good mpg(for a small SUV).

Slow to accelerate onto freeway. Small rattles often develop for no reason. Very bumpy ride, especially over potholes and rough city streets. You can almost feel the car get out of alignment when it goes over a pothole.

This is a very dependable and reliable car. I'm sorry Ford doesn't make them anymore because I would definitely buy one again. I am the original owner, 52000 miles on it now and not a single problem to report in 5 years. The vehicle is great for a single person who wants to be in something with more room than a pick-up truck but not as large as a full-size SUV. The mpg is ok, not as great as a small car but not as bad as a full-size SUV either.

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Ford Ranger

The only strength is the staff at Sunridge Mazda that keep bullsh#tting me around.

Ford motor company's motor and parts that are in this vehicle. Nobody should have to add oil and check the oil everytime they fill up on a new vehicle, if that was the case i would have kept my 12 year old honda. And even that car didn't burn oil.

This car is the biggest lemon! At 5000Km's my engine blew up. No Oil. imagine that no in dash lighting to notify of the problem. Since getting a new motor in the car. the car continually burns at least 3 litres of oil between changes. The people at mazda tell me thats normal to ad 3 litres of oil everytime. BS! My ac pump has seized up as well, and my brakes squeel like worn pads when it's cold outside. This car only has 35000km

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The mazda 3 seemed like a good purchase at the time, but what a mistake. I have heard of other people with the same oil problem. I guess consumer reports missed that.

Everything - Weaknesses

Trunk a hassle, only key open from outside.

Awesome car! Best in class, love driving it!