Mileage-I am getting 35-37 miles per gallon with the 2.0 ltr engine. The only differences between the the 2.0 and the 2.3? 10 HP, 3-5 mpg, and about $1200 to $1500 in price.

Driveability, build quality, and performance are all superior to models by other manufacturers in it's class.

Dispite what others are saying...I think the audio system rocks! I have no pressing need to do any upgrades to the already great sounding stock system.

It isn't Blue...seriously!

I also have to agree with some of the other rewiews, the carpet is the only thing I feel could use some improvement.

When it came time for me to buy a car for myself, I decided to look at the Mazda 3. My wife and I own a loaded 2006 6i...and we love it. I wanted a car a little smaller than the 6, So it was a natural progressive choice for me to go and at least drive one of the 3's.

From the beginning I was amazed! I had looked at Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Scion tc, Chevy Cobalt, and Ford Focus. As soon as I sat in the 3, I knew I was in the car for me. This car exudes quality. The build, fit, finish are all far superior to any car in it's class.

The unit I bought was a 2006 3i Touring 4 door...Black Mica color with black cloth interior, 5 spd Manual gear box, with a 2.0 Ltr. 150 hp VVT inline 4 cyl. engine. Power steering, windows, mirrors, locks(includes keyless entry w/panic), appearance package w/spoiler and foglights, 6 speaker; 6 disc in dash CD audio system w/speed control auto volume...actually adjusts volume levels up or down automatically in small increments when you increase/decrease speed to compensate for road/window noise, or when you stop at intersections. Other options include sunroof w/deflector, ABS, front; side impact; and side curtain airbags (F/R), Telescoping/tilt wheel, cruise, and 16" alloys sporting TOYO performance radials...all for $19,550! Try to get all of that for the same price on any other car in the Mazda 3's class...won't happen.

I can't belive this car is a 4 door, because it drives like a sports car. Mazda hit the nail on the head when they coined the phrase "Zoom Zoom", because the suspension, steering, shifting, and breaking are so precise and crisp...I find my self zipping through traffic every day, with this cheesy little grin on my face that just won't go away! As adult as this car is supposed to be...it sure brings out the kid in me.

The passager compartment is very roomy, with plenty of space to easily accomidate 4 adults. No problem getting things like a baby seat in and out of the back seat...the rear doors really help with that, or loading and unloading groceries in and out of the 3's large trunk. It has dual cupholders and a 2 compartment armrest in the center console, as well as cupholders in the front doors. The drivers seat has a manual 4 way adjustment that allows you to set it at just the right height and position...did I mention the seats are very comfotable? Oh yeah...the glove box is HUGE!

The Audio and cruise control functions are ergonomically mounted on the steering wheel. Minimal movement of the right and left thumbs set your speed, selects tracks on the CD or audio system function (CD/AM/FM) and volume. Guages are dead center in front of the driver and are easily read. The guages are round w/faux brushed aluminium appearnce plastic rings accenting them, and are backlit red against a black dash. Light controls are mounted on the turn signal, and (variable/intermittant)wiper cotrols are mounted on the right side of the wheel on their own lever. Both are close proximity to your hands, so only minimal time is requred off the steering wheel to control those functions

Finally, This car is assembled in Mazda's Hiroshima, Japan facility. No offense to any UAW members who may be reading this review, but I cannot help but feel that has a big impact on the quality of this car. Tight lines and even gaps in the frame and body pieces. No squeeks or rattles, and that nice tight solid sound and seal when the doors are closed. All in all...if you are shopping for a compact car that is by no means compact in performance and quality...you owe it to yourself got go drive a Mazda 3. The unit I bought was loaded, but Mazda offers 2 models (4 and 5 door), and 4-5 trim levels in each model.

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Test Drove: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Scion tc, Chevy Cobalt, Ford Focus.

Bought: Mazda 3 ;)

Strenghts the look you see no other. The way the car handles it sticks to the road. The pickup is great. The interior is perfect it has so much luxury inside such as 6 disc cd player, navigation, sunroof and leather all for a great price. Mazda3 is the best thing mazda could have ever done. I love my car.

The only thing that was a weakness for me was finding a fully loaded mazda3 it was very hard to find one with leather that was frustrating. Other than that the car itself is great.

I absolutly love my mazda3 without question. That is the best car i have ever owned and i am completely satisfied. It as a nice sporty car with alot of luxury all in one. It drives and handles great with alot of pickup. I love the fact that it has it own look there is no comparsion to other hatchbach cars. Its very unique and sporty.

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Ther is nothing similar. Mazda3 is in its own class just take a look.

Looks. It is a beautifully designed car! Fit and finish of the body is excellent. I recently took my car in for service to the dealer and while I was waiting, I carefully checked out the RX-8. I noticed very little difference in quality betweent the two cars. Interior fit and finish is very good but not as impressive as the exterior.

As noted on strengths, the fit and finish of the interior is very good but do not expect to be on par with a VW. Although time will tell. VW interiors look very impressive when new but some of the plastics don't fair very well over time. Keep in mind that the Mazda is a sub $25K car. I applaud Mazda for putting the money into things that matter most like the suspension,engine,wheels/tires, and other mechanicals. The car isn't perfect and Mazda had to cut corners in some areas, i.e. sound insulation, carpeting, and the stereo. Now, a word about the stereo and a word about the sound insulation. The stereo is adequate and nothing more. Coming from a VW with a Monsoon sound system, I found it a bit anemic. As far as the sound insulation goes, I think part of the idea here is to have a car that is not too isolated from the road. It is keeping in line with Mazda's character to build cars with a bit of sportiness to them. I think that is what is behind all of this. Maybe this sounds like a good excuse for skimping on sound insulation! Last thing, the brakes. They do what they are supposed to do but they squeel like a greased pig at the state fair every morning backing out of my driveway. This squeeling lasts for about 10 seconds and then that's it for the rest of the day. My dealer adjusted them and I haven't had a problem since. So there you go.

I purchased my 5-Door Mazda3 with the Touring package. I also have custom gray leather interior to go with the beautiful silver paint. Wonderful car for the money! I believe it is the best all around car for the money in its price range. Engine is peppy particularly when you get it up in the higher revs on the highway. It has some guts but it is not velvety smooth like my old Wolfsburgh Jetta's 1.8 turbo. I very much enjoy the sport shift auto transmission. Sometimes I regret not getting the 5-speed manual but then I just stick the lever in sport mode and I feel okay again about my decision for the auto. I get great fuel economy, fantastic looks, 17' wheels, leather, fog lamps, sunroof, and lots of room out of the the hatchback. I also get lots of comments and questions about the car. Car buffs in particular like to talk with me about it. Town North Mazda in Dallas was an absolute pleasure to deal with.

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When it came time to trade in my VW I checked out the new Jetta. At the time, only the basic models had come out and only limited colors were available. Since then, I've grown to appreciate the new Jetta and today I would strongly consider spending a few thousand dollars more for a loaded one. In the end, I really only considered two other cars and they are the Mini Cooper and the Mini Cooper S. I chose the Mazda because it was a smoother, more well rounded car and that was what I was looking for. Both MInis are awesome but they really weren't what I was seeking. My previous car was a VW Jetta Wolfsburg Edition w/the 1.8 turbo. Great engine and very nice car. Very differt feel from the Mazda. The Mazda is a terrific car and it is the kind of car that you appreciate more over time. It is not in your face like say the Mini. It's strengths unfold the more you drive it. I believe the car will be just as solid in 3 to 4 years as it is today.

good fuel economy,air conditioning works for me here in nc.Lots of room and great looks.

not found any

bought car new and took a 5800 mile trip in eight days. Hi way speeds were in the 80 mph range and not many cars passed me in the western hill country. Car now used for daily commuting and my fuel milage has been consistant at 27.5 city and 33-34 hi way. Have had no sqawks on car and I would buy another.

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Ford.Chevy,Jeep,Infinity,Toyota,Bmw and Honda

style, looks and power

the breaks squeal for the first 10 sec.

Awsome car has nice interior and is very fun to drive and also a very comfortable car and has lots of extras.

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N/A i put in a new sound system and now the car is amazingto drive.

Lots of features, auto lights and wipers, large glove box

VERY weak A/C that Mazda can't or won't fix. On a very hot sunny day it is usless 80F and above. The large black dash doesn't help along with the black interior, Poor pity the owners with leather. You would think Mazda would have built a kiss ass A/C because of the interior
Cheap interior materials like the carpet, and door panels easily scuffs.
No side air bags for Canadian models
No auto truck release, need to use the key.
2.3 Auto in city traffic the gas mileage is very bad. 2.0 is better with the standard trans.
Oil filter for the 2.3 is the cartridge(not spin on) type. A 1950s design. Mazda wants you to take the car to them for the oil change.
Hi speed braking for 4 wheel disc is not very good. Not impressed.
Very excessive brake dust build up over a short period of time on the rear wheels.
Ealy moring brake squealing, but goes away after a short drive.
Complaints of easily chipping and breaking front windshield.
Auto trans has a first to second harsh shift.
2004 have a long list of TSB
Paint is soft, chips easily.
Road noise excessive, especially over rough roads, gravel etc.
Sound system is average.
Poor Mazda customer relations. At the very bottom, check J.D Power
Factory wiper blades smear, need to change to a better quality blades and arms.
I still like the car but because for me the WEAK A/C will mean selling before I want to. Get the extended warranty as reliabilty is questionable at this point.

Great car for the money. Handles well but in strong cross winds a bit unsteady. Comfortable for me. Steering wheek and telescope ok for me

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none

power is good. shifts beautiful.handles wonderful. add a HKS exhaust and you are ready to be notice even more

drive side blind spot

love the car. great handling,great pickup when needed.love the 5 speed.sleep aero dynamic, silver,5% tint all around.17" alloys, LOVE THE CAR

Awesome handling, great interior, very comfortable, very fast, sleek looking, head lights are above average, steeromg wheel controls are handy, radio sounds great.

Gas mileage isnt the best. No overdrive. A little too much road noise. I wish it were 4WD.

Overall I love this car. This is the first time that I have purchased a car and didnt regret it later on.

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Honda Civic
Toyota Matrix

Looks, value & performance.

The steering wheel doesn't telescope or tilt enough. I like the steering wheel practically in my lap and it won't come down far enough for me.
You can't turn on the fog lights without turning the headlights on too.

I love this car so far. I can't stop looking at it. It's a beatiful car. When I first saw one I never thaught I could afford it because it looks like a luxury car. It is really peppy and handles nice. I like the steering wheel controls and the 17" rims and tires. It's so much car for the money. My mother works for General Motors and I still bought a Mazda. GM just didn't have a nice enough looking car and the value I was looking for. I haven't filled up yet, so I don't know what kind of gas mileage I get. All in all I really love this car. It's so stylish.

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Saturn Ion, Chevy Cobalt, Honda Civic, Scion, and Toyota Prius

Seems tight. Easy to handle on the road. Great gas mileage. Roomy.

A/C a little weak but after tinting is fine. Could have a better sound system. More road noise than I like.

Nice car! I was actually looking at a Honda Civic but Vatland Honda was very arrogant that they get what they ask and would not even budge on the price, should have tried another Honda dealership, but I am glad I got the Mazda 3 after all. I saved a couple thousand dollars, more power, better warranty and pretty much the same gas mileage. I am getting 38 highway mpg! A very comfortable easy driving car. I went from an SUV to this but after a couple of weeks I am glad I got this car over the Honda!