Mazda3 Hatchback

kyfdx

Some manufacturer's measure cargo area differently..

Some only measure to the top of the rear seats, while others measure to the ceiling...

Don't know if that is the case here, but that is how I would bet...

v_d

ok that`s pretty stupid coming from them. Shouldn`t they have a standard measuring system or something? Or is it anybody`s will?
It`s nasty anyway. :mad:

rorr

I know that the info that Mazda reports for the Mazda3 is listed as "EPA cargo volume". A bit of research indicates that the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) DOES have a set of standards to be followed when measuring virtually any dimension on a vehicle (including cargo space). The numbers are generated by the vehicle manufacturers (supposedly in accordance with the appropriate SAE procedure) and then reported to the EPA. The EPA uses these numbers to categorize the vehicle (subcompact, compact, etc.) From what I can tell, the SAE cargo volume for hatchbacks is measured down from the top of the seats.

What I DON'T know is if the info listed by Volvo for the V50 is in accordance with the SAE or not. But given the HUGE disparity in numbers, it is quite possible that the cargo volume listed for the V50 is measured from the ceiling.

v_d

possibly because the V is a wagon and the 3 is a hatch? Different categories, different methods of measuring? I do bet the V50 has more cargo space than the 3 but not quite that much. :confuse:

z71bill

The problem is there is more than one "accepted standard" way to measure. This was a topic a few years ago on the SUV board - Toyota (claimed) the Sequoia had a MUCH larger volume of cargo space VS the Ford Expedition.

Toyota even did a few TV ads claiming they had more interior room. Ford cried foul and and pointed out you needed to get out the tools and UNBOLT the rear seats in the Sequoia if you wanted to get the advertised amount of cubic feet. They also claimed due to safety concerns they would NEVER want a customer to unbolt and then reinstall the middle seats.

Its the same thing with ground clearance - some measure to the bottom of the differential - some use the bottom of the tranny - both accepted methods.

Horsepower has also been in the news - seems like some companies have been using an outdated (but still accepted) way to measure. Acura TL HP dropped from 270 down to 258 - but its the same exact engine!

This is a good reason to actually drive the cars - can't trust the specs.

PF_Flyer

Hope you can join us for a little meet and greet with your fellow Mazda enthusiasts!

The Mazda Club Chat is on tonight. The chat room opens at 8:45PM ET Hope to see YOU there! Check out the schedule

luvmbooty

Sept '06 issue has an article about the long-term test for the 2005 Mazda3 S 5-Door!

The author Brian Vance said," The combination of its under-$20k sticker price, its ability to serve up a passionate driving experience without guzzling gas, and the practicality of its 5-door body style makes the Mazda3 an excellent ride in the ever growing compact segment."

v_d

yeah we know it's good. Still like every other car on the road it's not PERFECT. Road noise in the 5-Door, little head room in the back of the 4-Door. And many other little things. But overall it's a great car for the money.

hat

Thinking of buying an '07 M3 hatch (pending definitive '07 info via brochure or website update). There are 2 features on my '97 Outback that I'd love to get on the M3: Heated outside mirrors and heated cloth seats.

The Mazda Canada site (which has had '07 info for weeks) indicates heated mirrors on the GT, but the US site ('06 model info) doesn't; is this a new-for-'07 feature that will be on US models, or is this a Canada-only feature?

The Canadian GT (minus Luxury Package) has heated cloth seats. Again, the US seems to have non-heated cloth (S Touring) or heated leather (S Grand Touring). Can the heating element/switchgear be added to the cloth seats, or does one have to replace the seats (which probably ain't worth it)?

bigfur

For the seats cant you just go to an aftermarket store and have them take the seat cover off and install one. I had it done on my old truck a few years ago, and it worked great.

backy

That might work for the driver's seat, but be careful on the passenger's seat. Those seats have sensors for the Occupant Classification System (OCS), which turns the passenger airbag on or off depending on the load on the seat. Some OCS sensors are in the seat cushion. I don't know where they are in the Mazda3.

hat

Bigfur & Backy, thanks for your help on this topic. I decided to go for the GT (heated leather seats). After a bit more research, I decided that some of the GT's upgrades that I thought were frivolous (such as the HID headlights) were really worthwhile. I've seen a few aftermarket seat heaters (both the "under seat cover" types" and the external cushion types) advertised, but no idea how well they work, or if they'd interfere with the weight sensor for the front-passenger airbag.

I found one link for heated mirrors, at racepages.com; parts cost was $300 for the pair.

bigfur

Im trying to get an 07 GT right now. Biggest problem is i dont want a white or silver one, and i want a five speed so i have to wait a month or two till the dealer even has any in stock. I have a truck right now with heated seats and was told by the gf my next vehical needed to have them too! HA Either way the only options i didnt want were the nav system (i know where im going) and the sunroof, being im 6'5 i need the head room. My only concern is im gonna end up with one with a sunroof being that it is all they have coming in now, so im wondering has anyone else had a head room issue with the sunroof installed?

hat

Bigfur, my situation is similar - I ordered my 07 GT with 5-speed, no sunroof (only 5'11", but like to sit upright, so loss of headroom was an issue), no nav (I already have a portable nav), in galaxy gray. I was told ordering from the factory could take as long as 90 days - OK, I'll wait to get exactly what I want, as I plan on driving this car for the next decade.

dride

I'm 6'4", and have no problems with the sunroof. I do have to have the seat on a lower setting, but it is not on the lowest. When I sat in the showroom one back in '05, I never thought I would fit, but that model had the driver's side cranked up to the top. I do enjoy the sunroof!

abang

Edmunds lists the 2007 Mazda 3 having traction control and stability control as standard features. I checked the Mazda USA web site and those features are not even listed as options. So, does the US spec. Mazda 3 have traction control and stability control at all? I was all set to buy the 2007 Mazda 3 but if these features are indeed not available, I'm looking elsewhere.

kyfdx

The only reference I can see to stability control on the Mazda website is for the MazdaSpeed 3

MazdaSpeed 3

07mz3s

Traction Control and DSC come as part of the 3s Touring package.

bigfur

That lever for raising and lowering the seat is something ill have to get used to. During a test drive i kept grabbing that to adjust the seat back. Only major concern i have about this car is that i live in Minnesota and im about to give up my 4wd that i have had for the last decade or so. Just hope im not making a mistake. HA!

dride

I too am in MN. While the Mazda 3 is no Jeep, I had no problems last year with the Dunlops on. It was a pretty easy winter though. What dealership are you going through?

bigfur

Im going thru Walser down in Burnsville. Walked in there a lil while back with a friend to look for HIS 3...and the sales people were very nice and knew there stuff so i figured id go back there myself.

ajchrist

Questions about Mazda's Sport Automatic Transmission:
I prefer a manual transmission to an automatic in winter driving. Simply depressing the clutch gets you out of a lot of skids and helps regain control. But the major advantage with a manual is the ability to downshift on snow-covered roads, when coming to a stop. An automatic with anti-lock brakes is no match. With Mazda's 5-speed sport automatic, do you have to lift totally off the accelerator (not a good thing) before manually downshifting? And is it possible, while in manual mode, to go from any drive gear directly into neutral? As an example: you're on an icy road in third gear, you sense the car starting to go sideways so you bump it into neutral and correct your steering. Then after regaining control, you bump it back into third. Is that possible? Just how "manual-like" is the sport automatic?

ajchrist

Who designed the manual transmission in the Mazda3, Ford or Mazda?

blueguydotcom

Neither. Like all other manus they buy from a supplier. Only a few suppliers for the whole industry.

mdaffron

... to report that my 2005 Mazda3 hatch continues to entertain the heck out of me at the ripe old age of 20 months and just shy of 29,000 miles. No problems to report. I love this car!

Happy zooming,

Meade

snowpea

Hi all, I've just started looking for a new car and would love some advice on the Mazda 3 that I am serious considering. I'm looking at getting the 5 door GT auto.

Comparing the 06 and 07 model, there are two major differences that I could tell.

06 warranty is 4yr/50k bumper to bumper
07 warranty is 3yr/36k bumper to bumper

06 has no traction control
07 has traction control standard

I am not sure which one is better to have, I drive in Boston so the traction control seems great in the winter, though I'm not sure if I have it currently in my '02 Acura RSX type S, so maybe I don't need it. But the warranty worries me since I expect manufacturers to become more confident with their cars every year not less.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!
Amy

archmikus

Amy,

I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty on the M3. I'm not sure why Mazda saw the need to reduce the warranty. Every dealer I spoke to has said the repair rate for Mazda3s going back since their inception (2004) has been extremely low. I know this to be true, because a buddy of mine has an 04 with 65000 miles on it and he's never had any issues.

I personally had a 2005 Mazda3 for 2 years and put over 37000 miles on it. Never had a single problem. Unfortunately, about 2 weeks ago my car was hit by a huge SUV and was totalled. Even though the car was destroyed, I came out without a scratch. I'd call that pretty safe!

Even after having it for 2 years, it was always fun to drive. Every day I looked forward to getting behind the wheel of my 3. It actually made the morning drive to work fun!

I love the Mazda3 so much, that I knew I had to get another. I have a manual 2007 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatch on order from my dealer, but it won't be in til January. But I'm willing to wait. Its worth it, especially since I drive a lot and plan on keeping this car for at least 6 years. I even looked at some alternatives, just in case: the new Sentra, VW Rabbit and Jetta, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus. None of these cars could compare to the Mazda. The Mazda wins big time in looks, storage capacity, acceleration, features and comfort. But most importantly, no other car is as "fun to drive" as the Mazda.

audia8q

Where have you been??

mdaffron

They changed how the coverage is spread out. They reduced the bumper-to-bumper coverage by a year and 14,000 miles, yes ... but they also increased the drivetrain coverage, which used to be wrapped up in the 4 year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Meade

mdaffron

Where have I been? Who, me?

Oh, here and there. I bought a megascooter back in August to combat the high gas prices ... a 2007 Suzuki Burgman 400 ... and I quickly found out how fun a touring bike it is. I've been on quite a few long-distance trips on it, the longest being a 3 day, 800-mile trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway and around southwest Virginia.

Here's a shot of my bike on the Parkway near Waynesboro, Virginia ...



Now that it's getting cold I'm having to put the toy away and get back on four wheels again. So I thought I'd break off of the Burgman group I hang out on and see how my fellow "cagers" are doing. I had really gotten tired of all the air conditioning drivel here too, especially since my 20-month-old 3 has icy air conditioning. I figured I was safe checking back during the colder months!

BTW, the Burgie gets 64 mpg on the highway, and a miserly 60 or so in town.

Meade

mz6greyghost

The warranty for '07 is indeed 3yr/36K bumper-to-bumper, but powertrain is increased to 5 years/60K miles.

As far as the models go, test-drive both models extensively, to see which model suits you better. I can tell you from experience that Traction Control does help in the winter weather, but since your '02 RSX-S doesn't have it, you may think it isn't necessary, which is fine. Whether or not it's a '06 or '07, buy the car that you like better, and don't skip out on options or colors you want just to get the warranty for '06.

snowpea

Thanks for all the inputs!

I did some research into my Acura and yup no traction control, which means I probably won't miss it, but that's not to say it won't be nice to have, since I do notice in a big winter storm, it's always nerve wracking to be sitting at a light not knowing if the acura is going to move when the light turns, or perhaps I just need some better tires.

On the other hand, I might not really have a choice since the chance of finding an '06 in the color and trim i want right now might be next to nil.

So I'm still torn, but now it's more about whether I should be buying the '07 mazda3 at all or stick with my Acura. The reason I'm looking for a new car is not because I don't like my Acura but rather I am starting to get sick of commuting in Boston traffic with a manual transmission after 5 years. The '07 Mazda3 GT hatch has nearly everything I want if I were to get a new car (hatchback, heated seats, auto, sweet looking inside out, in my price range...), but my Acura has been extremely reliable for the past 5 years, I did not have to fix a thing other than recently changing two brakes and the tires. I am just worried that I might regret it if the Mazda3 is not as reliable, the fact that they shortened the warranty makes me a little more worried.

Maybe someone can help me understand the warranty better? Is the drive train warranty being extended a big plus to offset the shortened "bumper to bumper" warranty? My understanding of "bumper to bumper" means anything/everything is wrong, it's covered, whereis the drive train covers the big important stuff that are less likely to break but more expensive to fix. Or am I completely off on what it means?

Thanks again,
Amy

dudleyr

So what kind of gas mileage does the scooter get?

snowpea

Thanks for all the inputs!

I did some research into my Acura and yup no traction control, which means I probably won't miss it, but that's not to say it won't be nice to have, since I do notice in a big winter storm, it's always nerve wracking to be sitting at a light not knowing if the acura is going to move when the light turns, or perhaps I just need some better tires.

On the other hand, I might not really have a choice since the chance of finding an '06 in the color and trim i want right now might be next to nil.

So I'm still torn, but now it's more about whether I should be buying the '07 mazda3 at all or stick with my Acura. The reason I'm looking for a new car is not because I don't like my Acura but rather I am starting to get sick of commuting in Boston traffic with a manual transmission after 5 years. The '07 Mazda3 GT hatch has nearly everything I want if I were to get a new car (hatchback, heated seats, auto, sweet looking inside out, in my price range...), but my Acura has been extremely reliable for the past 5 years, I did not have to fix a thing other than recently changing two brakes and the tires. I am just worried that I might regret it if the Mazda3 is not as reliable, the fact that they shortened the warranty makes me a little more worried.

Maybe someone can help me understand the warranty better? Is the drive train warranty being extended a big plus to offset the shortened "bumper to bumper" warranty? My understanding of "bumper to bumper" means anything/everything is wrong, it's covered, whereis the drive train covers the big important stuff that are less likely to break but more expensive to fix. Or am I completely off on what it means?

Thanks again,
Amy

kyfdx

I think they adjusted the warranty to match what the competition offers (Honda, Toyota).

I'm guessing that the different term warranty wasn't accomplishing what they wanted in terms of differentiating themselves from the competition..

I personally prefer the 4yr/50K warranty, but I haven't done a cost/benefit analysis to determine which is better.

I would concentrate on the value of the deals between the two cars.... everything else is probably about equal..

regards,
kyfdx
(not the host here)

z71bill

Be careful Mazda does not always honor the warranty.

"My understanding of "bumper to bumper" means anything/everything is wrong, it's covered"

This may be true with some car companies but not with Mazda -

The question is WHO gets to decide what "wrong" means -

snowpea

Hi everyone, thanks for all the feedback! I went to the dealership in Wellesley MA this weekend and looked at the mazda 3 hatch back. They didn't have the GT but they had two Touring in the lot. So they threw in the leather heated seat, remote engine starter and the security system for free. Though instead of the factory black leather seats, I opted for the red custom leather seats, which they gave me for the price of the factory seats ($590 instead of $1195).

I'm going to miss my Acura, but I'm very excited about the 3!

mdaffron

Read my post again!

Meade

mdaffron

I think one of our recent posters is disgruntled with his Mazda and is speaking unfairly about Mazda's warranty policies. There is a small booklet that comes in the owner's manual package that speaks to the whole warranty policy.

Basically, "bumper to bumper" coverage includes everything, yes ... however, there are some items that are considered "wear" items that are not covered. These items include things like brake pads and rotors, clutches (in the case of a manual transmission), drive belts, etc.

There also is a small list of other items (i.e. the radio, I believe) that have their own warranties. I think the warranty on the radio is one year, IIRC. There are also separate warranties on rust perforation and emissions equipment.

I'm sure any dealer will go over the warranty coverage with you ... and if you ever do have a problem with a dealer not honoring the manufacturer's warranty, you can always take them to court for violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Similar to the Lemon Law in that it exists to protect the consumer, it ensures manufacturers stand behind their product's warranty as written.

Meade

z71bill

If Mazda ignored (or even flat out refused to fix) a small problem (like a rattle in the dash) while the car was still under warranty I could accept it - after all no car is perfect.

But let me focus in on one of the problems that Mazda will not fix - not the AC - but the engine stalling defect.

Its clear more than a few Mazda3's have this serious defect - it started back in the 2004 model year - continued into 2005 & 2006 (not sure about 2007) and so far MAZDA HAS NOT FIXED ANY OF THE DEFECTIVE CARS.

So here we have a SERIOUS DEFECT - that has been around for 3 YEARS - Mazda has done NOTHING.

Can anyone say this is standing behind your product? Honoring the warranty?

IMO Mazda should fix the cars with this problem.

If they can't fix them they should give the customer their money back - or replace the whole car.

Right?

z71bill

Maybe you can tell me where in the Mazda manual it says a stalling engine is normal wear and tear :P - (or is it ONE of the SMALL items that is not covered!) LOL

Maybe I should look in the section that covers the invisible overdrive button!

egon0119

Apparently Mazda had addressed the stalling problem last September. This service bulletin says that there is a software update for the engine control module that'll fix the "engine rpm drop or engine stall when slightly releasing the accelerator pedal". The update is only for the 2.0L auto however.

The rest of the Mazda3 service bulletins are here.

z71bill

Thanks for the info - but I have used a TSB to get my Mazda3 fixed several times - I waited for almost 2 years for a fix on some of the defects - although 2 years is better than never it does seem like Mazda moves slower than then could - if they really wanted to have happy customers & repeate buyers they could get the big problems fixed quicker. A new list came out today -

2006 top 10 manufactures in retaining customers as reported by J.D. Powers:

Toyota - 63.9%
Lexus - 63.2%
Honda - 60.3%
BMW - 56.5%
Scion - 56.3%
Cadillac - 55.5%
Chevrolet - 55.3%
Mercedes-Benz - 53.6%
Ford - 53.3%
Hyundai - 51.6%

You can slam JDP methods if you want - they are not perfect - but Mazda even got beat out by Chevy, Ford and Hyundai! Must be the few small items (like engines that stall & AC that will not cool) that they don't cover under warranty that hurt them!

claudius753

Well, I think I am finally going to get a new car. My car doesn't seem like it's going to make it to the summer as originally planned.

I really want a GTI but the price / reliability / insurance are a problem, so I think I am going to go for the Mazda 3 Hatch.

Capital One approved me for the amount I requested ($25,000) through the 'blank check' program at 6.69% interest, which I find to be an excellent rate for my age. So, basically any Mazda 3 is within my loan amount, but at the payments I want I am looking at a $22,500 maximum.

I am eligible for S-plan pricing which is basically invoice price.

Now I have some major decisions to make.

I would love to have the GT with Navigation. Unfortunately that requires the Moonroof/Bose package as well. That puts my total at $22657 and payments at around $380 / month. I could put an extra $2,000 down to get payments of $346 / month.

A GT with just Bose / Moonroof would be about $21150 and $363 a month, with that extra $2000 still in the bank.

The car I test drove tonight was a Touring with Moonroof package and leather for $19906. That's payments of $336 a month and payments that I really like. That keeps my $2000 in the bank and allows me to make pay extra each month if I want. It has everything I want from the GT except for Navi, which I could do without but is a nice toy, and the Xenons. Could Xenons from the GT be fitted to a Touring later on?

I am still also debating whether I should get the 5AT or the 5MT. I am leaning towards the 5AT because I will keep this car for 5 plus years and I don't know if I want to drive manual for another 5 years. Also, an auto would allow other members of my family to drive it as no one else can drive manual. At least it has the tiptronic type auto manual that makes up for it a little bit.
The shifter in my Cavalier Z24 is not that great and I don't like the way my Cavalier turns 3000 rpm at 70 mph. I haven't test driven the 3 with a manual yet, so that might change my mind and I can hopefully see how high it revs at 70.

Anyway, sorry for the ramblings, I am just trying to sort out some thoughts and get some opinions on the matter. Ultimately I have to do what I think is best, but it never hurts to get other's opinion before making a major decision.

dride

I'd go with a 5MT. The gas mileage is much better, and the 3 is an easy and fun manual to drive.

blueguydotcom

Drive them both back to back. Take out a GTI and then a Mazda3 (I'd suggest manual but I love mazda manuals). Whichever one feels right, go for it. Really worrying about reliability and such won't change the fact that one car just may feel better to you.

kyfdx

I agree with blueguy...

Get the car you really want... If that is the GTI, then get it "stripped" and be happy...

Assuming you get the Mazda, if it makes you happier to have that $2K in the bank, then forego the NAV.. I love xenons, but I wouldn't take another $2K in options that I don't need to get them..

5 years is a long time.... The important thing to me would be to get the car I want (GTI or Mazda) at an affordable price.. I'd give up automatic to get other options (xenons?). Well.. I'd get the manual either way...

claudius753

I am really torn on the MTX vs ATX issue. I need to test drive a manual before I make a final decision. My biggest gripe about manual transmissions (or at least the one I drive now) is that it turns 3000rpm at 70. It feels like it needs a 6th gear. The Mazda 3 seems to be about the same for rpm@70. I didn't really pay attention to that detail on the ATX 3 I test drove (I was too busy having fun and grinning) If it turns out that the ATX isn't much better in that area, it may be just enough to make me go for the MTX.

The three cars I looked at were Civic EX with Navi, Mazda 3 GT with Navi, and GTI with DSG. The Civic is the cheapest with the best economy, but I don't like the 4 door model and the interior is a bit strange and it is low on power. The GTI is fast and comes in a 4 door, but gets lower fuel economy, requires premium, has questionable reliability, and much higher insurance. The Mazda 3 is the best of both worlds. I can get a stripper GTI or a Mazda 3 GT with all the goodies for the same price. As much as I like the GTI, the combination of all the extra options I can get and the still decent power and economy makes me think it would be my best choice.

I can comfortably afford $400 / month, but I don't want the payments to be that high. I would prefer a lower payment that I can pay extra on and know for sure that I can afford the minimum payment easily. The dealer is looking for MZ3s that meet my criteria now and is supposed to get me an out the door price on each of my options.

bellamusica

I have a 2006 GT hatch with MTX. I was worried about the same thing (RPM at high speed) as I drive on the highway a great deal. I can honestly say it is not an issue from a sound perspective (up to 80 mph). The engine is not intrusive. I have more issues with the road noise.

Take the manual out for a test drive and make sure you get on the highway. That's the only way to feel comfortable. I love my manual. I won't get an automatic until my left knee gives out.

dride

I agree, from a fun to drive perspective, the manual is the way to go in my opinion. Also, the manual gets, again in my opinion, pretty decent gas mileage. I don't think anyone with an automatic transmission is happy with their MPG's.

As for road noise on the 3, when I replaced the stock Goodyears I was pretty surprised how much quieter the ride was in my 2005. I was a little miffed I had to get new tires after only driving the vehicle 15,000 miles, but am happy with the result.

I am fascinated with how expensive these navigation systems are. I still dig reading paper maps. Maybe if I got a vehicle w/ nav, I'd like it, who knows.