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Another option is just to hit the Recent Msgs link on the page bars.
Also, lots of folks overlook the fact that (provided you are logged in, of course) you can delete your own posts. So if you accidentally double post it's no big deal to fix it.
It's a refined version of the Protege. I test-drove a P5 many months ago, and I found it fun to drive, but the ride seemed kind of stiff, the engine shook a bit at idle, and it was a little loud at highway speeds. The 3 is perfectly still and quiet at idle, and the other two aspects are improved, too (see below).
Looks--it looks better in person than in some of the pictures. I liked the look of the MX Sportif concept a lot, and I didn't like the elongated bumpers on the US spec version in pictures, but in real life, the hatchback has the same sporty look as the Sportif. Looks great in red! The sedan really has the fastback look--slanted rear window, not much trunk shelf. It looks less like a Neon than I thought at first from the pictures.
Seats--very comfortable. No complaints; the cloth didn't bother me. Rear seat was comfortable, and I found that with the front seat raised and at a comfortable position for me, I could "sit behind myself" with plenty of leg room. The middle position in the back seat would be pretty awful, though.
Interior--I guess I'm not too concerned with quality of plastic, etc, more about functionality. The gauges were fine, the stereo controls seemed complicated but I'm sure I could get used to it.
Noise--there's moderate road noise, kind of a background rumble that didn't bother me much, but I guess it's not as whisper quiet as, say, a Lexus. I didn't get it up to very high speeds but I didn't notice any wind noise. The engine can be heard at higher revs, and it sounds nice, but it's not what I would consider loud by a long shot. Fairly muted, actually, but you can hear enough to enjoy it.
Shifting--the shifter felt great to me, but I haven't had a stickshift in years ('83 Tercel), so I don't know how it compares to other modern cars. Clutch seemed a little stiff, but my left leg is out of practice, so I doubt it would be a problem. Clutch was easy to use, and I found I could inch forward by leaving my foot off the accelerator and letting up on the clutch slowly in 1st gear (good technique for stop-and-go traffic).
Ride quality--as others have said, a nice balance; sporty but never jarring. I didn't get many chances to take curves fast, but when I did, it was a blast!
Driving position--this is a major issue for me because I had a slipped disk in my back about 6 months ago and my right leg still aches frequently. I need a new car partly because of this problem--one of our cars is really hard on my leg. The seating position in the 3 is great for me, because it's more upright than some cars (like the 6). However, the brake and accelerator pedals aren't positioned well for me--the brake is up a lot higher, so I have to lift my knee to move between the two pedals, rather than pivoting on my heel. This is really a trivial thing and I would never have noticed except for my back/leg problems. I sat in a 6, and the brake and accelerator are closer to the same level. But the seating position in the 6 doesn't work for me.
The fatal flaw--as someone else mentioned already, the center stack bulges out to the sides, such that when I drive, my right leg is leaning against the stack. I found it really annoying, and I don't think I could get used to it. It's not just because it's a small car, because I've driven an Audi A6 that I had the same problem with. Unless Mazda redesigns the stack, I just can't buy this car because of this problem. It's too bad because I loved it otherwise.
Dinu
Very nice. I even liked the sedan's lines. From outward appearances the car is alright. Interior is very Audi-ish.
Seats are dead on comfortable. The cloth was nice to the look and touch and the dash controls look easy enough to figure out.
My only concerns were:
1. The dash doesn't protrude more than the steering wheel is canted toward the center of the car. With the wheel all the way toward me and down, it still rubbed by right leg. I didn't feel comfortable like that.
2. The whole front of the car is plastic. There is no metal cowl or anything. I'm waiting to see the low speed crash tests. Looks like it may get expensive.
3. The headliner felt rather thin. A little floppy between the sunroof and windshield.
Overall though, I like the car. I'm gonna test drive one Saturday. The front view is awesome with the projector lights and honeycomb grill.
boxfan - nice review. I noticed the leg tightness due to the center stack as well, and right away too. When I went for the test drive though, it didn't enter my mind at all. On my next test drive, I'll have to observe that aspect again to see if I feel the same as you. And with that other comment made by someone about having to wrap your foot around at an angle.. I want to check that too.
Test drives are never long enough to make proper judgements.
ON GT, by now I think you read clearly that the GT 2004 is a steal with all the standard features. We know you have, we know you will...
xeider, fully understand your feelings toward VW. If you like your wallet as much, you'll go Mazda ;-)
Looks: this car attracts more looks than Cindy Crawford on the runway... Being this early in the production gives an exclusivity which I never experienced before in my life. I was driving next to a brand new Lexus ES330 and the driver and I exchanged a quick glance and smile, admiring each other's wheels... Little tdid he realized that I paid 1/3 of what he had to fork out.. no matter how quieter and more luxurious his car is. The 3 the smartest buy on the street today.
Pet
Very true! I would encourage everyone to try the car for themselves and see if it's a problem. It was just my personal reaction.
The ride compares favorably with Audis.
Combustible said "I noticed the leg tightness due to the center stack as well, and right away too. When I went for the test drive though, it didn't enter my mind at all. On my next test drive, I'll have to observe that aspect again to see if I feel the same as you."
I think if you didn't notice it on the test drive, then it won't be a problem for you. I'm wondering if I could get used to it. I think a large part of the problem is that I hold my leg in a position so I can pivot on the heel from brake to accelerator and back, so it rotates my hip outward. I liked the car enough that I'll probably try it again in a few months if my leg is bothering me less.
Most compacts and subcompacts today do have a relatively large ccenter stack.. LOL< I also own a Chevy Astro AWD... if you ever want to see the largest automotive tumour, check the center stack on that! The engine actually protrudes into it! (I only drive the disAstro for its towing power, unfortunately)
In the old days, many cars had no stack at all and a wide bench seat upfront, so you could cuddle up with your girlfriend and people behind would call them "double-headed drivers" (chauffeurs à deux têtes... for my French-speaking comrades...). My 1972 Ford Custom 500 was like that! HUge beast with tons or room in the front...
Pet
I'm not sure of this has been discussed, but does the Mazda3 have daytime running lights? They used to annoy me until I bought a car with them; they're great to have when it rains in the middle of the day (and you forget to turn on the headlights).
In the USA, no.
In Canada, yes...
More later...
Funny how people have different driving preferences. I noticed the center stack in the 6 was close enough to rest my leg against, nice on long road trips. Something I can't do in the Protegé. I also like to heel-and-toe which is less tiring in traffic. And the other thing, having to twist your foot to the right and use your toe on the throttle, is how I have to drive in the Pro because of the narrower center stack. Causes foot cramps some times.
If you are bothered by leg and foot cramps, drink orange juice. Your system needs more potassium and orange juice provides it nicely. Drink 6oz. (200ml) or 8oz. in the morning and at night, no more problems.
fowler3
It does?
Fowler, are you SURE? The product brochures to NOT indicate the 6 has DRL's...
Exterior
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc1.jpg
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc2.jpg
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc4.jpg
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc5.jpg
Interior
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc3.jpg
http://membres.lycos.fr/ascariss/foc6.jpg
Now about the 3: The GT is a steal, no doubt about it, because of the 2.3L engine. Otherwise, the GS would be as nice...
You're making me think twice if I really want/need that sunroof, b/c otherwise I can get the GT for almost the same price as the GS I want. But if the GS is fast enough for me, what do I do then?
Ah, the agony of choices
Dinu
Sorry, I am just looking forward to see the Mazda3 in person whenever my local dealer finally gets them !!
The glances are due to it being such a new model of course, but I'd be curious to know how many are actually admiring glances. A diluting factor is your unique copper color, a color sure to draw attention on most any car.
Dinu: thanks for your input re: HIDs. I'll have to checkout those Silvania SuperWhites.
I was driving side-by-side with a late-model Jetta and noticed some obvious similarities, mainly, the turn signal on the side, the identical slanted roof-top antenna, similar front fenders and even the door handles. Of course Jetters will claim Mazda copied the cues. Who cares...
True being a new model helps, no doubt. and the colour too... But dont forget the 17" wheels on 50's, and the GFX package. That you dont see too often, even on new cars. I really think Nissan missed the new Max, the 200o-2003 model grew on me and I found it nicer than the newer one.
Pet
What I'd really like is to see a 3 out on the road. Just seeing one parked in a lot plays a big part in determining ones opinion on styling, but I also like having that additional perspective of seeing the car in motion too. That'll be another factor in deciding how much I like the looks of the car.
For example, the non-sports pkg. 6 looks less appealing to me when parked. But when I see it in motion, I find it very appealing.
Are you aware the steering wheel is tilt and telescopic? Just curious.
he he, LOL. As much as I like Mazda3 exterior design, I honesly think the above is slighly exaggerated!
The pedal setup of the Protegé5 is awesome for the heel and toe.
I'm sure the 2.0L, especially with the MT have plenty of omps, and it's faster on a long-trip too. When 2.3L folks have to stop and fill the gas tank, you can go on and drive for 40 more miles, and you will arrive at the destination earlier. Take the money and those extra minute you have saved to eat the donuts before they arrive. ;-)
The low-beam is intentionally ... low ... in order not to blind other drivers. Thus why put an HID there? I'm always annoyed by the HID cars, especially the high-seat SUV and such...
If there is one place that the HID should go, it's a high-beam, when the driver want to see as far as possible without making blind others. I know that the HID bulb is a little slow the react, unless if the electric arc is constantly maintained and ready to fire. So I wonder if it's even suitable for this purpose.
Sorry to hear it. How the car looks? I guess it's not worth any more to repair right? Can you just take the money and throw the car away?
You are killing me! I don't want to get 1.6L because the weak torque and now I'm skeptical about the 2.0L. I guess I have to take a test drive of the 2.0L to see if I can tolerate the so so electro-hydraulic steering. Strangely bunch of pro divers from C&D do not make any objection about the steering.
slowing down speeding up and just maybe couldn't figure out what kind of sportscar is this driving down the road. This fine engineering specimen is really fun to zoom-zoom around town. Skeptics should hold judgement until a test drive. I wiuld pre-order one now and maybe scalp it to somebody else.
mdaffron@the-rma.org
Meade
With all the specs in the article -- accompanied by glowing praise putting the 3 at or near the top of the class, including comments such as, "And that 5-speed manual shifter is just superb. The RX-8's six-speeder boasts nice short throws and a precise touch. The 3's does, too, with arguably the best gearbox in the class," I am puzzled by the overall negative tone of most of the story.
Alas, they were critical of the heavier feel of the car -- this tone prevailed near the end of the article, which surprised me after all the hype about the above numbers being so class-leading. Sometimes I wonder about their "feelings" getting in the way of the numbers.
Keeping their observed performance numbers in mind, read these quotes and then decide for yourself whether they're full of it:
"Although it answers the helm without a hint of reluctance, there's a sensation of heaviness here that goes beyond the 162-pound difference between this Mazda 5-door and the one that came home first in our 2002 hatchback derby. In the same vein, although it's almost two seconds quicker to 60 mph than the Protege5, it doesn't
convey that sense of quickness to its pilot, due to the combination of a quieter cabin and the electric-motor operation of the 2.3-liter engine, which is devoid of any peakiness, pulling smoothly and steadily right up to its 7,100-rpm redline."
Hmmm! After naming the Protege No. 1 a couple of years ago in spite of it being slower than the other cars tested, now it's got the numbers to beat everything and they're waxing touchy-feely! Shaving TWENTY-FIVE PERCENT off the 0-60 time, making the cabin quiet and tuning an engine to pull "smoothly and steadily" all the way to the redline "doesn't convey that sense of quickness"???!!!
What will, guys? Ejectable jado rockets?
Or will those make the car "feel" heavier on the skidpad?
Toward the end of the article they criticize the price of the car, even though their tester included leather, optional xenon headlights, tire-pressure monitoring and a few other options. Once again, however, their feelings don't jibe with the real-world numbers. Their own charts following the article show that the Mazda3's base price is second-lowest among the four cars compared. No doubt adding such luxo-features as leather, xenon and tire-pressure monitoring to the competitors (if they're available on them -- kinda unheard of in this class of car) will jack their prices up too. Then they take a cheap shot by pointing out that this $21,000 wagon is more than $2 grand more expensive than a current Protege5. Why don't they compare base prices? To say one car is more expensive, but to give not even a nod to the fact that the latter is loaded with features not even available on the former, is laughable. (In their defense, they do say near the end that "more car means a bigger sticker.")
As is getting more common with C&D, the review turned out to be more subjective than objective, and the numbers and their feelings just don't add up. The 3s automatic I drove sure felt peppy and responsive enough. And unlike them, I stepped right out of a last-generation Protege I've driven daily for almost four years to test-drive this car. Oh well!
Don't worry -- Car and Driver is worth its subscription price if for no other reason than their notorious rebuttals in the Letters to the Editor -- well, that and the Tire Rack ads.
Meade
http://www.adm02.com/M3ownerCash/Static/M3ownerCash.asp?cid=1321&- amp;mid=2660
Meade
ANOTHER reason I'm waiting 'til next model year, by the way. You impatient souls go right ahead and buy those 3's. We, the patient, will study your experiences and use them to our advantage, then go buy the Mazdaspeed3 next year and blow your doors off!!!
Hee hee hee ...
Meade
Quick impressions of the 3 4-door: (while they pulled around a 5 door for me to test drive)
- looks like a lot of extra room in the engine compartment even with the 2.3 engine
- Ok I had heard the glove box was big, but with a no navigation system, the thing is deep. Looked to be about a foot and half deep (457mm for you metric folk)
- Styling cues on the 4-door were nice, but I am much more interested in the 5 door. Didn’t pay as much attention to the 4-door for that reason. Probably should have looked at the trunk, but didn’t bother.
- Sitting in the front seat, didn’t notice the middle console interfering or bothering driving leg.
- The steering wheel felt nice, thicker in diameter then I am used to, but felt more comfortable for the extra mass.
- My goodness there are cubby holes everywhere. Looks like the Mazda engineers anticipate with a carload of people, everyone will have a drink or two in hand.
- The moon rood seems awfully small compared to what I am use to in my wife’s Golf.
- Front seat is very comfortable. Not so sure on the red and black cloth.
Pricing: (from window sticker)
3s base listed at $16,405
options:
4-Speeed Sport AT
Moonroof & 6-CD Package
ABS/SAB/SAC Package
Total list price $19,515
Looks like its being sold at MSRP… though didn’t talk to anybody about sale price.
Sales people brought a 5-door Titanium Grey MT around for me to test drive. I hadn’t been planning on test driving, but twist my arm.
On to the test drive:
- Wow the steering wheel feels nice, and the shifter is comfortable and well placed.
- I am used to the adjustable steering wheel on the wife’s golf, but definitely a nice function.
- The instrument panel lighting doesn’t distract, gives good visibility, and looks to block inquisitive passengers from finding out if you exceeding the speed limit.
- The controls on the steering wheel are well placed. Nice to be able to change volume, and cycle through presets. Didn’t test the cruise control, but looked to be well situated.
- Pulling away from the dealership, the clutch felt natural, and there seemed to be plenty of power.
- Doesn’t appear to be an auto lock function once you reach some nominal speed.
- Armrest is situated so that my hand rests naturally on the shifter. The armrest doesn’t appear to be able to be repositioned, but for me it felt right.
- Motor didn’t have a memorable growl as I accelerate, but feels powerful.
- Takes turns very well. Doesn’t necessarily feel light and nimble, but very solid. Little to no body role when taking turns a lot faster then I should be. Not quite as heavy feeling at a VW.
- Visibility is not an issue. Can see well all around. C-pillar doesn’t seem to be an issue.
- Seats are comfortable, yet keep you in place.
- Turned on the radio, wasn’t all that impressed with the sound system. Not sure if the lights as you adjust the radio will bother me.
- Didn’t want to return to the dealership, and wished I had longer to test drive, and take it on the freeway.
- Started to flurry as I returned. Yes it has intermittent wipers.
- Hmmm, only one touch down window on driver window. No one touch up. I am use to both one touch down and up on both driver and passenger window on wife’s golf.
- Mirrors on both sun visors, but neither are lighted.
- Rear seat seemed stiff compared to front seat. Had a few inches between knee and back of front seat with front seat at my riding position. For reference, I am 5’11” (1.8m for you metric folk)
- Miles are car when started test drive 4
- Miles on car after test drive 9
There was no sticker on the car I test drove. Evidently they are still working to prep about (4) 3’s that they have, and the sales person grabbed one of those. Still lots of plastic wrap to be removed on the inside.
Definitely enjoyed the test drive. Couple of issues I still need to work through. Still at top of my list of cars I am considering.
Anyone know if the leather is similar to that in the 6? Also with leather interior, does the door cladding change from the cloth to a leather? I am worried about wear on the top of the door, as I tend to rest my left arm there.
Picked up a color brochure that I can scan if anyone is interested.
More thoughts and questions to come as I think about it.
If you look wayyyy back in the back, you'll find the dipstick and the oil-filler cap. Now we can change our oil easily on those cold winter days ...
J/K, LOL ... but yep, that thing is deep! I'm certain it'll hold an entire 12-pack!
Of Coke, of course!!!
Meade
One thing everyone needs to consider from these 5-minute test drives is, I played with the controls for a moment, and when you *press* the multi-function knob in the center of the center console, you get a whole flurry of menus for audio settings. It may very well be that some dorky sales guy was in there fiddling with it -- or it simply came from the factory at funny settings. With all the settings I saw in there, I'm sure there will be many ways to tailor the sound to personal tastes.
Meade
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/brunoluong/detail?.dir=/Interior- &.dnm=cooling_glovebox.jpg
Dinu
http://www.media.mazda.com/product_info/axela/gallerypress.html
enjoy!
1davao