I have heard it rumored that the next Mazdaspeed models will be the RX-8 and 6 (assuming everyone already knows about the MS Miata). I doubt the MS 3 is far behind though. Disclaimer: this is all just hearsay and conjecture.
Personally, I hope they don't make traction control or heated seats standard on the 3. Heated seats add unnecessary weight and cost. Traction control always interferes when you don't want it to. They can continue leaving off the stability control while they are at it. All of these things would be fine options, perhaps even an option package, but please do not make them standard. When I am driving, I want to be the one driving the car, not the ABS computer.
In complete agreement on the stability & traction control and heated seats as options. Too bad they aren't available though at all (in Canada at least).
I do think ABS is a fantastic thing though, especially in snowy, icy conditions.
Most Canadians are pretty good snow brakers (with the exception of Vancouver-folk who rarely see it), but on Jan.17, twice in a single night, ABS saved me from 2 serious accidents when dimwits without snowtires careened into my lane at high speed and slammed into a couple of cars ahead of me at intersections.
There was nothing I could do but try to come to a stop as quickly as possible. The Mazda 3 ABS system kicked in, and I was shocked at how effective it was. I managed to stop and avoid both sets of crashed cars, not to mention some pedestrians who had jumped out of the way.
I've used ABS on other cars in the past, but the Mazda3's system was a standout. Theoretically, ABS cars in snow should take a little longer to stop on ice than non-ABS cars (albeit in a far-more controlled manner). But on that night, I could not have imagined "pumping" the brakes doing a better job than MZ3's ABS did that night.
That night sold me. ABS forever! (as a personal choice) Yes, it's a safety feature I would only use for 6-10 seconds in a whole year, but sometimes your entire destiny, the very course of your future, can ride on those few seconds, not to mention the impact on other people: Life vs. death. Happy Relief vs. bitter agony. It's an option that's made all the difference, even if I never use it again.
(having said that, if I lived in let's say Arizona, I probably wouldn't get ABS...but Toronto or New York or Minnesota? You bet your life on it)
I read that the 3 was confirmed as the next MS model, if I find the link I will post it.
ABS saved the life of me and my passengers once in my P5. and I do swear by it now. I hope that heated seats and traction control are options soon, as both are wonderful up here in frozen New England. Believe me, I have no interest in restarting the TC/ABS debate! I simply miss TC and heated seats as I had them in my last car, and plan on having them in my next if at all possible. So if anyone comes upon info, please let me know.
There is a little rumor from CNN not long ago. Here is a relevant paragraph:
By early 2005, performance junkies can expect a turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 sports compact that should pump out at least 200 horsepower (or up to 240, if Mazda decides to offer an all-wheel-drive version). The hotted-up 3 should be followed by Mazdaspeed's take on the mid-size 6.
I wonder if the MS 3 will be an aftermarket showcase like the MS Protege or an internally developed product like the MS Miata. If they went aftermarket like the Protege, it would explain how they could develop it so fast. I don't think there is any reliability advantage to one method over the other, so more power to them (pun intended) if they decide to work with the aftermarket to bring the MS 3 to market fast.
Liven up your evening and join your fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday from 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for our Mazda Mania Chat!
This coming week's chat on Feb 10 is also going to include a set of trivia questions about the 2004 Mazda models, gleaned from the pages of Edmunds.com! So study up and join us on Tuesday evening!!
anyone here felt the driver seating position to be somewhat awkward. even with the tilt and telescopic wheel i am not so comfortable in the driver seat (we have had it for about 1000 miles now). somehow i love the seating postion in my other car (a mitsubishi eclipse). mazda3 front seats are the sport kind, does someone think bucket seats could have been better?
From my two long test drives in the hatch, I have to say I found the seats to be very comfortable & supportive, if just slightly firm. Not sure if that would degrade the comfort over long, cross-country-type drives.
The primary thing I wished I could change on them would be to have the ability to change the angle of the bottom seat cushion. When you raise the seat height it almost feels like you're being tipped forward a little, whereas I'd prefer to tip the bottom cushion downward a little at the back, while raising the seat height.
That being said, I still found the seats very comfortable (and I'm quite picky on seat comfort) and totally acceptable to me....However, one more wish list item: I do think they should offer seat heaters with the leather.
I wonder if the reason they didn't offer heated seats/traction control, etc was to ensure that Volvo customers would have something to look forward to.
I mean we know the Mazda 3 is going to be the basis for the new VolvoS40/V50. If the Mazda3 was sold available with every luxury option, wouldn't that hurt VolvoS40 sales?
Mind you, the Volvos would be sold presumably with more powerful engines, especially if they're turbocharged..but I could see many Volvo S40/V50 customers content with buying a Mazda3 IF the price difference were over $6000 US (which I assume it will be)
Good point. There definitely has to be enough differentiation among brands in the 'Ford' family to not cannibalize each others sales. I probably would have never expected heated seats (or even leather for that matter) on a compact Japanese car had they not already thrown in so many other extras & options like tilt/telescope wheel, nicely designed interior, and NAV/HID availability. Once I start seeing those luxury items, it makes me want more.
...so my Mom's Infiniti G-35 came standard with heated seats...like she's ever going to use them here in Hawaii! Would have been nice if it were an option on all cars...so you can get 'em if you need 'em....
Also I just checked out the Mazda6 Sport Wagon specs, and heated leather seats will be available there.
So maybe Mazda's thinking is not only to avoid cannibalization of Volvo sales, but also to avoid potential 6-buyers from looking at the 3 too seriously.
Lavaorange3, Heated seats as standard in your mom's Infiniti G35 is like Air conditioning as standard in Vancouver, BC (where the temps are usually so mild). You don't really need it!
This is the first car we've owned in a while w/o heated leather seats. Have to say that after a few minutes, even during NJ mornings of 3-10 degrees, they are fine. The 98.6 that the bod is generating seems to do the job nicely. I found myself always turning the heaters in our A6 and GTI off very quickly. In the FX35 which my wife drives, I can barely stand them after 2-3 minutes. At times I think they're a brilliant gimmick--extra bucks for an option that's useful only for those first 2-3 minutes. But then I'm not up there in Alberta with yaks and moose and marauding polar bears on -20 degree days. Maybe in NJ they are a somewhat frivolous option.
"By slicing the car in two behind the front seats and adding nearly 250mm to the body either side of the back wheels, the MINI's tiny rear passenger and luggage compartments have grown to become one of the class's most practical."
Heated seats are practicically a necessity up here, and I used them 8 months a year. They are also great if you have a sore back, or on long winter drives when hot air would make one sleepy, but a hot seat and medium air keeps one awake.
we've had ample time to deal with winter. For those unfortunate folks who have to deal with snow, have you noticed that the hatch skirt kit (that comes with the "appearance package") makes the body of the car "too low"?
I've just noticed that I've had occasional trouble clearing higher snowdrifts and icebanks with my hatch compared to other cars. Obviously our cars are not SUVs but I was surprised how often I hear ice hitting the skirts of the car. Anyone notice the same?
any thoughts? I like the base Vibe 5spd for lower price and more gas mileage, but the 3 hatchback is much quicker and a more comfortable seating position for a 6'3" guy. Can't decide.
A true comparison is either the base Vibe to the Mazda3i, or the Vibe GT to the Mazda3s hatchback. I did the same comparison a couple of months ago and the Mazda won easily in all aspects except cargo space. See for yourself.
Buckeye, FYI: when you are shopping, remember that the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are shared platforms. Unless there's something specific about the Pontiac you like, you should check out the Toyota too. I think the Mazda is a better deal -- more bang for the buck.
Good enough reason for me to avoid the Vibe. You won't find the Matrix being assembled at NUMMI and the Voltz is canceled. My 2003 Tacoma suffered from several assembly problems that have since been corrected at dealership.
If the 3 is assembled as well as the Protege then give serious consideration to the Mazda3.
Yes, while comparing the 3 hatch to the Vibe GT, the 3 looks like much more car for the $$. Much more low end torque and you don't have to run premium gas. Sportier feel and much better driving position. I hope the extra year of warranty is a good sign for the quality.
I know the Vibe & Matrix are the same, but I was leaning toward the Vibe because Toyota dealers can be so arrogant.
Disturbing article about the Vibe quality, I assumed that since it was the same platform as the Matrix, it would be a quality product. We know what happens when you assume. This will definitely make me stay away from the Vibe.
How many miles are you able to go on a full tank of gas (auto transmission)? The specs say 348/420 for city/highway. But I seem to be getting less than that. At about 280 miles in the city (or 320 on the highway), the low gas warning light starts showing up. Does someone know how many gallons of gas will be left when the warning begins?
I just bought my new Mazda-3S hatchback on 2-21-04!! I LOVE IT!! I drove the Corolla, Matrix, VW-Golf, Honda Civic & Si, and a few more. The 3 won hands down!
I used to live in Germany for a few years and fell in love with the small sporty sedans! I missed them since 1983 after I left my little BMW-1802 model when I returned home.
Not any more!! This is just what I remembered only far more high tech and classy! I am a Mazda fan and I truely believe they are in the forefront of the other car makers! My new 3 is the most fun I've had driving a car in years...although I just have a little over 100 miles on it so far!!
I'm looking forward to reading your posts! Please feel free to contact me if you wish. Randy.....
Absolutely support all those who quote driving experience as the determinant. However, in my case, tall with short torso, LONG legs, it was dead easy - neither the Civic, Corolla or Matrix had quite enough leg room for comfort. Same quoted room as the 3, but only the 3 fit. Of course, the telescopic wheel was also a must with the seat far back.
My wife picked up her silver GT hatch today. Maybe couple of months I may get my temporary paws on it. Oh, the salesman did mention dissatisfaction with the sedan trunk lack of lip -he hopes there may be a mid-production change. And they know all about air bag sensor - are replacing as required - interesting, some have no problem.
"Absolutely support all those who quote driving experience as the determinant. However, in my case, tall with short torso, LONG legs, it was dead easy - neither the Civic, Corolla or Matrix had quite enough leg room for comfort. Same quoted room as the 3, but only the 3 fit. Of course, the telescopic wheel was also a must with the seat far back."
If you need the steering wheel any closer for your long legs, then get the 6, the TSX or the Volvo's Mazda3 -- the new S40. They all have raise-able thigh support in addition to the cushion-height adjustment.
Also, the Europeans tend to make the front passenger seat just as adjustable as the driver seat!
I think this was addressed/asked earlier, but I don't recall the answer. Does the rear washer on everyones 3Hatch spray out in 3 or 4 streams rather than a mist? seems to work okay, just wondering if it needs to be adjusted.
My rear washer fluid comes out poorly - it looks like it is coming out in one fat stream. I will ask my dealer about it...is anybody elses coming out as a mist?
Obviously there are some glitches with this car and some legitimate complaints.
In the long run the numbers will tell the truth; afterall those with good experiences or no issues are not running to look for boards the express their glee.
The only reason I am here is because I was here before I purchaed the car and read the reviews and the message boards and have now come back.
However I am so absolutely perplexed about the cramping issues. I am 6'4 and not a stringbean and one of the reasons I chose this car was because of the overall room the car gives me.
I have driven the car to Ottawa and back from Toronto (330+ miles) and it never entered my mind that there were intrusions and cramping that have been expressed by several posters - on this thread and others.
I understand we all have different body dimensions, however, I'm confused how after test driving the car people who felt seating discomfort decided to purchase something that may be with them for the next 5000+ hours of there lives.
We test drove, civic, matrix, the protege 5, and a 2002 Subaru Outback, and the M3 gave us equal or more room than all of them. What did the cramping/intrusive panels etc people think they were buying a Towncar???
is a good lateral support for your right leg to brace on during cornering. It's the traditional Protege style, which was rated as the best driving position by C&D. Perhaps if Mazda brings back the thigh-tilt feature will allow each drivers to tailor that leg lateral support just right.
Only cars w/ intrusive transmission tunnel will push your right leg just a tad too far to the left such as the 3 from BMW & the A4/Passat from Audi.
Hey, w/o such leg support, a 3 just ain't 3 enough.
I wish the center stack in my Pro was just a little bit closer...but it's great for bracing myself through a turn.
I thought it felt pretty good in the 3. Perhaps a bit close for some drivers, but it felt good to me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get comfortable in the seat and have good outward visibility too, mostly, I think, due to lack of thigh-tilt adjustability in the seat. Oh well, no test-drive to confirm...I couldn't see out well enough to feel confident about not crashing into somebody (esp. someone coming from my right side).
Has anyone put a mountain bike (with front wheel off) in the back of the hatch? This is one of my reasons for ordering the hatch. How easy is it?
I know the Matrix/Vibe have more cargo room... but the 3 beats them in most other areas. The Lancer wagon is a good choice...but only if you don't care about head airbags and other amenities. The Focus is good if you are used to things breaking. Can't wait to get my 3!
The second link you posted was for information on Mazda6 recalls. There are no recalls on the Mazda3 yet, it's too soon, but I'm confident there will be.
I posted the link to the Civic recall story when somebody commented about a stalling incident reported by one Mazda3 owner on this board. The point is, all cars have problems, but one Mazda3 owner having a single incident of stalling doesn't really compare with a recall of 440000 Civics/Insights for a problem that could cause the headlights to fail.
No incident of accident or injury. When you put it in perspective there are 440,000 Civics and less than 20,000 brand new Mazda3's it could be the start of something. Kind of like the rust issue in the Mazda6. It always starts with one. There have been several areas of concern voiced by early 3 owners.
Even with the failed low beams you can switch to the highs. There is no backup ignition system when the car is stalled.
What a great board! Lots of smart people here, and lots of fun to read!
Anyway, I'm probably gonna get a 3 Hatch, and i'm on a limited budget. The only option I would really like is the ABS/side curtain bags. Unfortunately, at my local dealer (only 4 miles away - quite close, for a change!) the only 3's with the ABS package are fully loaded! (I guess they didn't think that someone might spring for better safety WITHOUT leather and a nav system...) I COULD go through carsdirect.com and get the exact one I want, but my local dealer quoted me a better price than carsdirect...granted, the car doesn't have ABS, but it's a lot cheaper than carsdirect. I have a good relationship with this dealer, and they'll take care of me - but I may not get ABS.
So, in your opinion, how important is the ABS package? Any comments would be greatly appreciated! thanks.
"So, in your opinion, how important is the ABS package?"
Even the DSC(hopefully coming to N.A. by '05) is important for this over-steerer w/ 17" low-profile tires. Have to tried to make abrupt lane change or decelerating hard cornering w/ the Mazda3? I have, & I think you need DSC on wet surfaces, especially the unfamiliar roads.
I disagree that the Mz3 is prone to oversteer. The car is far more neutral than most front drivers, and when pushed hard will adopt mild understeer. You can induce oversteer by rapid direction changes accompanied by vigorous braking and uneven surfaces, but that is true of essentially any car. This car is set up for driving on the street, not the track. DSC would be a nice safety feature on any car, but is no more necessary on a Mazda 3 than on a more pedestrian Corolla. The key here is the driver. Anyone pushing the envelope on wet unfamiliar public roads is a danger to us all regardless of the car. At speeds far exceeding the legal limits of most roads, the 3 is stable and very predictable. It is not prone to sudden traction loss, and clearly communicates traction levels to the driver. You want to race this thing with reckless abandon, than no amount of technology is going to save you. I can't recall what car they were talking about, but Car and Driver said it best: "Certain owners discovered inapropriate vehicle rotation at the point of disappearing talent"
so those average drivers who don't countersteer will find it significant. Yes, the high-tech Focus rear suspension does a pretty good job keeping the rear from going out of control.
It's far from the horrible G35. Even Car&Driver drivers found the RWD power oversteer of the G35(w/ sport suspension) so scary(even on familiar dry roads!) when combined w/ the over-sensitive steering that they never bothered to shut off the traction control again!(see p86, Oct '02)
Even w/o the RWD-power factored in, CR drivers complained about the (non-sport)G35's lifting-off-the-gas-when-cornering oversteer that gave a low rating in the "at the limit handling" even with stability control on. (see p61, July '03)
My preferred balance is having some predictable oversteer fun on dry roads, & switch on the stability control on wet roads.
As I found in the new S40 w/ optional $695 DSC, the car 4-wheel drifts w/ occasional slight oversteer when I twisted the steering like a maniac in the rain.
Comments
Personally, I hope they don't make traction control or heated seats standard on the 3. Heated seats add unnecessary weight and cost. Traction control always interferes when you don't want it to. They can continue leaving off the stability control while they are at it. All of these things would be fine options, perhaps even an option package, but please do not make them standard. When I am driving, I want to be the one driving the car, not the ABS computer.
Ted
In complete agreement on the stability & traction control and heated seats as options. Too bad they aren't available though at all (in Canada at least).
I do think ABS is a fantastic thing though, especially in snowy, icy conditions.
Most Canadians are pretty good snow brakers (with the exception of Vancouver-folk who rarely see it), but on Jan.17, twice in a single night, ABS saved me from 2 serious accidents when dimwits without snowtires careened into my lane at high speed and slammed into a couple of cars ahead of me at intersections.
There was nothing I could do but try to come to a stop as quickly as possible. The Mazda 3 ABS system kicked in, and I was shocked at how effective it was. I managed to stop and avoid both sets of crashed cars, not to mention some pedestrians who had jumped out of the way.
I've used ABS on other cars in the past, but the Mazda3's system was a standout. Theoretically, ABS cars in snow should take a little longer to stop on ice than non-ABS cars (albeit in a far-more controlled manner). But on that night, I could not have imagined "pumping" the brakes doing a better job than MZ3's ABS did that night.
That night sold me. ABS forever! (as a personal choice) Yes, it's a safety feature I would only use for 6-10 seconds in a whole year, but sometimes your entire destiny, the very course of your future, can ride on those few seconds, not to mention the impact on other people:
Life vs. death. Happy Relief vs. bitter agony. It's an option that's made all the difference, even if I never use it again.
(having said that, if I lived in let's say Arizona, I probably wouldn't get ABS...but Toronto or New York or Minnesota? You bet your life on it)
Ted
ABS saved the life of me and my passengers once in my P5. and I do swear by it now. I hope that heated seats and traction control are options soon, as both are wonderful up here in frozen New England. Believe me, I have no interest in restarting the TC/ABS debate! I simply miss TC and heated seats as I had them in my last car, and plan on having them in my next if at all possible. So if anyone comes upon info, please let me know.
Thanks.
By early 2005, performance junkies can expect a turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 sports compact that should pump out at least 200 horsepower (or up to 240, if Mazda decides to offer an all-wheel-drive version). The hotted-up 3 should be followed by Mazdaspeed's take on the mid-size 6.
Ted
Liven up your evening and join your fellow enthusiasts every Tuesday from 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for our Mazda Mania Chat!
This coming week's chat on Feb 10 is also going to include a set of trivia questions about the 2004 Mazda models, gleaned from the pages of Edmunds.com! So study up and join us on Tuesday evening!!
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The primary thing I wished I could change on them would be to have the ability to change the angle of the bottom seat cushion. When you raise the seat height it almost feels like you're being tipped forward a little, whereas I'd prefer to tip the bottom cushion downward a little at the back, while raising the seat height.
That being said, I still found the seats very comfortable (and I'm quite picky on seat comfort) and totally acceptable to me....However, one more wish list item: I do think they should offer seat heaters with the leather.
I wonder if the reason they didn't offer heated seats/traction control, etc was to ensure that Volvo customers would have something to look forward to.
I mean we know the Mazda 3 is going to be the basis for the new VolvoS40/V50. If the Mazda3 was sold available with every luxury option, wouldn't that hurt VolvoS40 sales?
Mind you, the Volvos would be sold presumably with more powerful engines, especially if they're turbocharged..but I could see many Volvo S40/V50 customers content with buying a Mazda3 IF the price difference were over $6000 US (which I assume it will be)
Also I just checked out the Mazda6 Sport Wagon specs, and heated leather seats will be available there.
So maybe Mazda's thinking is not only to avoid cannibalization of Volvo sales, but also to avoid potential 6-buyers from looking at the 3 too seriously.
Lavaorange3,
Heated seats as standard in your mom's Infiniti G35 is like Air conditioning as standard in Vancouver, BC (where the temps are usually so mild). You don't really need it!
"By slicing the car in two behind the front seats and adding nearly 250mm to the body either side of the back wheels, the MINI's tiny rear passenger and luggage compartments have grown to become one of the class's most practical."
we've had ample time to deal with winter. For those unfortunate folks who have to deal with snow, have you noticed that the hatch skirt kit (that comes with the "appearance package") makes the body of the car "too low"?
I've just noticed that I've had occasional trouble clearing higher snowdrifts and icebanks with my hatch compared to other cars. Obviously our cars are not SUVs but I was surprised how often I hear ice hitting the skirts of the car. Anyone notice the same?
I never really pull in too far when parking & I'm careful when backing up.
I find myself making way too many Type-R references, but that car made me extra conscious about being low to the ground, especially in the front.
FYI: when you are shopping, remember that the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are shared platforms. Unless there's something specific about the Pontiac you like, you should check out the Toyota too.
I think the Mazda is a better deal -- more bang for the buck.
I've been hearing about problems with quality at NUMMI for the last 3 years. Now some issues are becoming public. http://news.morningstar.com/news/DJ/M02/D13/200402132036DOWJONESD- JONLINE000935.html
Good enough reason for me to avoid the Vibe. You won't find the Matrix being assembled at NUMMI and the Voltz is canceled. My 2003 Tacoma suffered from several assembly problems that have since been corrected at dealership.
If the 3 is assembled as well as the Protege then give serious consideration to the Mazda3.
Yes, while comparing the 3 hatch to the Vibe GT, the 3 looks like much more car for the $$. Much more low end torque and you don't have to run premium gas. Sportier feel and much better driving position. I hope the extra year of warranty is a good sign for the quality.
I know the Vibe & Matrix are the same, but I was leaning toward the Vibe because Toyota dealers can be so arrogant.
Disturbing article about the Vibe quality, I assumed that since it was the same platform as the Matrix, it would be a quality product. We know what happens when you assume. This will definitely make me stay away from the Vibe.
Thanks!
I'll report back on the mileage.
I just bought my new Mazda-3S hatchback on 2-21-04!! I LOVE IT!!
I drove the Corolla, Matrix, VW-Golf, Honda Civic & Si, and a few more. The 3 won hands down!
I used to live in Germany for a few years and fell in love with the small sporty sedans! I missed them since 1983 after I left my little BMW-1802 model when I returned home.
Not any more!! This is just what I remembered only far more high tech and classy!
I am a Mazda fan and I truely believe they are in the forefront of the other car makers!
My new 3 is the most fun I've had driving a car in years...although I just have a little over 100 miles on it so far!!
I'm looking forward to reading your posts! Please feel free to contact me if you wish. Randy.....
My wife picked up her silver GT hatch today. Maybe couple of months I may get my temporary paws on it. Oh, the salesman did mention dissatisfaction with the sedan trunk lack of lip -he hopes there may be a mid-production change. And they know all about air bag sensor - are replacing as required - interesting, some have no problem.
If you need the steering wheel any closer for your long legs, then get the 6, the TSX or the Volvo's Mazda3 -- the new S40. They all have raise-able thigh support in addition to the cushion-height adjustment.
Also, the Europeans tend to make the front passenger seat just as adjustable as the driver seat!
HONDA has announced it is RECALLING 440,000 CIVICS (2001-2002) & INSIGHTS (2000-2002) because the low-beam headlights just fail without warning.
I don't have the total count of recalls on those Civics, but I think it is high (considering it's a Honda).
I will post this in the regular/original Mazda 3 forum and the Mazda 3 Hatchback forum.
In the long run the numbers will tell the truth; afterall those with good experiences or no issues are not running to look for boards the express their glee.
The only reason I am here is because I was here before I purchaed the car and read the reviews and the message boards and have now come back.
However I am so absolutely perplexed about the cramping issues. I am 6'4 and not a stringbean and one of the reasons I chose this car was because of the overall room the car gives me.
I have driven the car to Ottawa and back from Toronto (330+ miles) and it never entered my mind that there were intrusions and cramping that have been expressed by several posters - on this thread and others.
I understand we all have different body dimensions, however, I'm confused how after test driving the car people who felt seating discomfort decided to purchase something that may be with them for the next 5000+ hours of there lives.
We test drove, civic, matrix, the protege 5, and a 2002 Subaru Outback, and the M3 gave us equal or more room than all of them. What did the cramping/intrusive panels etc people think they were buying a Towncar???
Only cars w/ intrusive transmission tunnel will push your right leg just a tad too far to the left such as the 3 from BMW & the A4/Passat from Audi.
Hey, w/o such leg support, a 3 just ain't 3 enough.
I thought it felt pretty good in the 3. Perhaps a bit close for some drivers, but it felt good to me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get comfortable in the seat and have good outward visibility too, mostly, I think, due to lack of thigh-tilt adjustability in the seat. Oh well, no test-drive to confirm...I couldn't see out well enough to feel confident about not crashing into somebody (esp. someone coming from my right side).
http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/125912-9621-031.html
How about this one.
http://www.nbc11.com/money/2380604/detail.html
Choose your poison.
I know the Matrix/Vibe have more cargo room... but the 3 beats them in most other areas. The Lancer wagon is a good choice...but only if you don't care about head airbags and other amenities. The Focus is good if you are used to things breaking.
Can't wait to get my 3!
I posted the link to the Civic recall story when somebody commented about a stalling incident reported by one Mazda3 owner on this board. The point is, all cars have problems, but one Mazda3 owner having a single incident of stalling doesn't really compare with a recall of 440000 Civics/Insights for a problem that could cause the headlights to fail.
Even with the failed low beams you can switch to the highs. There is no backup ignition system when the car is stalled.
Anyway, I'm probably gonna get a 3 Hatch, and i'm on a limited budget. The only option I would really like is the ABS/side curtain bags. Unfortunately, at my local dealer (only 4 miles away - quite close, for a change!) the only 3's with the ABS package are fully loaded! (I guess they didn't think that someone might spring for better safety WITHOUT leather and a nav system...) I COULD go through carsdirect.com and get the exact one I want, but my local dealer quoted me a better price than carsdirect...granted, the car doesn't have ABS, but it's a lot cheaper than carsdirect. I have a good relationship with this dealer, and they'll take care of me - but I may not get ABS.
So, in your opinion, how important is the ABS package? Any comments would be greatly appreciated! thanks.
Even the DSC(hopefully coming to N.A. by '05) is important for this over-steerer w/ 17" low-profile tires. Have to tried to make abrupt lane change or decelerating hard cornering w/ the Mazda3? I have, & I think you need DSC on wet surfaces, especially the unfamiliar roads.
It's far from the horrible G35. Even Car&Driver drivers found the RWD power oversteer of the G35(w/ sport suspension) so scary(even on familiar dry roads!) when combined w/ the over-sensitive steering that they never bothered to shut off the traction control again!(see p86, Oct '02)
Even w/o the RWD-power factored in, CR drivers complained about the (non-sport)G35's lifting-off-the-gas-when-cornering oversteer that gave a low rating in the "at the limit handling" even with stability control on. (see p61, July '03)
My preferred balance is having some predictable oversteer fun on dry roads, & switch on the stability control on wet roads.
As I found in the new S40 w/ optional $695 DSC, the car 4-wheel drifts w/ occasional slight oversteer when I twisted the steering like a maniac in the rain.