Mazda3 review, based on 3 weeks of driving (you know when)

[jcg878]

I know, I know. You've all been pining for my sub-professional review of the Mazda3 that I said I'd do. (Anyone remember that I said that?? :D) Well, here it is: I should note that the car had 2100 miles on it when I first picked it up.

Overall I found it fun to drive and tossable. The 4-cyl is sprightly and feels quick around town, but is slow on the highway (kind of the opposite of the TSX). Fuel economy was splendid - I didn't calculate it, but in 4 weeks I put in 2 tanks of (regular) gas :eek: Though it seemed to grip the road well round turns in dry weather, I found it really easy to induce understeer when the roads were even a little wet. There is no stability control standard, and my car didn't have ABS. I assume the tires (16 inches on alloy wheels) were to blame. The 4 speed automatic was slow to shift in SS mode - a slowness accentuated by the fact that the gear indicator changes as soon as you shift, before the transmission actually does. Also, the gear indicator is active even in drive mode - something I once wished the TSX did, but quickly became irritated by it.

The interior was nice with pleasant fabric on the seats and doors and switches had an overall quality feel. The stereo was acceptable, but bass rattle was evident at even a moderate volume. Stereo controls were awkward - the knob closest to the driver is useless in most modes (I kept reaching for the volume control). Also, there's this gimmicky light scheme with these LEDS that illuminate in the direction that you turn the knob that I didn't like. Eventually I learned to use the remote controls on the steering whell, which included a mute button that I found useful when taking phone calls. The CD player was clear and FM reception was good. Interior room was very nice, but at the expense of trunk space. Headspace was more than adequate for this 5'11" guy.

On the whole, I thought the Mazda3 to be the most impressive small car I've driven in a while, but it doesn't compare to the refinement of my TSX. CR just confirmed this by ranking it as their new #1 small car this month. I'd have to say that the Mazda6 is a more natural (and better) competitor for the TSX, but I can see how one could shop the 3 and 6 and come away with the former. As a matter of fact, that Mazda6 wagon could've possibly stolen me from the TSX... well, maybe not, but I like it alot.


High points: Peppy engine around town, sporty steering feel, tossable, spacious interior for its class, feature-laden interior, great fuel economy (!), good looks.

Low points: AT slow to shift (particularly in SS mode), overall unrefined feel, slow on highway, poor tire grip in rain, tiny trunk, speaker rattles.

[TSX 'R' US]

Nice review :thumbsup:

I was actually looking at one this weekend...but had to take off before I could take one for a spin...

[SAZABI]

Nice man... but can you review sth good next time?
I don't think anyone here gonna trade the TSX for Mazda3 he heee....

no wait... if the dealer can't fix my problem, I may end up driving a mazda3...

[larchmont]

Great write-up, JCG!
Yeah, I really genuinely was pining for it, except that I totally forgot about it. :D

It sounds extremely objective, and really quite expertly.

Overall, although you are basically favorable about the car, sounds like the car is less good than I thought. I had imagined that this was a car that I'd be happy to have, maybe kinda like a BMW 3 with FWD (which I mean as a positive), but from your write-up, it seems clear that it's not anywhere near that level.

BTW I never knew that understeer has anything to do with the tires.

P.S. You say that you think the tires are to "blame." How can you say that? Wouldn't you blame the people who decided to put those tires on the car? Or the people who make the tire? I mean I don't see what the tires could have done to prevent the problem...... :D own3d :D

[jcg878]

I had imagined that this was a car that I'd be happy to have, maybe kinda like a BMW 3 with FWD

Funny you should say that, since when they gave me the keys, the keychain said "3-series" and I briefly got all excited :D :D


P.S. You say that you think the tires are to "blame." How can you say that? Wouldn't you blame the people who decided to put those tires on the car? Or the people who make the tire? I mean I don't see what the tires could have done to prevent the problem...... :D own3d :D

lol :rofl:

pwn3d

(I think that is teh correct speeling)

[larchmont]

.....pwn3d

(I think that is teh correct speeling)
Yes indeed I believe you are right that is teh correct speeling.

Thank you for not blaming me. :D

[Ferg]

I had imagined that this was a car that I'd be happy to have, maybe kinda like a BMW 3 with FWD (which I mean as a positive), but from your write-up, it seems clear that it's not anywhere near that level.



I thought the Mazda3 handled very well in my brief drive.

Larch, it seems that the TSX is very close to your idea of a BMW with FWD. Wouldn't you say?

[larchmont]

I thought the Mazda3 handled very well in my brief drive.

Larch, it seems that the TSX is very close to your idea of a BMW with FWD. Wouldn't you say?
Yes indeed.

Kinda like 3-series lite. :D

As a footnote: For me, a key difference is the TSX's slightly-but-significantly larger size. This doesn't seem to make much difference to most people -- I think most people don't even notice it, probably don't even realize it -- but to me it truly puts the car into a little different category. I sense the difference not only in interior space but also in the nature of the ride. As I think you know, in days of yore I had a 320i. Although I had it and enjoyed it for 12 years, it was really just a little too small, in those respects. The TSX is just above the bar. And you know how I feel about RWD. :jeffy:

Still, yes indeed: 3-series lite.

[pocketkiller]

P.S. You say that you think the tires are to "blame." How can you say that? Wouldn't you blame the people who decided to put those tires on the car? Or the people who make the tire? I mean I don't see what the tires could have done to prevent the problem...... :D own3d :D[/QUOTE]


Oh larch what an effect I've had on you! It feels good to make a difference.

[jcg878]

P.S. You say that you think the tires are to "blame." How can you say that? Wouldn't you blame the people who decided to put those tires on the car? Or the people who make the tire? I mean I don't see what the tires could have done to prevent the problem...... :D own3d :D


Oh larch what an effect I've had on you! It feels good to make a difference.[/QUOTE]

:rofl:

Let me rephrase - the tires suck :slant:

[pocketkiller]

I drove the 2.3 Liter as well in hatchback form, with the 5 speed manual, leather, ABS, SAB, SAC, XENON, TPMS, MOONROOF, 6DISC CD. I agree with the original assessment, and it is kind of like a FWD BMW 3 series in driving dynamics, BUT the luxury feel is not there. There is too much style, and not enough class. quite opposite of the civic, which has no style, but plenty of class.

[Cyde]

sounds like you were revieving the 2.0 liter, cuz only the 2.3liter has the 17inch alloys, have you driven the GT, and those JDM tires are better than the crap stock TSX wheels,

yea it's true the TSX has a better top speed, and is a bit more refined, it comes no where close to bang-for-the buck value, i'm really considering trading in my TSX for a Mazda3, i've raced both at autocross, so i'm leaning towards M3, plus i can't afford the TSX's $500 a month on premium gas which is killing me literally!

I know many people keep on making fun of other people saying "if you can afford a TSX you can afford" this and that etc.
well i guess i just can't afford tsx for much longer unless i get some money by... um...

[pocketkiller]

I would recommend waitin for the Mazda 3 mazdaspeed version then if you are looking to autocross. 256 hp, 280 lb-ft tork. possible AWD with tork distribution system like the new RL.

[pocketkiller]

I can agree with you on the gas part....on Saturday I filled up...$40!!!! no joke. 15.4 gallons for $2.59.

But remember insurance premiums too. I think M3 would be higher, due to the "type of buyer", usually young and stupid drivers....especially a mazdaspeed version.

[robert_tg]

wow nice review, thanks

kinda made me regret getting TSX. M3 offers great value and made in Jpn.
I could feeling more relaxed with M3 & treat as a daily all-round beater but not feeling the same with TSX.

[pocketkiller]

You shouldn't regret it. There are quite a few negatives about the M3. The interior is very cheap feeling and cluttered. The seats are uncomfortable and don't support the entire body. No stability or traction control, no retained accessory power, much worse stereo and speakers, no power seat, no heated seats, no rear arm rests, much worse ergonomics, no sunglass holder, or climate control, no interior air filtration, no signal mirrors, no alarm!

So you really do get what you pay for. The TSX is much more refined, smooth, and quiet.

[Joker]

I can agree with you on the gas part....on Saturday I filled up...$40!!!! no joke. 15.4 gallons for $2.59.
:nod: Ditto :thumbsdow

[kingdamo3]

i know this wasnt the main point of the review, but i find it funny that this review (and many others that ive seen) make a point of the cheesy lights on the radio when you adjust the volume. i dont own a mazda3, but when i went to the dealer and checked one out, i was able to access an option that turns these lights off from the radio menu after about 5 mins of playing with it. has no one thru ownership or test drive reviews figured this out and mentioned it?

[pocketkiller]

i know this wasnt the main point of the review, but i find it funny that this review (and many others that ive seen) make a point of the cheesy lights on the radio when you adjust the volume. i dont own a mazda3, but when i went to the dealer and checked one out, i was able to access an option that turns these lights off from the radio menu after about 5 mins of playing with it. has no one thru ownership or test drive reviews figured this out and mentioned it?


WELCOME KING!
Not here, but maybe over at the Mazda 3 site they are aware of that. I guess the people who have reviewed haven't had enough time to actually fool around with alot of the minor stuff, and just focused mainly on the big things.