Has anyone driven this car and how do you think it handles?

 

Exceptionally, for the price you pay. My friend bought one and I wrung it out a bit... man that car sticks like glue. Granted it's a different experience than my 8 since it's front wheel... but damn it's smooth and fun.

I think I'd invest in the hatch if I needed a car with some space

 

I drove one about 2 weeks ago when the local dealer got them in. Took out the 2.3 hatchback. It goes do well (not like the 8) and handles great in stock trim. I can see this car with a few suspension enhancements and maybe a blower.

Decent car at a very decent price.

 

Bought a 3 as my winter car. Love it. Great gas milage (compared to the 8) But I still can't wait for spring to take the 8 out of my garage.

 

how is the 5 speed ?

 

The 5 speed is really smooth. No power off the line as you would expect, but still lots of fun to drive. It's listed at 148 HP and has ok pickup once you get going in first three gears. Less so in 4 and 5.

 

My dad just bought a Lava Orange S a few weeks ago. All I have to say is AWESOME CAR. If I weren't saving up for the 8 then I would take this car into serious consideration.

 

the fully loaded goes around 23k, u can throw in 2k and have ur self a basic rx8, wat the hell is mazda thinking?
and how can it get a navigation system and the mazda 6 not?

 

*sigh* You're comparing apples and oranges. For any given trim level, the 3 is about $10k cheaper than the equivalent 8.

By your reasoning, a fully-loaded Miata comes in at $29,300, so why would anybody bother to buy a Miata?

The target markets are different; the vehicles are different; the drivers will be different. The fact that the price ranges happen to overlap doesn't mean everyone will abandon one for the other.

That said, I don't understand why anyone would still buy an '03 Protege5 when its superior replacement - the '04 Mazda 3 5-Door - is the same price.

 

Money.

The Protege and P5's at my dealer are selling for $3-4k off sticker.