Mazda3 Sport Version
 

Hi Folks,

I'm thinking of getting a Mazda3s (2.3 litre) as a second car. I did a search and found a few scattered comments. I'd be grateful for comments from forum members who've driven this car. I'm wondering about handling, especially handling and noise at highway speed. Thanks in advance.

motortrend just did a comparison between the mazda3 5-door, minicooperS, ford focus zx4 st, mitsubishi lancer ralliart, and the Scion tC. teh minicooper won...with the mazda in 2nd place (they said if it had a lill more power it would've won). so all in all it is pretty good beats out most of it's compettitors....and has more room than the cooper. (it also costs aout 3k less than the cooper S)....just what i've learned about the car recently...

Cheers

My impression from driving one is it drives like a Mazda. In that I mean it is comfortable, nicely made, sporty, great steering feel and nice shifting, decent but not lots of power, at a good price. Mazda has done a good job spreading its genes across the entire range. If you really need the extra power the upcoming Mazdaspped 3 should fix that.

I've 'autocrossed' the Mazda 3 and 6 at those Rev it Up Events put on by Mazda. The Mazda 3 is very capable as a daily driver--especially a FWD one. I was actually very impressed with its handling dynamics--not so much so as the X3 that I autocrossed (!).

Thanks to all. Army_RX8, do you have an issue reference date for the Motortrend article?

Thanks.

The 3 is one of the best compact cars available on the market at the moment.

Typical Mazda engineering and quality, it comes from the same gene pool as the 6 and the 8....... very sporty, but only having adequate power.

I dont know if i'd buy another mazda, but I hearthe 3 is a great car. Mazda always has some quirks though.

Motortrend February 2005 VOL. 57 NO. 2, on page 94 - 101.

Happy New Year All:D

Thanks, everyone. A great help.

So did u get one or not

I'm going to get a copy of the Motortrend issue as soon as I can first. (Thanks again, army_rx8). But it's quite likely I'll get one. I'm thinking of getting the SP23 when it comes out later this year. I did a test drive of the 3s yesterday and liked it a lot.

no problem..hehe sweet i finaly helped someone out:D

I owned one prior to getting my RX-8. It's definitely a sweet car for its price, and just looks gorgeous in Winning Blue. The only problems I had with it which resulted in me having to trade it in were the seats were too hard, and the way the console extends way too far out and ends up leaving you with no knee room. The gas pedal is also parked right up against the console practically (MT version). I'm 5' 9", and as a result of the combination of all these things, after every drive my right hip would just hurt like crazy.

I can definitely recommend it, but do try seeing if you'll fit in it first...I suggest a more extended test drive if possible.

Thanks, Vertigo-1. I'll make another trip to a dealership before ordering.

it is a great car...my girlfriend has the Mazda 3s and it outperforms and outclasses everything in its class...the mini cooper is smaller, less functional, and more expensive

She bought it in Sunlight Silver to match mine...and she loves to drive manual so she suprised the sales people and bought a stick

The car is great...one of the SMOOTHEST transmissions I've ever experienced, I don't know what the auto is like, but the manual is like shifting a stick of butter

The car handles well...has great features...HID lighting even if you want it...really it is a great car, huge trunk too

MANY MANY praises, did I mention the S has 17 inch wheels? find that on a factory Civic!

Get it you'll be very happy!

I never have this problem and I'm over 6ft...and in my gf's manual transmission Mazda3s

hmm I think you just wanted an excuse to get an RX-8 :D

I wish that were the case, but it just got to the point where I was literally limping from the 3 after every drive, and I had to take a break from driving anything at all for about a week. :( I think I would have been very, very happy with the 3 if I could just be comfortable in it. It had excellent handling, great looks, and great gas mileage. I'm probably just not "built" for MT, so to speak, which is why I ended up getting my RX-8 in AT.

I'm just under 5'7", so the 3 would probably be fine for me, wouldn't you think?

How hard do you think it would be to go from an 8 to a 3? I love my 8 but the 3 would be more dog friendly, cheaper, and get better gas mileage.

I owned a Mazda 3S MT for about six months and loved it. I got the 8 because the opportunity arose. I am 5'10" 240 lbs and had plenty of room. It was quick, great millage, great styling. It is now for sale at Hillard Auto Park in Fort Worth, TX. Goto www.hillard.com and search the used car database for Mazda 3 and you will see my 3.

http://images.tcmautonation.com/JM1BK143841160088.jpg

If you have any specific ???? let me know.

GREAT CAR!!!!!

Bump. Did any of you past 3s guys drive the scion tc? Can you compare them. My sister is looking to buy one really soon.

Thanks to all for the advice. Took delivery of a Mazda 3 SP23 over the weekend. It's a terrific car to drive: very peppy, good visibility, nice road feel, smooth shifting, quiet, and lots of room, especially with the fold-down rear seats opening into the large trunk.

I own a TC and I really like it. its quicker then you would think it is because of the way it is geared. but I have not driven a 3 so I cant really compare them. The only issue I have with the TC is that the all glass moonroof rattles and my dealer cant seem to get it fixed but other then that I am very happy with my car!