Young working woman's view: You get a lot of standard features such as a pollen filter, ABS, intermittent wipers, remote entry, and power windows, locks, and mirrors with the 2.3 model, but you don't get a car with much oomph when accelerating from stop lights or up on ramps. Although light on its feet, I didn't care for the edgy ride and wasn't won over it styling. My friends found it attractive, but would pay more for some flash. Clearly this vehicle can run with the much more expensive Audi 3 and BMW 3 Series on certain courses. It is cute, but needs more grunt to earn my attention. For a college aged woman it would be a good vehicle to consider with the automatic transmission. In the game of life the Mazda is the speedy halfback who can't talk about anything but football. Interesting, but ultimately tiring.
Dad's view: The 160 horsepower 2.3-liter engine isn't really up to the suspension. This car could handle a more potent engine and has to be hard pressed to overcome inertia until past the 4000-rpm marker. Fortunately, the Mazda has a 16-valve head with variable valve timing that makes it run smoothly at all speeds while meeting even California's difficult Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles standard. This car brakes well, turns instantly and would be a star at any sports car event. If someone would put a turbocharger on this it would be a world-beater.
College going male's view: I liked the look of the Mazda, but its busy ride, difficult to modulate clutch,and poor stereo weren't to my liking.The
stereo isn't up to my standards and the radio reception is mediorcre. I found reading the speedometer very difficult with its small fonts and the unusual position of the numbers. The heater was slow to live up to its name and the air conditioning outlets aren't large enough to move air unless the blower is on high. Despite these annoyances, I quite enjoyed the Mazda 3 and would be delighted to own one. However, with the Mazda5 offering more room at little additional price it would be a tough choice. My impression of the Mazda 3 is one of fun and frugality. Check out my tunes at www.simple-thoughts.net.
Family conference: An economy car that thinks it's a race car, this Mazda is a crackjack and a nice match for the young at heart. The Mazda also comes with a smaller engine and as a five door. For a complete list of vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.
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| (Photo: Mazda) |
College going male's view: I liked the look of the Mazda, but its busy ride, difficult to modulate clutch,and poor stereo weren't to my liking.The
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| (Photo: Mazda) |
Family conference: An economy car that thinks it's a race car, this Mazda is a crackjack and a nice match for the young at heart. The Mazda also comes with a smaller engine and as a five door. For a complete list of vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.
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