The climate control rheostats (included with the Luxury Package) are big but thin and without rubber surrounds; they are hard to grasp and adjust with gloves on during winter. In addition, I'm starting to get tired of the blazing red numerals in the instrument panel, which is a little too aggressive. And I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record with Mazdas, but the 6-CD changer can't read MP3 files, something that will have to be addressed soon.
Rear-seat access is a little difficult, since there isn't much room to get your feet in. Once in place, however, two adults will be comfortable, but not three. As for the trunk, its opening is ridiculously narrow, and there is no handle to open it; you'll get your hands dirty.
Changes for 2007
To stay competitive from a safety standpoint, Mazda added side airbags and side curtains to the 3, which is good news. Let's just say that with the new Civic, the company didn't really have a choice...
There are also new colors, such as Phantom Purple and Phantom Blue (the color of this test car). There are also new wheels and other esthetical changes, like a new grille and bumpers.
A Mazda3 GT with the Luxury Package retails for $25,140. That's not quite a deal for a compact sedan. Do we really need xenon headlights? And how about the money you'll have to fork out when replacing those 205/50R17 tires? Of course, the GX starts from $16,795, but for the same price, I might choose a Mazda6 GS-I4 with the Sport Package. Not to mention that the 6 usually has lower interest rates.
There is plenty of competition, obviously. A loaded Ford Focus ZX4 ST costs $22,569. A Honda Civic EX costs $22,430. A 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the Sun and Sound package costs $23,698. Only the Nissan Sentra can outprice the 3 tested here, being the SE-R version with the Sport Package that retails for $25,998.
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Rear-seat access is a little difficult, since there isn't much room to get your feet in. Once in place, however, two adults will be comfortable, but not three. As for the trunk, its opening is ridiculously narrow, and there is no handle to open it; you'll get your hands dirty.
Changes for 2007
To stay competitive from a safety standpoint, Mazda added side airbags and side curtains to the 3, which is good news. Let's just say that with the new Civic, the company didn't really have a choice...
There are also new colors, such as Phantom Purple and Phantom Blue (the color of this test car). There are also new wheels and other esthetical changes, like a new grille and bumpers.
A Mazda3 GT with the Luxury Package retails for $25,140. That's not quite a deal for a compact sedan. Do we really need xenon headlights? And how about the money you'll have to fork out when replacing those 205/50R17 tires? Of course, the GX starts from $16,795, but for the same price, I might choose a Mazda6 GS-I4 with the Sport Package. Not to mention that the 6 usually has lower interest rates.
There is plenty of competition, obviously. A loaded Ford Focus ZX4 ST costs $22,569. A Honda Civic EX costs $22,430. A 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with the Sun and Sound package costs $23,698. Only the Nissan Sentra can outprice the 3 tested here, being the SE-R version with the Sport Package that retails for $25,998.
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