2014 Mazda 3

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I also have a 2012 3 Skyactiv. Mine has the automatic so I can't comment on the manual, but the auto is very nice. I have put 33,000 trouble free miles on it. I am hard on my tires and was very happy to ditch those OEM Bridgestones at 30,000 miles. It made a big difference in road noise and handling, though, almost all new tires are quieter for a time. We'll see about that.

Very good performance and handling for the segment and the fuel economy of 34-35 in combined driving for me is stellar.
 
At a motor pool in LA where they have only subcompact cars of various makes like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Chevy, Kia and Mazda the Mazda 2 & 3's are always the first to get picked. There are several people that come to work a bit early just to get one of the Mazdas for the day. I've been told that they are not the fastest, not the best handling but they are the most fun to drive and they like the interiors and the seats. Two people that I know of have purchased Mazda 3's for themselves after their experience with the motor pool cars. I have driven a 3 and I'll have to admit it's the first cheap car I've liked in a long time.
 
Since I had not had a new car since my 1989 Accord I found that the definition of "cheap" had changed quite a bit. My 3 cost about $18K. The latest ones start around $20K, IIRC.

I guess that's "cheap" for 2014.
 
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Since I had not had a new car since my 1989 Accord I found that the definition of "cheap" had changed quite a bit. My 3 cost about $18K. The latest ones start around $20K, IIRC.

I guess that's "cheap" for 2014.


I wouldn't call the Mazda3 cheap at all. You pay a premium for it but you get what you pay for. It is as reliable as any toyota or honda but more fun to drive and just better engineered.
 
My 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 had some teething issues prior to 60k, but in the subsequent 77k all I've done is replace the rear pads, the t-stat, and the serpentine belt. I like it more than when I first bought it. If I go FWD again, the Mazda 3 will be on my extremely short list.
 
Originally Posted By: badtlc
I wouldn't call the Mazda3 cheap at all. You pay a premium for it but you get what you pay for. It is as reliable as any toyota or honda but more fun to drive and just better engineered.


I don't call it cheap on my budget, either. With Mazda you pay a premium to get the hatchback (which I did) AND Skyactiv drivetrain - at least in 2012. There were, literally, five engine choices in 2012.
 
Cheap is a relative term. In 1966 I purchased my first new car, a 1966 Renault R8. Rubber floor mats, AM only radio, no AC, no power windows or seats or power steering. The ignition was points and condenser and mechanical lifters with a 4-speed manual transmission. The list price was $1,499. I traded in a dune buggy and financed $1,000 over 2 years but paid it off in a few months. The fuel system was a mechanical pump, a filter and a carb with a dozen parts. There was no trouble identifying everything in the engine compartment and maintenance was easy. Cheap is good. We're being sold a lot of stuff that we may not need for basic transportation. Cheap is cheaper than gadgets.
 
Gorgeous-looking cars. If I had to purchase a new car, a Mazda3 hatch would be on my short list. Looks very sculpted, and is supposed to be a blast to drive.
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
Gorgeous-looking cars. If I had to purchase a new car, a Mazda3 hatch would be on my short list. Looks very sculpted, and is supposed to be a blast to drive.


Yes, even with my car's "clown face" it is still a set of nice lines.
 
Yea, my daughters '06 Mazda 3i has been very reliable and performs great with super MPG. In todays times though, I never want to over look any of the other manufactures nice offerings.

At one time for me, it was only about Honda & Toyota but now, the competition it too good to only stick with one or two brands.
 
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Since I had not had a new car since my 1989 Accord I found that the definition of "cheap" had changed quite a bit. My 3 cost about $18K. The latest ones start around $20K, IIRC.

I guess that's "cheap" for 2014.


They make stripped cars for $13k like the Versa. This is a completely different class of car.
 
Originally Posted By: brandini
A versa is more akin to the Mazda2


Actually, the Versa is between the Mazda 2 and Mazda 3. More like the Corolla.
The Yaris is a direct competitor to the Mazda 2.

BC.
 
not a 3 but we're absolutely happy with our 2014 Mazda 6
There are several members here who own them.
I haven't driven a 3, but if I were to buy one its class, I am sure that's what I would buy.
 
I have drove a few Skyactiv/6 speed manual combinations. Perfect is the only way to describe it.

Perfect gearing. 1st gear is short enough that you don't have to slip the clutch to take off. 6th gear is perfect for cruising.

Perfect spacing between gears. Never felt like I had to over rev the engine to avoid lugging after shifting.

Perfect shift feel - engaged the next gear solidly (no mushy feeling), throw was a good length.

Perfect weight on the clutch!

The Skyactiv engine with it's higher compression ratio and VVT does a nice job of getting out of its way at lower RPMs.
 
Originally Posted By: Miller88
I have drove a few Skyactiv/6 speed manual combinations. Perfect is the only way to describe it.

Perfect gearing. 1st gear is short enough that you don't have to slip the clutch to take off. 6th gear is perfect for cruising.

Perfect spacing between gears. Never felt like I had to over rev the engine to avoid lugging after shifting.

Perfect shift feel - engaged the next gear solidly (no mushy feeling), throw was a good length.

Perfect weight on the clutch!

The Skyactiv engine with it's higher compression ratio and VVT does a nice job of getting out of its way at lower RPMs.


Fairly good analysis. I'm able to drive mine and keep the RPMs between 1500 and 2000 through all the gears up to highway speeds. I kinda wish 6th was just a tad taller but that is nit picking. It never struggles on hills in 6th gear with its current gearing even fully loaded.
 
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