I'm on the verge of getting an 05 Mazda3 Hatch (wohoo!) and just wanted to know if any of you have any input for a new driver of a Mazda3 or a Mazda period (don't have any experience with Mazdas at all).

 

The biggest difference to me between Mazda's and any other Japanese econobox in my opinion is that the Mazda3 has a much more balanced handling feel. I don't notice the FWD feeling nearly as much as in a Corolla/Civic.

The 2.3L engine is a capable motor, with a fair bit of low end torque, and pretty perky, especially when paired with the manual transmission.

As far as maintenance, any garage can work on them. The motor is identical (on the bottom end at least) to the 2.3L found in many Fords. Heck, even the rear suspension arms have "FoMoCo" stamped on them

 

I test drove it a few days ago and I did notice the shifting was incredibly smooth (it's an auto). I didn't even feel it shift from first to second, I just heard the revs go down! About a month or so ago I test drove the Altima Coupe (I was planning on getting it but the money to buy it outright didn't come as easily as I thought). It has a CVT type shifter which basically means there's no gears and it never shifts. It was so smooth when accelerating with no blips to wait for it to shift. The Mazda3 reminded me of that feel of the Alty Coup a lot. Needless to say it was a very pleasant surprise.

As for the engine, I was on the verge of getting a tC because I couldn't find anything else in my price range that had at least a little power but the interior was so plain that I searched around more for something with more interesting lines and more personality to the interior. So I almost had a Corolla engine! I'm pretty sure I will be satisfied with the Mazda3. I already like it and I don't even own one yet. ^_^

Good to hear about the cheap maintenance. I looked at so many cars including G35 Coupes, RX-8s and old BMW Coupes. The biggest thing that scared me away from them was maintenance cost so that's good to hear about the Mazda's cheap cost to own.

 

Not Mazda related, but the tC has the 2.4L engine from the Camry, and now the Corolla XRS. The normal Corolla has a 1.8L engine.

 

I have driven both the tC and I own an '05 3. While the 3 is by no means a fast car, it definitely felt peppier than the tC, which makes about the same power. I felt cramped in the tC's cockpit and just wasnt happy with it. Keep in mind that the 3's were meant to be some of the best handling FWD cars in their price range, so the ride is firmer than civics and corollas, and the handling can be a bit busy on bumpy roads. All in all, I'm happy with the purchase.

 

When I was bringing the car home yesterday, I had to drive down this windy forest road and got a chance to test out the handling. I'm still adjusting to the car but I did notice it was a lot easier to turn sharp corners and pick up power on hills, atleast more so than my old Eclipse or my g/f's Civic. I would argue that the 3 hatch has better suspension than the civic coupe. That is one of the worst things about the Civic IMO besides the engine power. So overall, I'm pretty damn satisfied with my choice. ^_^ Already been gettin' a lot of stares in my town too.

 

Welcome to the Mazda family! And your right, the Mazda has a far better suspension than the Civic coupe, although Im not too sure how the new Si's handle. I remember reading a Motor Trend article awhile back and they said the 3 handle just as good as the Mini Cooper S, and the car overall feels more like a certain other 3 (than just an econobox) made by a German company!