What I liked about the Mazda3:
- Lots of fun to drive
- Beautiful interior design
- Lots of available creature comforts
What I didn't like:
- Electronic stability control isn't offered in the two cheapest models
- Awkward styling
Who should buy the Mazda3:
Buyers looking for an upscale small car and those who want something that offers a jazzier driving experience than a Civic or a Corolla
Who should not buy the Mazda3:
Those who want best-in-class rear seat space or trunk room
Details and specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: i Special Value, i Sport, i Touring, s Sport, s Grand Touring
- Price range (including destination and options): $15,715 - $25,560
- Base engine: 2.0 liter inline 4-cylnder, 148 hp @ 6,500 RPM, 135 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM
- Optional engines: 2.0 liter PZEV-compliant 4-cylinder, 144 hp @ 6,500 RPM, 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM; 2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder, 168 hp @ 6,000 RPM, 168 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM; 2.5 liter PZEV-compliant 4-cylinder, 165 hp @ 6,000 RPM, 167 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (2.0), 6-speed manual (2.5), 5-speed automatic
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 25 MPG city/33 MPG highway (2.0 manual), 24/33 (2.0 automatic), 21/29 (2.5 manual), 22/29 (2.5 automatic)
- Where built: Japan
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes
- Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
- Major standard features: Power windows and mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack
- Major options: Air conditioning, power door locks, keyless entry and ignition, sunroof, heated leather seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers, active headlights, navigation system, upgraded stereo
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer-body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles roadside assistance
Best rivals:
This test drive was conducted at a manufacturer-organized press event. Accommodations, meals, test vehicles and fuel were provided by Mazda.
