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I would be more concerned about the dealership taking two days to source an ignition coil than the failure of the coil.

Also curious about this. We are almost into the new year with no news. I'm getting concerned that it might not happen.

That blue looks great. Reminds me of BMW's orient blue from certain angles.

Do they have identical gearing? Maybe the 3 has shorter gearing. It wouldn't surprise me since Mazda likes to differentiate itself as the sporty choice, and you can get away with more of that in a compact compared to a mid-size family sedan.

Everyone has their preferred schemes. I find a windshield mount a pain to remove and re-stick. Leaving it there is asking for a smash-and-grab. I find the left side out of the way for the aux in and power cables without long runs and clever routing. I've never understood vent mounts, as they...

The newer Garmin model with the sticky silicon base works a lot better than the old bean bag!

It looks like the only way to get the two-tone interior is with cloth seats and the 2.0L engine or going all the way to the S Grand Touring perforated leather. :-(

From what I've read about iEloop, I would expect a bit more real world benefit than what is reflected in the EPA test. It recovers energy during coasting, which I don't believe is a part of the EPA test cycle. How much benefit you get depends on the terrain where you drive and your driving...

First time I've seen one without the 7" screen on the dash. It's too bad they put a smaller version with radio controls there on models without nav, though I guess I shouldn't be surprised (where else would it go?). I think many people would prefer to skip the 7" screen/nav and put their...

Leatherette is actually vinyl, not real leather. It's an industry euphemism for the fake leather. Sometimes it is derisively referred to as "pleather" (plastic + leather). Leatherette gives up the leather smell and some say it doesn't breathe as easily, but if it is well done it can be hard to...

I think the highlighted text can work both ways. Some might say a car has plenty of power based on specs, yet the engine might not feel as strong as it should or the car could have poor gearing. The Dodge Dart with the 1.4T engine is one example where driving impressions are not supporting the...

Go take it for a spin. Let us know :-)

I hear ya - most 4s don't sound great. It isn't without precedent though: I've heard good things about the sound from the new VW GLI, and Chrylser/Fiat's 1.4T. Granted, those have turbos. There is the K24A2 in the first gen Acura TSX on the NA side though. I don't have super high expectations...

Did the engine sound good, or was it a typical buzzy 4-cylinder? I like engine noise when you get on it, provided it sounds decent.

So I thought this car was supposed to be on sale now, yet it seems dealer inventory is scarce to non-existent. The website for my nearest dealer has no mention of the 2014 6. I also find it strange that you can't build one on Mazda's website yet, and no publications have driven a US-spec...

Any thoughts on tire/wind noise at highway speed? How fast is the engine spinning @ 70mph?

So I'm thinking it might be time to move on from my 02 protege es. It's been a great car, but I have had it for almost 6 years and I'm starting to wish I had something a little larger that is more comfortable for long distance driving. I guess I am getting old:-( With that said, has anybody...

2002 ES 2.0L 5-Speed No mods 56k Combined average of 26mpg in the winter, 28mpg in the summer. My worst city mileage is 24mpg. Best hwy mileage is 31mpg (@55, which is definitely not how I normally drive). Overall the car returns very consistent gas mileage, almost regardless of how I drive it...

Have you done this yet? Pics?

I have a 2002 Protege ES 2.0L with a rattle in the catalytic converter. The problem hasn't resulted in a CEL for me; it was pointed out when I had the front pipe changed for an exhaust leak. Assuming we have the same problem, I think the explanation is legit. The catalytic converter is covered...