How do you like your Mazda 3?

[chillinmcmillan]

I'm just wondering how everyone is doing with their new Mazda 3, I really like this car and I considered one but went with a MSP instead. How are they for reliability anyone have any major problems yet? Any concerns with the car? I test drove one and really liked it, it was quite peppy. Just inquiring because I will be seriously considering trading in my MSP for a MS3 when they do come out. Thanks for any help!

 

[jersey_emt]

I will be seriously considering trading in my MSP for a MS3 when they do come out

You and me both!!!

 

[G'sMAZDA3]

its a pretty good car all around except for the damn transmission problem and the guys dont even have the part yet. the gearshift feels alot worse than it did to begin with, almost like there is too much stress on it. not to rag on this car or anything i like it alot. if u guys want a good driving experience i reccomend going with the acura rsx type s my sister has just the basic rsx with 5 speed geartronic or whatever its called and it would beat my car in a race any day with the same horspower 160 the handling is fabulous as well as it is on my MAZDA3GT. i dont reccomend buying a car in its first year of production cause there are still lots of problems that pop up that need to be worked out

 

[PeteyBoy3K]

excellent car

My 2004 titanium 5-door is an excellent car! Has the best handling of any car I have driven (coming behind a '99.5 golf), they seem to have engineered out the usual FWD understeer. I also like the very smooth powerband... no catches, hiccups or surges. It also looks like it has some of the best slolam and braking specs, usually beating out cars that cost 3 times as much (the figure 8 is iffy, usually cars that cost 3 times as much have twice as much HP to make up for heaviness)

I have also not no problems with the transmission or related components, the A/C works fine, I've only experienced THE GREAT POUNDING when I hit potholes, and no major complaints yet.

 

[blizz81]

if u guys want a good driving experience i reccomend going with the acura rsx type s my sister has just the basic rsx with 5 speed geartronic or whatever its called

Good luck with the synchros to anyone looking to go manual tranny RSX as an alternative to the 3. The base model RSX would be in front of the 3 on my list if it weren't for the transmission issues and the way Acura has handled them.

 

[TAGURIT]

It also looks like it has some of the best slolam and braking specs, usually beating out cars that cost 3 times as much (the figure 8 is iffy, usually cars that cost 3 times as much have twice as much HP to make up for heaviness)

This is no lie, if you scroll down to my post about me Auto Xing 2 days ago, I have pics of the chart showing who all ran what in what type of cars and who all came in what place and also I have videos as well. If you do go check it out, mind you, this was my first time ever doing an Auto-X. This Mazda 3S is no joke.

 

[Tonys3]

the car rocks !!! fun as s*** to drive !!!!

 

[ng3]

for someone still waiting for delivery i'm happy of my choice... coming from a 98 Z24 it's a big improvement in looks even if power is same... i only got the 2.0 engine but with a few minor changes i'll be able to bring it up to 160...

 

[mazda3fivespd]

i love my car! i have the 4 door s manual... i agree with tonys3 it is fun as s*** to drive! i've had no problems with it either..

 

[Roywhitep5]

the mazda3 racecars at rev it up were pretty sweet. i think i might have to consider it as my next car (if i cant afford an evo)

 

[Mazda3Zoomer]

I have also not no problems with the transmission or related components, the A/C works fine, I've only experienced THE GREAT POUNDING when I hit potholes, and no major complaints yet.

have we figured out what that pounding is?!? its like the car's botteming out or something. its annoying/scary. sounds like my baby's gettin hurt!!

 

[PeteyBoy3K]

have we figured out what that pounding is?!? its like the car's botteming out or something. its annoying/scary. sounds like my baby's gettin hurt!!

speculation is that it's the soft engine mounts bottoming out...

I think it's actually the isolated subframe bottoming out (since the front suspension is a macphearson (sp?) strut on a rubber-isolated subframe so you don't feel road as much). and I think that makes more sense.

I've only ever heard it when I hit a big pothole I wasn't expecting (like, more than 4 inches deep). and there is a chance of your car getting hurt by those, are other people getting them in daily driving? or just potholes.

 

[blizz81]

speculation is that it's the soft engine mounts bottoming out...

I think it's actually the isolated subframe bottoming out (since the front suspension is a macphearson (sp?) strut on a rubber-isolated subframe so you don't feel road as much). and I think that makes more sense.

I've only ever heard it when I hit a big pothole I wasn't expecting (like, more than 4 inches deep). and there is a chance of your car getting hurt by those, are other people getting them in daily driving? or just potholes.

Weren't some people getting the same clunk on hard acceleration + turning? Not that flooring it while the wheels are turned in a fwd is the best thing to do, but...either way, it's hard to say I suppose. In that case, the engine would be getting tossed a bit which would bring mounts into play, but it could still be the suspension. Reminds me of wheelhop threads of old...(nobody's tried strengthening up their mounts yet? )