First Drive: 2004 Mazda 3

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
Not bad. For the first time ever Mazda has recently introduced some cars (6 and rx8 so far) that would actually make me consider the mazda name. Before this they've been interminably boring. Still needs some power though.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
126
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Not bad. For the first time ever Mazda has recently introduced some cars (6 and rx8 so far) that would actually make me consider the mazda name. Before this they've been interminably boring. Still needs some power though.

the 2.3 is better than engines in most other economy cars.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
Originally posted by: ElFenix
Originally posted by: SkoorbNot bad. For the first time ever Mazda has recently introduced some cars (6 and rx8 so far) that would actually make me consider the mazda name. Before this they've been interminably boring. Still needs some power though.
the 2.3 is better than engines in most other economy cars.
Don't mind him, he's a Nissan fanboi;)

The new 3 totally outclasses the "class"
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
126
i mean, you could get an si, and have no where near the torque and an ugly car... you could get an se-r and be a bit less rev-able and have those narrow seats designed for 5'8" 135 lb japanese guys... svt focus doesn't have as much torque either... other than that you would either have to spend a lot more money for an SRT4 and deal with what is really just a crappy dodge, or a 1.8T, or a mazdaspeed3 or something.
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
it looks pretty good. the front hood looks a little high though. i like the interior
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
I like it!

And 160HP from a 2.3L is respectable.
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
0
Thanks, NFS4!!

I'm SERIOUSLY considering getting this car! I'm torn between the hatch/sedan. I like the extra storage of the hatch for trips w/the kids but the sedan looks a bit sweeter.
 

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
I am considering getting this car as well... it looks good, nice interior, good enough performance, and a hot monkey spankin price!

Mazda has beaten Honda/Nissan/Toyota in my book.
 

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
29,767
33
81
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Not bad. For the first time ever Mazda has recently introduced some cars (6 and rx8 so far) that would actually make me consider the mazda name. Before this they've been interminably boring. Still needs some power though.

Miata = boring, skoorbie?

Edit: Anyone have any pictures of the rear of the 3 hatchback?
 

batmang

Diamond Member
Jul 16, 2003
3,020
1
81
yeah, the mazda 3 is an awesome car. its replacing the mazda protege 5 which is what i just bought a week ago. for what you get in that mazda 3, and for how much you pay, its a real good bang for the buck. i got my 2002 protege 5 with 19k miles, 100,000 warranty, for $12,433 out the door. not bad at all, if you ever get that mazda 3, give some feedback. that car is awesome.
 

KokomoGST

Diamond Member
Nov 13, 2001
3,758
0
0
I hope they're not overrating the engine like they did with the Miata and the RX8 again...

Either way, the SE-R has gotten ugly (I hate Nissan's new grilles) but the 3 looks nice in sedan trim. A bit too squished in hatch trim.
"Crappy Dodge" or not, the SRT4 is better than a Neon by far... and LOADS faster anything in the segment.

As soon as Mazda starts racing the 3 (since they're very active in Speed Touring Car and other race venues) I hope we see better version of a Mazdaspeed 3. Hopefully one done right instead of the wussy "slap a turbo on it and lower the boost" for the Mspeed Protege.
 

NFS4

No Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
72,636
47
91
Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Not bad. For the first time ever Mazda has recently introduced some cars (6 and rx8 so far) that would actually make me consider the mazda name. Before this they've been interminably boring. Still needs some power though.

Miata = boring, skoorbie?

Edit: Anyone have any pictures of the rear of the 3 hatchback?

http://www.youngbabez.com/mazda/mazda3/pic02.jpg

F*&kin' SWEET :D