2004 Mazda 3 review from Israel
"Buy it for the looks, but the Corolla and Civic are better"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Dashboard vibration at low revs since it was new. Two friends have the same model with the same noise. Mazda fixed it with sponge.
General comments?
The 1.6 engine is underpowered, acceleration is poor for the class and less than the official engine power suggests.
Automatic gearbox with semi automatic mode is great, one of the main reasons I bought it.
Nice interior, but looks and feels cheap in places.
Handling is better than expected, Ford Focus like in general feel, but more precise. Fairly neutral when pressed.
The air conditioner is poor.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 2004 - 3 S 5-door 2.3 liter 4 cylinder The best overall sport compact on the US market, no doubt! |
| Very high quality for its class and a sporting soul for under $20K |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 22 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 3658 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 20th July, 2004 |