Comments: 1-15, 16
Within the first 2 months of owning the car, it died on the expressway. It eventually died on me, again while driving on the expressway.
When the air conditioning was on, the RPM would flutter and almost go down to zero. The car almost stalled numerous times. I took the car in and they had to redo the computer system on the car because the air conditioner was taking away juice from the engine. I previously had a '98 Dodge Stratus (which I bought in 2002), and it never died on me, until I purchased this car.
The car was good on gas.
It is impossible for the average Joe to change the oil; Mazda has a plastic protector with a hole to get at the oil filter, but the filter is not by the hole and it is impossible to use a wrench to take off the filter. I had to cut a bigger hole in order to do my own oil changes.
The car is a dog on the road. Car came equipped with Autostick and I had to shift the car down to 3rd gear in order to pass someone on the expressway. A horse has more pickup than this car.
The seats are not comfortable. I sat in the back and tried to sleep and couldn't because my back hurt so bad from the seats. Even other guests in the car mentioned the same thing.
No leg room in the back. This car should only be a 2 seater.
Trunk is small.
Headrests in the back seat cause trouble seeing out the back of the car.
I would not recommend anyone buy this car. After having it 9 months, I decided to trade it in and go back to an American made car. If you want comfort and reliability buy a Dodge. That is what I ended up doing.
"If you want comfort and reliability buy a Dodge..."
You CAN'T be serious. I haven't seen a Chrysler without a major problem since 1983.
I am looking for a smaller car for my wife, and we are considering a used Mazda 3 for our grocery getter. Chrysler and Dodge have come a long way in the past few years thanks to the technology gleaned from Mercedes.
I bought a Chrysler 300C in 2005, (every mags car of the year) and have driven it hard for 90,000 Km without a squeak, noise, leak, or any mechanical problems whatsoever. I have done nothing but changed the oil. It performs like a 70s muscle car and has all the bells and whistles of a loaded of a Cadillac, for half the price. It still looks as good, and performs as well as the day I left the dealer. All this is from a guy who in 1983 swore he'd never buy another Chrysler again. You must not have driven a Chrysler since 1983. They're baaaaaack, LOL!
They're back alright.
Back in Bankruptcy just like in 1983 LOL ;)
Sounds like the 3 had a few issues with sensors, but this can happen to any cars produced today, even to a Chrysler, because of all the onboard computers they come with for one purpose or another. Bottom line is the sensors can be replaced under warranty. It's an inconvenience, but that still doesn't speak to the reliability of the 3 in general.
Also, how could you have missed all those shortcomings during a test drive, especially with regards to the power of the engine, the size of the trunk and rear visibility with headrest? Those things would have been there since day 1. Nobody would have bought a car that they disliked so much for all the shortcomings.
And the punch line is always trading it in for an American car, as if that adds to anything.
I owned a 2007 speed 3 and suffered none of the comments this consumer speaks of. I loved the car... I am 6'4" tall and drove the vehicle from Indiana to South Carolina and Georgia numerous times and it was more comfortable than the LHS Chrysler (FIAT) I owned previously. The Mazda was trouble free and gave good fuel mileage (worse was 22 MPG, in city in traffic and an impatient right foot to get out of that environment) and the best was 30 MPG on the highway. Normal range for the type of driving I did was 24-29, w/turbo charged engine and a "need for speed" attitude. Handling was impressive and very controlable in the mountains and on "fun roads. I had a brain tumor removed and cannot drive anymore or I would still be burning the highways in this vehicle.
To 10:03: My deepest sympathy on your medical problem. I do hope you are doing well. I deeply regret you no longer can drive. As a car enthusiast I know how crushed I'd feel if I had to give up driving.
I have driven the 2007 Mazda 3 and loved it too. I owned an RX-7 years ago, and it was one of the very worst cars I ever was cursed with (Honda was THE worst). However it seemed that after Ford took over Mazda the quality went way up, and our Mazda-based Fusion is an awesome car. I also own a Mustang, but due to a bad back the harsher ride of it (or the Mazda 3) is something I find hard to take at times. As I have grown older I have wished some benevolent car maker would build a soft-riding but sporty car. I'd LOVE to have a Mustang that rode like a Buick. My back would be MOST happy with that. Sadly, I doubt that will happen. At least the Fusion rides pretty decent.
Why did you buy the Touring model?
I love my 2009 Mazda 3i touring value. Sorry your experience was not as good as mine.
I drive a 2009 Mazda 3i Touring value and I love it. It has great styling, reliability, economy and, best of all, really superb performance characteristics. I have never experienced any of the problems you claim to have had. The Mazda 3 is assembled in Hiroshima Japan, which in my experience, means superior build quality and reliability.
"If you want comfort and reliability buy a Dodge..."
"You CAN'T be serious. I haven't seen a Chrysler without a major problem since 1983."
Yes, if I were looking for reliability, I personally would stay away from ANY Chrysler product built this century at the very least.
For the guy with a bad back; if you have money lying around and you want a sports car with excellent soft handling and still with excellent looks, buy a Pontiac G8.
I disagree with people who incline to insult the Mazda 3 for what they believe are short comings.
The Mazda 3 is an excellent car with incredible capabilities. It just depends on what you are looking for.
The 2.0 is built for economy and performance, it is a decently quick motor, go for the Speed 3 if you want something really fast.
I personally love Mazda and always will, they brought cornering back into our lives, corners are something North American car makers know nothing about.
"I personally love Mazda and always will, they brought cornering back into our lives, corners are something North American car makers know nothing about."
Spot on. Try taking a hairpin corner in an American car at anything above 20 MPH and you're in the ditch. The Mazda 3 is a wonderful budget sports car.
"I personally love Mazda and always will, they brought cornering back into our lives, corners are something North American car makers know nothing about."
"Spot on. Try taking a hairpin corner in an American car at anything above 20 MPH and you're in the ditch. The Mazda 3 is a wonderful budget sports car."
Me thinks the last American car you guys must have driven was a 1974 LeSabre!
I agree with those against Chrysler Dodge, I had to buy a cheap car and I was told that a 96 Stratus was affordable and reliable. In a total of three months of ownership... I think I may have driven it a total of two weeks problem free. First the battery heads got dirty (being in the wheel well...DUH?! Who would put a battery there???) so the car wouldn't start, then the front brake line went out the same day I got my fuel lines replaced. Then, as soon as I solved the battery issue I discovered my fuel filter had a hole in it. Got that fixed a week later and now my power steering quit working. DO NOT BUY AN OLDER STRATUS, IT IS NOT WORTH IT!!!
I am investing in an 08 Mazda 3i touring in a few days, and I am very excited. To me it seems like it's safe enough to be a daily driver, but powerful enough to have a little fun in. So I can't wait!!