2004 Mazda 3 S from North America - Comments

Nothing wrong so far.

I got my key stolen. 42$ for a new key + 45$ programming to replace. Obviously not Mazda's fault, but there is a wide discrepancy in labour cost (0.5 - 1.5 hours) from dealer to dealer in the Greater Toronto Area. Call and ask a bunch of places first. The key has to be programmed with the engine immobilizer. That means that if the guy who stole my key tries it now, the engine will be permanently immobilized. I have to tow it to the nearest dealer and they will charge me another 150$ to reprogram. Cheaper than having the car stolen, but a nuisance nonetheless.

Performance and handling is good, if not sporty.

Generally poor acceleration at low RPMs. To feel anything from this car you will have to keep revs high - then you're flying. This is especially problematic when you need speed from stop. For example, if the moron ahead of you decides use his turn-signal when he is already stopped and waiting for an opening, and you want to make a quick entry and pass via the adjacent lane, good luck not getting rear-ended. Also, to get that kind of acceleration the tendency is to depress the accelerator more than you should. That costs gas and gas costs money. Last year's gas consumption was satisfactory: 10.25 km/L. A full tank is 55 L.

The interior cabin is suitable for large front passengers, but barely acceptable in the rear (contrary to say, a Civic). In particular, getting your first foot out of the rear door is a pain in the ass for big people. Once you are in, it is acceptably comfortable for short trips (with front seat pushed back all the way) except for head room in the sedan. Hatchback headroom is good.

As with most Japanese cars, you should consider rust-proofing (preferably at a place where they remove panels than drill holes). These cars have a tendency to allow water to pass in between crevices while offering minimal drainage.

Interior and exterior design is very attractive and well thought out for the most part. Driver's seat controls, steering wheel controls, and auto headlights and wipers add a nice touch under most circumstances. The centre radio panel control dial is a pain in the ass and forces the driver to take his eyes off the road too long. You could fit a midget in the glove compartment, though. Nice upholstery and red/indigo panel illumination.

Practical cargo space in the hatch except the handle that allows the rear passenger into the trunk pops off all the time.

Canister oil-filter and air-filters are very expensive for routine parts. Only accepts 5W-20 oil - also at a premium price at some garages. All are difficult to find on the shelf.

And after reading some of the other reports, I can confirm that indeed the air conditioning works at a less than optimal level on hot summer days. Essentially, you have to keep the fan on high and the ventilation on recycle permanently in order to approach any degree of comfort. That may be due in part to this new CFC-free freon substitute, but I find it still functions much more poorly than other models. Heating and defrost has not been an issue considering our Canadian winters.

I agree with you, re: the relatively slow acceleration from 0km/h if you are overtaking. But why don't you employ the tiptronic function? I owned a M3 1.6 AT luxury (singapore) 17000km mileage. Once I was used to shifting from AT to tiptronic and keeping the gear at first gear, shooting off from 0-40km/hr is just 1 second away and the moron in front would gape in awe as to what had passed by! Impressive!!

I do agree- fuel consumption is an issue, but on the worst days I average 10.5 km/L -that's not too bad. And revving now and then actually does not increase the FC too much, but driving the car in a non-spirited fashion with leisurely initial acceleration does! For me, I rev a bit when starting from stop and only relax when I get to 70-80km/h for city driving. That's my style, and this powerhouse really shine with the tiptronic function. Though, if left to its own automatic device, it should satisfy a non keen or most lady drivers.

"If left to its own automatic device, it should satisfy a non keen or most lady drivers"? I'm a lady driver who NEEDS a performance vehicle, and MUST have a stick. Most of my men friends drive like turtles, and think my 3s is a little too much car for them. My own Italian boyfriend tried to get me to buy an automatic. I made him watch the opening chase scene in the movie, 'The Transporter', to get him to see how I like to drive (of course, I'm not that good of a driver, but I'd love to be). And by the way, I'm 50 years old. So PUH-LEEZE don't generalize about lady drivers. I could probably drive circles around you. Bring your Mazda and I'll bring mine, and let's have a go at it, eh?

I purchased a Mazda 3i with a manual transmission just two months ago ($14,400 in New Jersey) and I thoroughly enjoy the car (I have already put over 3,000 miles on it). I had been searching for a car with more power, but since I was only working with a small budget, I believed my options to be limited to the point where I was willing to sacrifice all other automotive comforts. Then I came across the Mazda 3i and found that I could get much more. I do a lot more highway than city driving and really put it to the test. I absolutely love everything about the car: the acceleration; which is perfect whether from a stop or in full driving mode; its great looks inside and out; handling; responsiveness; and great sound system which fits all in a compact car that can squeeze into the smallest parking space in New York City. Lastly, I agree with many other reviewers with regard to the air conditioning not chilling as well as it should, but for me, all the other many pluses outweigh this flaw. This car is made for people like me who constantly feel the need for speed ZOOM ZOOM!!