Mazda 3 Q&A...

[crazy-j]

I am new to the forums. I am looking at trading in my Kia spectra for a brand new Mazda 3. I went to the dealership yesterday and love the car. It's a beautiful ride and not too bad on HP to weight. I was originally going for an SRT-4 but couldn't take that route for various reasons. I was really bummed out about it but I saw this car and I think I'll be ok! lol!

Anyway I was wondering if any problems have risen with these cars? Is anyone having any reoccurring problems with these?

I am sketchy still B/C it's their first year out and it's ussually the year to remove all the bugs. But if anyone would like to share their experiences I'd appreciate it.

[Protege Garage]

Everything I have heard has been pretty positive

[jimmel]

My Dad just got one, he's having difficulty with the shifter (hard throws). I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I got his 1990 323 in the bargain, something maybe to play with. Oh first post.

[FLAMEBOY]

hmmm... well, i'm havin that problem on the first two gear... but you'll ignore this once you rev up.. this car rev beautifully to 7200rpm... i know the red line is 6500 but i've tried till 7200 still didn't get cut off...

another prob that i got this rotten egg smell sometimes.... prob the cat conv... dunno

other than that? its all good... fun to drive...

[NegatiZE]

So did you end up trading your Kia for the 3?

[sam1]

i just got a mazda 3 cause i totalled my pro and i love it. it shifts soooo smooth, acceleration is great, awesome handling, just a great car all around. it does a good job picking up where the protege left off. id definately recommend this car to anyone. i test drove toyotas (what a joke), an srt4, and a focus, and none of them can even compare. definately the best new car around with a reasonable price.

[lgulden]

my 3s experience

I have 5K miles on my 5-door and absolutely love it! No problems at all ... although I would look at swapping out the Eagle RSA's for separate summer and winter rubber.

[rdepontb]

I am new to the forums. I am looking at trading in my Kia spectra for a brand new Mazda 3. I went to the dealership yesterday and love the car. It's a beautiful ride and not too bad on HP to weight. I was originally going for an SRT-4 but couldn't take that route for various reasons. I was really bummed out about it but I saw this car and I think I'll be ok! lol!

Anyway I was wondering if any problems have risen with these cars? Is anyone having any reoccurring problems with these?

I am sketchy still B/C it's their first year out and it's ussually the year to remove all the bugs. But if anyone would like to share their experiences I'd appreciate it.

Three things: 1- Half the time it balks at going into reverse. I have under 300 miles on it, no doubt it will loosen up when synchros break in.
2- Reports are that there is too-quick a build-up of brake dust on the rear wheels.
3- Reportedly also the Protege5's roof rack resulted in so many noise complaints that you cannot get one on the Mazda3. The Thule after-market model looks like a real add-on, not that smooth.