Faults:

One defective rear shock absorber replaced at my expense at 91000km.

Minor rust on rear doors on the pillar... new doors supplied under warranty.

A bit of paint flaking around the wheel wells, but with Canadian winters this is not a surprise. Sand, gravel and salt due tend to damage paint and metal.

General Comments:

This car drives like a much more expensive car, and easily outperforms my previous car, which was a 1991 BMW 325i.

The handling and braking are amazing, and the power more than adequate with the 2.3 litre engine.

Fuel consumption is not great with the automatic, but I have a heavy foot.

The styling and functionality with the seats down of the hatchback are hard to beat. I am still impressed with the way this car drives and looks, inside and out, 5 years after purchase.

I am truly amazed with how little I have spent on repairs, as I drive my car quite hard. I would say that if you are looking for a fun to drive small car, that this one has no peers in its price class.

Faults:

Ball joint replaced twice on front left wheel. Still under warranty.

Rust started on rear wheel arches and side beams after about two years. After warranty had rust on front arches and trunk below rear light. Took extended rust warranty, but it only applies to rust coming from the inside so doesn't count.

Tires wore out very quickly.

Brake pads had to be changed quickly.

Thin front windshield cracked from a stone on the second day.

Front grill under bumper came loose.

Material on inside of door became unstuck.

General Comments:

Generally good value for money. Bought it because of the styling. Honda and Toyota still had older models. Mazda was definitely the best looking inside and out. Loved the dash layout orange lights etc.

It was the better bargain. Had lower gas mileage though because of the bigger engine.

Very light so got stuck in the snow very often. Clearance isn't too high.

Disappointed because of the rust problems. Upset to see rust appear after two years. Have seen many Mazda 3's with rust in same areas, so it's not just a problem with ours.

Have owned 3 Mazdas now. Enough's enough. Love the styling, but they are fragile.

Faults:

The air conditioner does not cool things down as efficiently as my previous vehicles (Nissan and Toyota). Took it in several times, but each time I was told that it was working correctly.

The driver side window has jammed several times due to the tinting that was put on by the dealership when I purchased it.

General Comments:

Love this car! Aside from the two issues mentioned, it has been a great vehicle. It was my first brand-new car and it has been all that I hoped it would be when I purchased it.

I love the "pick up and go". It drives smoothly and is powerful for its size.

It is sporty and fun, and yet classic and reliable.

It is a little difficult to see out of the vehicle when changing lanes, but I have gotten used to that, and now it I don't notice it unless I've been driving another vehicle.

I would hold on to this vehicle until it died, except the interior is a little small. It was great while I was single and then when my son was an infant. Now that he is growing, there is no leg room in the front if he has leg room and if the passenger has leg room, he is cramped. I can't get his stroller in the trunk and expect to have any room for anything else. There is just not enough space for us. :-(

I am sad to get rid of this car. I love it!