Faults:

There was a "check engine" light almost immediately after I bought it, and it turns out the O2 sensor is on its way out. There is also considerable wheel vibration while driving at highway speeds, but it tapers off if you go faster.

Additionally, the car has had front and side impacts; the former deployed its airbags in its previous ownership; the ultimate result of this is that the horn doesn't work. The aforementioned side impact has resulted in some VERY minute rust bubbles forming on the B-pillar, about the size of a dime. It's not that bad, so I don't worry about it, because in spite of these, the car is clean.

General Comments:

I was cross-shopping a number of cars to replace my Jeep when I drove home from Northern to West Coast Canada. This one fit our budget and was (and arguably still is) a solid driver with TWICE the fuel economy of my previous vehicle; however, the fuel economy could still be better and the car is sadly sluggish off the line, likely owing to the car's weight (3,400 lbs. is NOT small). However, it is versatile as it can fit me, my now-expecting wife-to-be, our dog, and it STILL has room for a baby seat in the back, plus passengers or cargo.

By far, this car's greatest selling feature is its driving dynamics - that light throttle-off oversteer, tenacious grip and (wheel vibration aside) highway manners make this car one of my favourites out of all the cars I've owned. The car's MacPherson Strut front and Multi-Link rear suspension gives it poise and comfort worthy of rally driving! I do wonder what owning the MazdaSpeed 3 would have been like...

Faults:

Bought the car used with 250k on the clock. It needed a rear wheel bearing and a demister fan motor, that's it.

11000kms later, it still starts first time every time.

General Comments:

Very well equipped, totally reliable, and handles like an Alfa Romeo. I can offer no higher praise.

Faults:

Low profile tires are expensive, but come standard on this car, so if you do a lot of miles it can add up.

Loud road noise.

After almost 79000 miles in just over 2 years, the ride is not as smooth as at 1000 miles.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, steering and handling are great. I got a ticket my first week. OOPS!

Overall, Low cost, 28 mpg on average, cheap insurance, no break downs.

You can fit a small child in the glove compartment.

I'm on the road a lot for work and I have to say, I LOVE THIS CAR!

I'm short, so the telescoping steering wheel was a nice feature.

Faults:

Only one thing has gone wrong so far, and that's the EGR valve had to be replaced under warranty.

Very reliable car.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute blast to drive. The engine is really peppy, and the transmission shifts fast and smooth. Not to mention quiet. If you stall the motor, you can't even tell by listening.

The interior looks like it belongs on a way more expensive car. Center stack separates driver and passenger, looks very nice. Everything lights up red, which is very sporty.

Radio works well, should be a jack for Mp3 though, and A/C is a bit weak.

Minor faults are that it's hard to see out the back window, because of the angle of the window, and the fact the car is very low to the ground. Also the pedals are too close together. I'm always rubbing my foot against the brake while trying to press the gas.

I think that the Mazda 3 has raised the bar to insane heights with this car, Not even the new 2006 civic can match it for performance/value.