2005 Mazda 3 mazda3i 2.0 from North America
Summary:
Amazing value
Faults:
Nothing has gone wrong with my car so far. Not even a rattle or annoyance of any kind.
General Comments:
My car, a sedan with the "i" 2.0 litre engine, has amazed me. Although I wish I'd opted for the 2.3's increased power, I'm happy enough with my car not to be pining away for something else -- not even a BMW 3-series, for example. The Mazda 3i has skid-pad capabilities and quality "feel" that nudge up against the RX8's and the 350Z's -- for less than $20,000.
I also own a late-model Elantra, and soon after buying the Mazda3 I almost couldn't drive the Elantra any more until I spent $1,200 upgrading the springs and dampers because it seemed so unsafe in comparison to the Mazda3's confidence-inspiring suspension.
This is the only car I've ever seen that actually seems competent in classes far beyond its means. In other words, it's classed as a compact family car, but in my mind competes with BMW, Saab, C-class M-B, and Acura.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th October, 2005