SPUDMTN

...the Mazda 3 is!!!

While one of the family vehicles is in the body shop for a couple little repairs, Enterprise is renting us (rather, the body shop) a car. We were expecting to get some crappy little Ford Escort, however, I was pleasantly surprised to see a Mazda 3 waiting for us. Not a totally stripped version, either. This thing has power windows & locks, 6-way driver seat w/ lumbar, a GREAT stereo with CD, and very cool alloy wheels, and a 4-speed automatic w/ sport shift. This car is so incredibley built and has so much pep to it--you can't help but to drive fast. Further, this thing makes me want to drive it as much as the TSX has, in the past.

For those of you who haven't at least sat in a Mazda 3, you really need to check it out. It feels like a MUCH more expensive car, than it really is. I honestly believe this car is more similar to the TSX than the 6...

ClutchPerformer

He's right. It beats the shit out of a Civic. Honda needs to get on with the next gen car, IMO.

SPUDMTN

I TOTALLY agree...I'd MUCH rather have a Mazda 3 than a Civic. This car is AMAZINGLY sporty, the engine sings, and the transmission is GREAT. This car has emotion--it's hardly bland. I forgot to mention that there are steering-wheel mounted audio controls, that are LIT! That's right, even the Mazda 3 has steering wheel controls with lights tucked behind them. The interior all lights up a brilliant red. This car is GORGEOUS...and it starts at only $13k. And it's built in JAPAN!

The only drawback is that everyone seems to have this "Mazda?!" attitude. Everyone associates Mazdas with boring, bland, and as a mis-fit. When we first got it I somewhat thought it was just a run-of-the-mill typical economy car. I had read how good it is, but I just hadn't understood how good, I guess. Everything feels so good in this car. It doesn't look anything like an economy car...I can go on and on...

Again--for those of you who haven't experienced the 3--GO SEE ONE! NOW!

civic4982

zoom zoom?

xizor

Um, while I am a big fan of the 3, I wouldn't call it competition. It beats the Civic hands down, but lets not mix apples w/ oranges.

The 3 is a nice little car even on an autocross course :devil: I just wish I got to try the MT. My friend just bought the 4 door i w/ no options (as he's a poor/cheap bastard) but loves driving it to death.

O yeah, and the Mazda 6 sucks... big time

SPUDMTN

You're right...people wouldn't cross-shop a 3 and TSX. But for the money, you can't find a more comfortable, better built, better looking, or better performing compact car. You can't.

In a way, it's a TSX for those who can't afford the real thing

ClutchPerformer

Actually, it's a Mazda 6 for those who can't afford the real thing...

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

That's a bit of a stretch...

Comparing a compact to a mid-size car doesn't really work. The 6 is definitely the best direct comparison.

4dsc

What about the Mazda 6? Is that a car worth looking at? How does it compare to the TSX in terms of interior room? I'm looking for something as a family car - the TSX is lsightly smaller than the Accord. How does the Madza 6 compare?

Micah476

I didn't go look at the Mazda 6 because its V6 is made by Ford. It's not as fuel efficient as the TSX, has only a slight bit more power, and I'd never bet that a Ford built engine will outlast a Honda.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Handling-wise, the Mazda 6 and TSX are similar. In size, they are almost identical. The interior is not quite as nice looking or as nicely screwed together as the TSX, but that's more subjective than anything. Overall a decent car, but wasn't for me. It's worth a look if you're looking at stuff in this category.

jcg878

Spud I enjoy your posts a lot, but I'm going to have to call you on this one. I had the pleasure of driving a Mazda3 for 3 weeks while my car was in the shop (Enterprise also), and it's not TSX competition. Mind you, it was an impressive small car and I'd take it over a Civic any day, but it isn't close to the class of the TSX. I've been lazy to review it... but here goes. I should note that the car had 2100 miles on it when I first picked it up.

Overall I found it fun to drive and tossable. The 4-cyl is sprightly and feels quick around town, but is slow on the highway (kind of the opposite of the TSX). Fuel economy was splendid - I didn't calculate it, but in 4 weeks I put in 2 tanks of (regular) gas Though it seemed to grip the road well round turns in dry weather, I found it really easy to induce understeer when the roads were even a little wet. There is no stability control standard, and my car didn't have ABS. I assume the tires (16 inches on alloy wheels) were to blame. The 4 speed automatic was slow to shift in SS mode - a slowness accentuated by the fact that the gear indicator changes as soon as you shift, before the transmission actually does. Also, the gear indicator is active even in drive mode - something I once wished the TSX did, but quickly became irritated by it.

The interior was nice with pleasant fabric on the seats and doors and switches had an overall quality feel. The stereo was acceptable, but bass rattle was evident at even a moderate volume. Stereo controls were awkward - the knob closest to the driver is useless in most modes (I kept reaching for the volume control). Also, there's this gimmicky light scheme with these LEDS that illuminate in the direction that you turn the knob that I didn't like. Eventually I learned to use the remote controls on the steering whell, which included a mute button that I found useful when taking phone calls. The CD player was clear and FM reception was good. Interior room was very nice, but at the expense of trunk space. Headspace was more than adequate for this 5'11" guy.

On the whole, I thought the Mazda3 to be the most impressive small car I've driven in a while, but it doesn't compare to the refinement of my TSX. CR just confirmed this by ranking it as their new #1 small car this month. I'd have to say that the Mazda6 is a more natural (and better) competitor for the TSX, but I can see how one could shop the 3 and 6 and come away with the former.


High points: Peppy engine around town, sporty steering feel, tossable, spacious interior for its class, feature-laden interior, great fuel economy (!), good looks.

Low points: AT slow to shift (particularly in SS mode), overall unrefined feel, slow on highway, poor tire grip in rain, tiny trunk, speaker rattles.

YBA

Wait till you get out of the warranty and see how much Mazda parts costs vs Acura... I own a 2000 Mazda Protege (and a TSX and a -3 Liberty) and all I can say is hope nothing breaks down. I just had a ball joint and link replaced... Oh mama.... Expensive as hell....

But you're right, the 3 is a great little car... You're pushing a bit when comparing it to the TSX...

Cheers

jcg878

It is only slightly larger, but I think that you'd appreciate the V6 driving around those teenagers I forget if you were looking AT or MT, but the Mazda6 AT had bad throttle lag when I drove it (FWIW).

I think the 6 is a great car. The TSX is just more refined, and that's why it's in my driveway... err... parking lot. Mazda is on the up

ianS

I am the one who cross shop between the tsx and Mazda3 sport But I also cross shop 325i too. I think Mazda 3 is very well build and excellent value. The most important it is made in Japan. The only think make me chose the tsx is the slick shift on the 6sp manual and the fun of rev to 7k rpm! :P

majormojo

I spent a lot of time in a couple 6's before I bought the TSX. The interior has a bit more room in back and the rear seats have a better fold-down mechanism. The interior styling, materials and finish are inferior to the TSX. Handling is equal to or better than the TSX. Less body roll and brake dive. Steering is perhaps slightly less precise. Manual shifter on the TSX is better. I think I actually like the 6 exterior styling a bit more, but I'm betting that in 10 years the TSX will still look fresh and the 6 will look a bit dated. In the end, it wasn't the car for me, but I wish Mazda well with it, and I like everything they are doing these days.

NeoChaser

lol

if it's real competition with the tsx
wut's with the civic talk?

majormojo

Bingo! Ladies and germs, we have a winnaaah!

SPUDMTN

I think what I said was taken WAY out of context. I mean WAYYYY...

I would NEVER EVER EVER cross-shop...and wouldn't expect anyone to. I'd take a TSX any day over a 3. The prices are totally different. The sizes are totally different. The power is totally different.

What I'm saying, is that they have very similar characteristics (to me at least). What I meant by all of this TSX vs. 3 talk is that the overall impression this car made on me was quite good (if you haven't noticed, already :P ) To me, the light-on-its-toes feeling, peppy, sporty, rather performance-oriented nature reminded me of the TSX. The interior had a TSX feel to it (IMO) with emotional materials that quietly whisper "go ahead--touch me ". The car just reminded me of the same feeling I had to the TSX. The car really makes you want to drive, in other words. Not because you have a place to go--but rather to drive, for FUN

The statement at the beginning is not literal--rather, it is just saying what a great performer this little sprite really is. In other words, I'm complimenting the 3. Get it, ya'll? See the intentions? Huh? Huh?


BTW--I'll be back...I'm going for a drive in the 3

robert_tsxgeek

Don't quite get you, plz be more specific...
Are you inferring that Mazda parts cost MORE than Acuras ?

>> I just had a ball joint and link replaced... Oh mama.... Expensive
On which of the 3 (!) cars ???

biker

I think many people will agree that the Mazda 3 is the new benchmark for compact sedans/hatch but no real competition for the TSX.

Saintor_RENAMED

Sorry but the Mazda3 is no match for a Mazda6 V6 manual

Bananaairsoft

To sum it up for Spudmtn, Mazda 3 and Acura TSX are both winners in their own category!

gilboman

:sqnteek:

SPUDMTN

WE HAVE A WINNER-WINNER-WINNER-WINNER!

SPUDMTN

WE HAVE A WINNER-WINNER-WINNER-WINNER!

That's exactly what I mean...

ClutchPerformer

Try one with a manual tranny and some of those low points go away. And you can't expect a huge trunk in this size car. I think the hatchback makes up for that a little. It's a good car overall. Mazda definitely did their homework.

SPUDMTN

I agree. Mazda knows what they're doing now. They are finally going in the right direction. The sad thing is that everyone doesn't know how great the cars are

TJs TSX

When I sold my S2000, I was looking for something simple, cheap, more room, I tested the 3 and Civic Si.

Even with 2 doors extra on the 3, Si has much more room at the back seat, handeling were more damped than Si, lifeless steering feedback, engine were not quick by all mean compare to Si, shifter were waaay too long(gear knob almost touches the arm rest in 2nd, 4th and 6th), xenons are no better that average halogen, low tech old tired engine w/ average out put and millege.

On the plus side of it, look real nice in side, top model comes with tire pressure monitor, Nav, awesome sound system, nice leather bucket seat w/ power, ABS, 17' wheels, fog light, full body kit, plus a very useable multi configuration trunk area, all under the south of 21K...impackable indeed.

All in all, I think Mazda3 in the class of its own. Even the size is very compareble to most compact car, but the price and features are quite beyond any compact car on the market this day. I picked the Si cause I got a good deal(15.5k), makes the different between the two even further and Mazda sales manager was a d#ck. Plus, just came from S2k, I want something that uncompromise in driving experiance.

If I could do it all over again, I would pick the 3, though, ...wait a minute...I did it all over again... and I picked ma TSX!!!!

Sorry for the loooooong @ss post.

ianS

It all depends on whcih model. Since Protege or Mazda 3 is import from Japan so their parts is more expensive than Mazda6. Same as TSX parts will more expensive than TL. But marketing may play some role on it. They may try to make more profit on parts for TL and MDX but sure parts of Tsx will more expensive than TL and MDX. And in general Mazda parts are quite expensive when compare to Toyota.

dabuda

i test drove the mazda 3 and you're right, i would get it over the civic anyday

majormojo

I've heard that before, that Mazda parts are really expensive. I've had an RX-7 and a B2000 pickup. A few things for the RX seemed pricey (kind of expected for a car like that), but I don't recall any parts for the truck being priced too high.

925tsx

i raped a mazda 3 about 4 months agon on the tappan zee bridge in ny.
he pulled up next to me and gave me the go signal..i let him get the jump and it was all over..had to be at least 5 car lengths..lol..

gilboman

would you like a cookie?

925tsx

id prefer a statue with my name on it..and a medal..if you dont mind :sqntfawk:

YBA

Sorry for the confusion... I replaced a Ball joint and a link on a Protege... It costed around $1000US... That's friggin insane...

But in reality, like someone said, TSX parts may be as pricey as the protege since the TSX is built in Japan...

To me the higher price of parts is more acceptable on a TSX than on a Protege... The people who buy a protege don't mecessarily have the same $$$ allocated to car parts (in general of course).

Just my 2 cents...

Regards

jcg878

It's a great car - I don't mean to come off as being down on it. But it's no TSX, and really shouldn't be compared to one.

The MT would definitely improve the experience. The AT was probably my least favorite part about it (and the tires). Unfortunately, Enterprise wasn't willing to rush out and buy an MT just for me I was lucky as it was... almost got put in either a Neon or Grand Am. Oh, and to Enterprise, the Mazda3 is 'midsized'

SilverCL225hp

My sister is shopping for a new car and navigation system is almost a must for her, and I went to Acura.com and used the comparison mode and there is one information I found very very valuable and useful, that is "comparably equipped price". Since comparing the base price MSRP is pointless, all the compared cars are equipped with the features as close to TSX with Navi/5AT as possible. I used this as a guide and got the following, from the most expensive to the cheapest in the descending order:

1. 2004 BMW 325i sport sedan: $37,840
2. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor sport sedan: $36,860
3. 2004 Infiniti G35 sport sedan leather: $36,365
4. 2004 Acura TL sedan w/ 5-spd AT and Navi system: $35,195
5. 2004 Lexus IS300 E-shift sedan: $35,155
6. 2004.5 Volvo S40 T5: $33,930
7. 2004 Audi A4 1.8T with Multitronic(without Navi system): $31,070
8. 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited sedan(w/o Navi sys): $30,270
9. 2004 Acura TSX 5-speed AT w/ Navi system: $29,035
10. 2004 Honda Accord sedan EX V6 5-spd AT w/ Navi sys/XM radio: $28,890
11. 2004 Mazda MAZDA3 s sedan: $23,345

Among these eleven sport sedans, Mazda3 is the only one which costs lower than $25k and yet comes with HIDs, 6-disc CD changer, Navigation system, moonroof, etc. Mazda3 provides something that its big brother, Mazda6, doesn't provide.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

That's a pretty good indication of where the TSX falls against its competition. It's definitely the value leader.

jcg878

Not exactly an objective source !

Anyone who pays >$23k for a Mazda3 should be beaten with a blunt object.

I wonder if the 6 will have nav this coming year...