Overview:
Here we are again with yet another of hundreds of models to choose from. The 2005 Mazda 3 4-Door Sedan made the week to the Pacific Northwest a cost comfortable trip. I put on about 700 miles and that translates to about 2 tanks of gas and I got about 30 MPG. Rack ‘em up guys.
At about $3.00 per gallon for regular it cost me about $80 for the week and all that driving. If that doesn’t make you want to dump that SUV that would empty your wallet of about $240 on the same trip, I don’t know what will. Literally you can watch the needle move on the gas gauge in those gas-guzzling hunks of steel and plastic.
Don’t get me wrong everyone who drives a fuel-efficient car appreciates your contribution to the huge windfall, gouging profits of the oil companies. I knew I should have taken that job with Occidental Petroleum out of college. I could have retired by now.
Driving Tip: Ever notice your turns are a little jerky driving the curves, most noticeable in mountain driving. The way to avoid that is to pick a point on the curve as far ahead as you can see and steer to that point as a reference. Conversely, the closer you are looking at the road the jerkier are your moves. Simple but effective to becoming a better driver.
General Info:
Parts – Japan 95%.
Assembly –Hiroshima Japan.
Class: – Compact
Cars: Mazda 3, 5, 6, 6 sport wagon, MPV, MX-5 Miata, RX-8, Tribute and Truck.
Handling & Performance:
Even more power than last year, this Mazda 3 is real peppy and precise in handling. You can’t help but appreciate the mechanics of this car.
Styling:
On the other hand a lot of folks will not be as impressed with the design. It reminds me of the Toyota Prius that has an even more redeeming quality … that would be 50 miles per gallon of gas that is fast approaching the cost of a small bottle of water.
Fit and Finish:
Quite good actually. Not enough to fall in love but it has a nice personality.
Cost:
“Now that’s what I’m talking about” as Richard always says. This is chump change to more of us car buyers.
Conveniences:
Just fine thanks. Can’t think of much else I would expect for the money, can you?
Consumer Recommendation:
This is a thoughtful and responsible purchase that will make a great family car for all the right reasons. It is surely one of the great buys for transportation that is fuel efficient, roomy inside and in the trunk. (Your mother-in-law can ride back there). This is simply a great family car for the times.
The Competition:
Mazda 3 $14-19,000, Suzuki Reno Mitsubishi Lancer $14-35,000, Nissan Sentra $13-18,000, Ford Focus $13-17,000, Toyota Corolla $14-18,000, Honda Civic $14-21,000, VW Golf $16-20,000, Hyundai Elantra $13-15,000, Dodge Neon $14-21,000, Subaru Impreza $18-32,000, Chevrolet Cavalier $10-18,000.
Good News:
Priced very well for the car, nice ride with excellent handling, zippy performance from a fuel efficient 4-cyl engine, comfy seats and yes mom it has a roomy trunk.
Bad News:
Higher road noise level than I like, no sun visor extension that really ticks me off and cruise control is a little jerky.
Standard Equipment:
2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speen manual trans, front wheel drive, halogen headlights and fog lights, cloth seats, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, AM/FM with CD audio system, tilt and telescopic steering column with leather wrapped wheel and audio controls, cruise control, center armrest and storage, air conditioning, dual front air bags, front and rear stabilizer bars, power assist rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, power windows and locks, rear seat child safety seat anchors, anti theft immobilizer and remote keyless illuminated entry.
Gas Stats:
25 City and 32 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $16,615.
