Tag Archives: 2010

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Mazda 3 Touring 4-door Sedan. Boy, this is a really difficult field to pick from in a very numerous Compact class. I’ve tested them all albeit not all 2009 or 2010 model years and I have to say I like them all. I fall in love too easily… as the song goes.

I would however be wary of those noted below with more high priced badges as I mentioned where they include high end luxury models in their lineup. It has been my experience that those brands tend to more expensive to maintain and repair.

General Info:

Parts – Japan 95%

Assembly – Houfu, Japan

Class:  – Compact

Cars: – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 3, 5, 6, MazdaSpeed3, MX-5 Miata, RX 8, Tribute, Tribute Hybrid and Truck.

Very good indeed. Front wheel drive isn’t my favorite but they do hug the road in the curves better than rear wheel drive.

I’m always amazed at how responsive a car can be with only 148 horsepower, because we in America have grown up with cars that had to have muscle or your weren’t cool. I think that image is not as important today in part because even cars like this Mazda with 148 hp will do 0-60 in 6-7 seconds.

One thing was a bit annoying to me and that was the sensitive or touchy brake and accelerator pedals. Not a deal breaker because in time I would get used to them but it needs attention Mazda.

Styling:

It is easy to like, for me, but colleague and friend Merkel is put off by the big smiling face from the front view. Kind of like a Halloween Pumpkin. Well we all see things differently and Merkel is a picky car designer and to those guys no styling is as good as theirs.

Fit and Finish:

Very good. The plastic doesn’t look plastic. And I didn’t hear rattle or squeak one.

Cost:

Good value in a Compact commuter car because it is also a competent family sedan. It wouldn’t work for son Mike with 4 kids, but for an average family it is a good value.

Conveniences and comfort:

My test vehicle, equipped as it was, with the standard things listed below priced out right at $18,000 and it included everything I would want on my car. I can live without a moon roof and I don’t like to pay for radio any more than I think I should pay for a toll road anywhere, so I would opt out of the Sirius radio.

Consumer Recommendation:

And they say the auto industry is in trouble? Take a good look at all the brands in this compact class and keep in mind that we’ve come to expect a car for all seasons and all reasons. The lineup of affordable cars to pick from in class borders on ‘overkill’. What it tells me is that there is a large demand and second it is a profitable model for the car makers.

From the inside the driving experience isn’t magnitudes less than cars twice the price and it is important to remember that when you think you need to spend big bucks for transportation. Compact is beginning to take on a whole new meaning.  I haven’t driven some of these in a while, but if this Mazda 3 is any indication of where this class has come to you have to be impressed. The fact of the matter is that the differences are smaller and smaller as you climb the price ladder.

Beginning with cars with a full back seat, a reasonable trunk, and all the creature comforts the lines become very blurred between this and other more expensive options. I suggest as a rule of thumb you stay away from the luxury ‘badges’ – that is, brands that have very expensive models in their lineups. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz tend to be more expensive to service at the dealerships. And cars today are being made that ‘make’ you go back to the dealer for even simple things. Lights and bells and whistles go off to tell you it is time for service or repairs may be needed. And to turn off those warning lights you ‘have’ to go to the dealer. Tag, you’re it!

Recognized Competition:

Mazda 3 $15-22,000, Audi A3 $27-31,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $15-25,000, Chevrolet HHR $19-26,000, Dodge Caliber $16-25,000, Ford Focus $16-18,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Civic Hybrid $24-27,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-18,000, Hyundai Elantra Touring $16-20,000,  Kia Forte $14-17,000, Kia Forte Koup $17-18,000, Kia Spectra $14-16,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $15-27,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $19-28,000, Nissan Sentra $15-20,000, Pontiac G5 $17-20,000, Pontiac Vibe $16-21,000, Saturn Astra $17-20,000, Scion tC $17-18,000, Subaru Impreza $17-27,000, Suzuki SX4 Crossover $16-19,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $13-18,000, Toyota Corolla $15-20,000 Toyota Matrix $17-22,000, Volkswagen Golf  $17-23,000, Volkswagen Rabbit $16-19,000 and Volkswagen R32 $32,990.

Good News:

Very good fuel economy and it is priced well. I like the styling Merkel even if you don’t.

Bad News:

Touchy brake and accelerator pedals.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 148 horsepower I4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, front wheel drive, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with electronic brake distribution, dynamic stability control, traction control, variable assist power steering, front & rear stabilizers, independent suspension, power mirrors, power windows and locks, air conditioning, front & rear armrests, front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, AM/FM with CD / MP3 & 6 speaker audio system, steering wheel mounted audio, cruise & Bluetooth controls, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, remote keyless entry, 16” alloy wheels, cloth seating, 60/40 split fold down rear seat.

Options: Sirius satellite radio, power moon roof, Bose package upgrade, pearl paint – $2,025.

$2.79/ Gal avg. December 20 ‘09

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

24 City and 33 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $18,350, with options $20,375.

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata two seater convertible sport car.

First I have to tell you I have always liked this little car that is a limited use car as you expect from a sport car. My major complaint is the tinny sound from closing doors, hood and trunk lid. The hood and trunk lid are most noticeably tinny in part because they are aluminum. However, you’ll pay dearly to get a more solid sound from others in class noted below. It is what it is, and the price is right for this car. I’ve tested all those listed here and found the Solstice and Sky to be a little more solid sounding doors etc., but one has to wonder if those cars will be around when Miata moves forward into the future.

I have great memories when the Miata took Ilona and me on a short vacation jaunt to Lake Tahoe with all our bags. True there wasn’t an inch of room to spare but if memory serves me, prior year models had more trunk space. Driving through mountain roads is a delight however and when you’re in love the car becomes a part of the experience. Thanks Miata.

General Info:

Parts – Japan 95%

Assembly – Hiroshima, Japan

Class:  – Two Seater

Cars: – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 3, 5, 6, MazdaSpeed3, MX-5 Miata, RX 8, Tribute, Tribute Hybrid and Truck.

Most people hate to be told what to do especially when your response would be daaaaah – any idiot knows that – so to the Cal Trans folks who put up the signs for our safety “Click it or Ticket” I say stuff it.

Handling & Performance:

Fun fun fun… road hugging handling and although the trunk clangs a little when you close it, there is no significant tinny-ness in the driving experience. It is a solid performer and the 167 hp 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine is perfect for the car and it will surprise you with 0-60 mph in just 7 seconds.

Styling:

Identifiably consistent design is the look you get while keeping up with the times. There’s a lot to be said for design that can look fresh but still look like the car you first fell in love with.

Design wise I don’t know what they could do better for the size … it is just small. It was, for example, impossible for two of us to get to the airport even with baggage designed for airplane overhead compartments. If there were, however, better access to the small space behind the seats I could have made the trip. The designers might give that some consideration!

Fit and Finish:

Consistently good and not unlike those noted below that are closest in price.

Cost:

Mazda Miata is in some pretty rich company but since there is little to choose from in this small sport car class the most closely aligned is either the Saturn Sky or the Pontiac Solstice. Even the Honda S2000 for much more money doesn’t raise the bar all that much.

Conveniences and comfort:

If you travel light and simply want a fun to drive sport car Mazda Miata is hard to beat. The good news and the bad news is that everything is at your finger tips and well within reach.

You have to love the simple convertible top operation that you can literally put it down while sitting in the car. I didn’t try putting it down while driving but you could at slower speeds without blowing the top into the lane behind you. Definitely not recommended even if the road police are not around.

Consumer Recommendation:

Most folks I talk with about Miata feel it is a Chick Car. No comment.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda MX-5 Miata $22-28,000, Audi TT $35-48,000, BMW Z4 $46-52,000, Lotus Elise $47-55,000, Honda S2000 $35-38,000, Mercedes-Benz SLK $47-67,000, MINI Cooper $20-29,000, Pontiac Solstice $24-30,000, Porsche Boxster $47-57,000, Saturn Sky $28-34,000.

Good News:

Fun, fast, road hugging performance, good fuel economy and ultra simple top operation.

Bad News:

Small, light weight – tinny sound closing doors, trunk and hood, bumpy ride on all but ultra smooth roads, rough entry and exit for older dogs – Definitely a younger people’s car.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter dual overhead cam16 valve 167 hp 4-cylinder engine, 6 speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive, front disc brakes with rear disc brakes with aluminum calipers, 17” Alloy wheels, power mirrors, air conditioning, power windows & locks, remote keyless entry, heated leather seats and shift knob and hand brake, aluminum engine frame, front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, cloth convertible top, aluminum hood and trunk lid,

Gas Stats:

$2.78/ Gal avg. November 27, ‘09

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

21 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $26,410.

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Mazda 6i (4-door) Touring Sedan. If the surprise of those I came in contact with while testing the car is any indication, there has been a noticeable (perceived) change in Mazda in recent years.

“Wow that’s a Mazda?” speaks volumes and echo’s my feeling as well. The only Mazda that ever tickled my fun zone is the MX-5 Miata. I’ve always liked the little car because I have always had fun driving it. Most all other Mazda’s have always been pretty commonplace. Good cars but nothing to stir the imagination and excite the driving experience. I expect for most that has not changed but this Sedan is somewhat of a departure in my view. Simply a very nice automobile.

It is assembled in Michigan, USA and half the parts are from the US – now that excites me.

General Info:

Parts – US/Canada 45% Japan 35%. Engine Mexico & Japan, Transmission Japan.

Assembly – Flat Rock, Michigan USA

Class:  – Midsize Car

Cars: – CX-7, CX-9, Mazda 3, 5, 6, MazdaSpeed3, MX-5 Miata, RX 8, Tribute, Tribute Hybrid     and Truck.

This is more information than opinion. For those folks in the high desert in Southern California, USA who do not commute to Los Angeles via Angeles Crest Highway likely do not know that route is closed for up to a year. The recent fires have made the road impassable. For those who do occasion to use the Crest it is a real bummer. Why – because it is the only other route. For the folks who choose to take highway 14 south you have a lot more friends to share the misery of commuting. Opinion – I believe there is a good reason to step up the repairs. While they are at it why not put a hole through the mountain to make it a 5 minute drive?

Handling & Performance:

Mazda is always a solid performer. You seldom hear horror stories about Mazda’s. This Mazda 6i delivers a smooth and comfortable ride and is much faster than you’d expect – for a 2.5 liter 170 hp engine. Any less would be too little any more would be unnecessary. A midsize car is meant to carry folks in comfort under normal road conditions. It does that just fine.

Styling:

Clean lines and the best effort from Mazda ever. Mazda has always, in my mind, been . . . well, just another car. It has always been a ‘plain jane’, just get the job done kinda car. We all know ‘glitz’ sells and sexy is important to catch your eye. Mazda however produces simply no-nonsense transportation passenger vehicles and one truck. I think it is breaking out of the plain wrap mold and the Mazda 6i signals the way.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

The 18 competitors listed below are very close in pricing. Generally, as far as passenger cars go, this is a nice grouping in class and I like them all in varying degrees. I was particularly impressed with what you get for the money with this Mazda 6i. It is in the top few for best pricing in my mind.

Another note about cost that just blows my mind. I spent a day touring Daimler’s Western Star Truck manufacturing plant in Portland, Oregon this past week. Daimler also manufactures Freightliner trucks (in Mexico now), and after it sold off Chrysler the Mercedes-Benz brand remains its primary product Daimler is known for.

The point of my comment here is that I will never again consider car prices a good deal. The magnitude of building an 18 wheel truck has to make it the best buy on the planet at around $90-110,000 generally. When you consider you can easily pay that for a car in today’s world trucks are inexpensive by comparison. Moreover a car is a liability (costs you money) and a truck is an asset (it makes you money). And unless you’re a taxi cab driver your car makes you nothing. In any case the tour helped me to put value of such vehicles in perspective.

You’ll often hear stories about the owner of a trucking company who complains about the cost of trucks for his fleet but then goes out and steps into his $100,000 Porsche. Go figure the human sense of priority.

Conveniences and comfort:

This Mazda is at the top of the list for comfort. In a world of electronic gadgets for any and everything all manufacturers have lots to choose from to make our travels easier.

Consumer Recommendation:

There is a lot of competition in this class which will make your selection a real chore. Mazda is a must see in your search. It’s not on my Christmas list but it is near the top of my contender list.

Recognized Competition:

Mazda 6i $18-28,000, Audi A4 $31-34,000, Chevrolet Malibu $22-27,000, Chrysler Sebring $20-22,000, Dodge Avenger $20-22,000, Dodge Charger $24-38,000, Ford Fusion $20-28,000, Honda Accord $21-31,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-27,000, Kia Optima $17-22,000, Mercury Milan $22-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $21-28,000, Nissan Altima $20-29,000, Pontiac G6 $19-32,000, Saturn Aura $23-27,000, Subaru Legacy $20-30,000, Toyota Camry $19-29,000, Volkswagen Jetta $18-23,000.

Good News:

Well priced, good fuel economy, lots of convenience stuff, inclusion of the important mechanical safety features like disc brakes and stability control and plenty of power.

Bad News:

None noted.

Standard Equipment:

2.5 liter 170 hp 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, anti-theft engine immobilizer, 17” alloy wheels, tire pressure monitoring system, variable intermittent wipers, cloth seats, front and side and side curtain airbags, LATCH child safety seat anchors, 8-way power driver seat, air conditioning, 60/40 split folding rear seats, AM/FM 6-speaker stereo system with 6-disc CD changer, MP-3 playback, front & rear stabilizer bars, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with Traction control and dynamic stability control, fog lights, power mirrors, trip computer, leather wrapped tilt & telescopic steering wheel with controls for radio and cruise control, map lights, center console, rear seat armrest, power windows and locks and remote keyless entry.

Gas Stats:

$2.85/ Gal avg. November 19, ‘09

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

20 City and 29 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $20,900.