[comment] ui_template: Yes ui_template_name: leftonly [/comment] [tmp page_banner]Car News [/tmp] MAZDA 3 REVIEW ROAD TEST [/tmp] [tmp meta_description] AUTOSUPERMART.COM 2004 MAZDA 3 ROAD TEST CAR REVIEW MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 VIDEO 2004 MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 PICTURE [/tmp] [tmp meta_keyword] AUTOSUPERMART.COM 2004 MAZDA 3 ROAD TEST CAR REVIEW MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 VIDEO 2004 MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 PICTURE AUTOSUPERMART.COM 2004 MAZDA 3 ROAD TEST CAR REVIEW MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 VIDEO 2004 MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 PICTURE [/tmp] <html> <head> <META NAME="robots" CONTENT="index,follow"> </head> <body> <!--- top left and right logo ---> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1"> <tr> <td width="101%" colspan="4"> <p align="center"><img src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/carreviewslogoblack.jpg" width="819" height="87"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="25%" align="center"><b><font face="Arial"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com" style="text-decoration: none"><font color="#000000">CAR REVIEWS</font></a></font></b></td> <td width="25%" align="center"><b><font face="Arial"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com" style="text-decoration: none"><font color="#000000"> AUTOMOTIVE NEWS</font></a></font></b></td> <td width="25%" align="center"><b><font face="Arial"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com" style="text-decoration: none"><font color="#000000">AUTO SHOWS</font></a></font></b></td> <td width="25%" align="center"><b><font face="Arial"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com" style="text-decoration: none"><font color="#000000"> CAR BUYING SERVICES</font></a></font></b></td> </tr> </table> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td width="10%" valign="top" align="center" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <!--Left Sidebar--> <br> <p align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=278076693"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/subscribetopodcast.jpg"></a></p> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/testtrack.jpg"></p> <p align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/"> <IMG SRC="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/traffic.jpg" BORDER="0" width="136" height="131" ></a> <p align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/states/index.shtml"> <IMG SRC="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/gasprices.jpg" BORDER="0" ></a> <p align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.autosupermart.com/store/shop/brands/menu/carsforsale.html"> <IMG SRC="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/carbuying.jpg" BORDER="0" ></a> <p align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.autosupermart.com/store/shop/brands/menu/carsforsale.html"> <IMG SRC="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/autofinancing.jpg" BORDER="0" ></a> <p align="center"> <!-- start of google ads --> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-2335355824899769"; google_ad_width = 120; google_ad_height = 600; google_ad_format = "120x600_as"; google_ad_type = "image"; google_ad_channel = ""; google_color_border = "6699CC"; google_color_bg = "003366"; google_color_link = "FFFFFF"; google_color_text = "AECCEB"; google_color_url = "AECCEB"; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><!--end of google ads --> <p align="center"> <!--- start of carreviewsandnews_120x600_(120x600)_247RealMediaAdTag ---> <script LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.1"> <!-- OAS_rn = new String (Math.random()); OAS_rns = OAS_rn.substring (2, 11); document.write('<scr'+'ipt LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.1" SRC="http://network.realmedia.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/carreviewsandnews/120x600/ron/autmennwsent/ss/a/1'+OAS_rns+'@x08"></scr'+'ipt>'); // --> </script> <!--- end of carreviewsandnews_120x600_(120x600)_247RealMediaAdTag ---> <p align="center"> <!-- BEGIN RICH-MEDIA Burst Direct CODE --> <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript"> rnum=Math.round(Math.random() * 100000); ts=String.fromCharCode(60); if (window.self != window.top) {nf=''} else {nf='NF/'}; document.write(ts+'script src="http://www.burstnet.com/cgi-bin/ads/ad12796a.cgi/v=2.3S/sz=120x600A/'+rnum+'/'+nf+'RETURN-CODE/JS/">'+ts+'/script>'); </script><noscript><a href="http://www.burstnet.com/ads/ad12796a-map.cgi/ns/v=2.3S/sz=120x600A/" target="_top"> <img src="http://www.burstnet.com/cgi-bin/ads/ad12796a.cgi/ns/v=2.3S/sz=120x600A/" border="0" alt="Click Here" /></a> </noscript> <!-- END Burst Direct CODE --> <p align="center"> <!-- start of AdDynamix Code 120x600 --> <IFRAME SRC="http://ads.addynamix.com/creative/2-2131275-2i?" 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3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 PICTURE AUTOSUPERMART.COM 2004 MAZDA 3 ROAD TEST CAR REVIEW MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 VIDEO 2004 MAZDA 3 REVIEW, MAZDA 3 PICTURE --> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" id="AutoNumber3" cellpadding="2" style="border-collapse: collapse;" bordercolor="#111111"> <tbody><tr> <td width="23%" valign="top"><font face="Arial" size="2">Click thumbnail to enlarge<br> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch1.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch1-01.jpg" width="225" height="150"></a></font><p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch2.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch2-01.jpg" width="225" height="99"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch3.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch3-01.jpg" width="225" height="153"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch4.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch4-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch5.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch5-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch6.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch6-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch7.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch7-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch8.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch8-01.jpg" width="225" height="300"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch9.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch9-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch10.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch10-01.jpg" width="225" height="181"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch11.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch11-01.jpg" width="225" height="173"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch12.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch12-01.jpg" width="225" height="169"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch13.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch13-01.jpg" width="225" height="135"></a></font></p> <p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <a href="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch14.jpg"> <img border="0" src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/2004mazda3hatch14-01.jpg" width="225" height="179"></a></font></p> <p> </p></td> <td width="77%" valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700">2004 Mazda 3 Hatchback</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span><u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">The Good</span></u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">:  Great steering.  Great ride quality.  Modern Design.  High quality feeling in all parts.  Roomy interior.  DVD Navigation, Xenon Lights and much more available as options.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span><u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">The Bad</span></u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black">: Too sporty for many people.  Has the Euro tuner car feel which is not very comfortable for daily driving.  We prefer an automatic to the manual.  Price can get high with Navigation and other options. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">           Just by looking at the clamor on chat boards across the web, you can notice that Mazda has struck a winner in the 3.  There is a fast growing community that has fallen in love with this vehicle.  We can easily tell why.  The all-new 3 is one of the most fun to drive compact cars on the road today.  The 3 is available in four-door hatchback version or four door sedan, both of which do not share a single body panel by the way.  Get behind the wheel and you feel a car that is ready to take on all roads and highways with nimble performance, great steering feel, and a firm yet non-jarring suspension.  These are qualities that you could only find in German makes thus far.  We also liked the overall snug fit of the body panels and the low wheel gap, which added to the aggressive design on the exterior.  All of this is available starting at $13,680 for the base sedan and $17,105 for the hatchback.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The Mazda 3 five-door is sculpted on the exterior very nicely. Panels flow so well that pictures do not do justice; it must really be seen in person.  Wheels are pushed to the edges of the car and a depressed line flows from the front to the back as if air is constantly moving over the body.  The front bumper is large and low, side body cladding makes the car look very sporty, and the rear end is rounded as in many concept vehicles.  The windows flow back and the roofline comes down just a bit towards the rear.  The third window cut in a wedge shape is particularly stunning.  The design of the 17 inch wheels is also sporty and clean, giving a much more expensive look to the 3.  Body panels are tight and fit very well.  Doors open with a solid feeling and there is a general sense that the car is built well.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The interior of the Mazda 3 is larger than most compact models and offers rear seat passengers something which they have lacked thus far, legroom!  Seats up front are snug and bolstered just right to keep you in place without being uncomfortable.  Stepping into the drivers seat you get the sense that this car wants you to test its limits.  From the sport seats to the quick shift gearbox, the 3 makes you feel young again.  Mazda has used a large array of materials throughout the new 3, giving a much higher end feeling, while still being fun and youthful rather than luxurious.  Plastics are higher quality, some with a soft rubbery feeling, and fabric is textured with colored stitching so the car plays with your senses wherever you look and touch. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The arrangement of the dash is typical Mazda and similar to that found in the RX and the 6.  A large central stack houses easy to push buttons and large clear rubbery dials for temperature control which do not feel cheap when you turn them.  We did not like the placement of some buttons on the stereo controls such as seek button on one side and the disk up and down button on the other.  A 6-disc CD changer is built into the center console allowing for convenient loading.  The slim digital display atop everything shows stations in red digital text, and we would have much preferred a full color display like those on modern cell phones.  The instrument cluster is reminiscent of the RX-8 with its dials set deep and red glowing text that changes to blue glow on red text at night, very cool.  The blue color matched the exterior deep lustrous blue paint on our car.  We would like the red color scheme changed however as red is usually reserved for something going wrong and when a red warning lamp blinks in the instrument cluster it is difficult to pay urgent attention to it, perhaps the warning lights should be yellow.  The steering wheel mounted controls for stereo and cruise control were handy and helpful.  The wheel is manually adjustable, tilt and telescoping. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">All of the interior materials, from the leather on the steering wheel, to the seat fabrics, and leather on the shift knob, were all things we would find in a well thought out car, which the 3 is.  Little touches that were nice to find were the seatbelts being height adjustable as well as a driver seat that was height adjustable by a push lever similar to that on VWs.  Doors have built in bottle holders for larger items when just the normal cup holders will not do which was also a great feature.  Finding faults is difficult but we did find some enhancements which would add to the 3.  The driver's window was one touch up and down and we would have liked all the windows to be such.  Another minor problem was that the passenger seat is not adjustable in height and there is no handle to hold onto here, which makes riding alongside a fast driver uncomfortable.  When leaving the car there is no button on the key fob for closing the windows you have left open unintentionally.  Again, the door handles in the rear compartment are designed incorrectly.  They are made only for closing the door and not for holding onto while seated.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The rear compartment is comfortable and inviting.  Legroom is quite good and the seats are comfortable for a car of this size.  Headroom is also great in this car.  Both headroom and hip room in the 3 are more than the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and the Honda Accord.  Rear legroom is equal to the Nissan Altima and Accord, beating the Civic and Corolla.  The seats are split folding and are easy to use with the touch of a button.  However, to use the large truck space you must remove the rear hatch cover and store it somewhere, which is a chore since there is no simple storage space for it.  If you do not need the space, we much prefer the sedan with its handsome looks and more muscular rear end.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">What is great in the Mazda 3 is the long list of premium options that are not even offered by the rest of the competition.  A Navigation system based on DVD is available.  Xenon lights are available.  ABS with side impact air bags and curtain airbags are available.  A tire pressure monitoring system is available.  Two-tone cloth seats or black leather seats are available.  Many distinctive items for the exterior are also available to give your Mazda a special look.  The price of a Mazda 3 can go up to the mid twenties but with 0% deals and a good dealer supply, you should be able to get a great deal on the 3 in the real world.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">On the road, performance is what this hatchback is all about.  The car is peppy even with the small 2.3-liter engine that provides 160 horsepower and 150 pounds of torque.  All this power is sent to the front wheels.  We achieved a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds which his quite good.  If you opt for the sedan you can choose a smaller 2.0 liter engine, but in the 5-door, only the 2.3 liter engine is available.  The Mazda 3 pulls very fast to triple digits and this can be attributed to a quick shift 5-speed transmission that has a good mix of gear ratios and a lively engine that behaves more like a high powered big block.  The car is solid and stable at high speeds.  All we could wish for would be wider tires.  We learned that the designers of the 3 also looked at the BMW 3-series as their inspiration and it really does show through in the mannerisms of the Mazda 3.  Steering feel is quite good, it is a bit heavier than the Mazda 6 which we just tested, and this makes driving the 3 more fun.  The steering is precise as well.  Move the wheel even slightly and the car follows.  The electro hydraulic steering along with liquid filled suspension bushings and an all new multilink rear suspension design provides the 3 with the feeling of an superb driving machine.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The Mazda 3 hatchback with manual transmission is ultimately a car for young buyers.  Its sleek body and our highly metallic blue color gave it a 'I-Robot' futuristic look that only young buyers look good driving around in.  There is a bit of exhaust sound as well as the whirling of the engine when approaching higher revs.  The gearshifts are a bit on the hard side; at times the car feels a bit too zippy for someone approaching the age of 30.  Perhaps the sedan version is a bit more sophisticated for the over 25 customer.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">Comparing the 3 to other makes and models in this highly competitive price range is quite easy if you are looking for fun.  There is little else that offers what the 3 can offer in terms of premium options.  Comparing the 3 to similar sized vehicles in the $15,000 range is easy.  Most other Japanese makes have a cheap shifter, with a plasticy interior and very little sound insulation.  Heck Mazda even made a few of these in the past.  Now with the 3, the segment will have to improve itself and it will be a bonus for all us consumers.  The only problem that arises is when you add all the goodies to the 3, you get to a MSRP of $23,000, and then the Altima starts looking better and better.  </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"> <span style="font-family:Arial; color:black">The Mazda web site is very good and shows you many of the vehicles strong points.  We suggest you take a look at the flash version by <a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=Mazda3c§ionParameter=" target="_blank" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single"> clicking here. </a> Right now with 0% financing and large cash back incentives there is no reason not to head to the showroom.  </span></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <table border="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%" id="AutoNumber2" height="154"> <tbody><tr> <td width="53%" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">PRICING</font></td> <td width="13%" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">INVOICE</font></td> <td width="34%" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">RETAIL</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="2">Base Pricing</font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="2">15,988</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="2">17,105</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">Destination</font></td> <td width="13%" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">520</font></td> <td width="34%" height="17"><font face="Arial" size="2">520</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Automatic, 4-Speed w/Overdrive<br> Includes Sport Mode & 3.68 (i) or 4.42 (s) Axle Ratio.</font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">810</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">900</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">ABS & Air Bag Pkg<br>  </font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">688</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="2">800</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Xenon High Intensity Headlamps & Tire Pressure Monitor.</font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">602</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">700</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="13"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Power Glass Moon Roof & 6-Disc CD Changer in Dash.</font></td> <td width="13%" height="13"><font face="Arial" size="-1">765</font></td> <td width="34%" height="13"><font face="Arial" size="-1">890</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Communication System, OnStar Telematics • Sedans, Wagons</font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">757</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">850</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Navigation System, DVD </font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">1,505</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">1,750</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="53%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">Seat Trim, Leather </font></td> <td width="13%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">507</font></td> <td width="34%" height="18"><font face="Arial" size="-1">590</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <table class="stripe-three" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody><tr> <td> <!-- start comparator --> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr class="stripe-five"> <!-- thumbnails //--> <td valign="top" width="162" height="101"><font face="Arial" size="2"> </font></td> <td valign="top" width="20%" height="76"> <font class="small" face="Arial" size="2"><b>2004 Mazda MAZDA3 </b><br> s 4dr Hatchback (2.3L 4cyl 5M) </font></td> <td valign="top" width="20%" height="76"> <font class="small" face="Arial" size="2"><b>2004 Subaru Impreza </b> <br> 2.5 TS AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 4cyl 5M) </font></td> <td valign="top" width="20%" height="76"> <font class="small" face="Arial" size="2"><b>2004 Toyota Matrix </b><br> Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M) </font></td> <td valign="top" width="20%" height="76"> <font class="small" face="Arial" size="2"><b>2004 Volkswagen Golf </b> <br> GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) </font></td> <td valign="top" width="20%" height="76"> <font class="small" face="Arial" size="2"><b>2005 Nissan Altima </b><br> 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M) </font></td> </tr> <!-- end thumbnails //--> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>MSRP</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$17,105</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$18,020</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$14,670</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$18,140</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$17,200</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Invoice</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$15,988</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$16,602</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$13,568</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$16,958</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">$16,805</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Basic</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">4 yr. / 50000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">3 yr. / 36000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">3 yr. / 36000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">4 yr. / 50000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">3 yr. / 36000 mi.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Drivetrain</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">4 yr. / 50000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / 60000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / 60000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / 60000 mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / 60000 mi.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Roadside</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">4 yr. / 50000 mi.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">3 yr. / 36000 mi.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">Being Researched / Being Researched</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">4 yr. / 50000 mi.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">3 yr. / 36000 mi.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Rust</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / Unlimited mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / Unlimited mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / Unlimited mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">12 yr. / Unlimited mi.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">5 yr. / Unlimited mi.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Base Engine Displacement</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">2.3 liters</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">2.5 liters</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">1.8 liters</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">2.0 liters</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">2.5 liters</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Valvetrain</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">16 Valves<br> double overhead cam (DOHC)</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">16 Valves<br> single overhead cam (SOHC)</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">16 Valves<br> double overhead cam (DOHC)</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">8 Valves<br> single overhead cam (SOHC)</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">16 Valves<br> double overhead cam (DOHC)</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Horsepower</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">160 hp @ 6500 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">165 hp @ 5600 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">130 hp @ 6000 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">115 hp @ 5200 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">175 hp @ 6000 rpm</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Torque</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">150 ft-lbs. @ 4500 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">166 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">125 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">122 ft-lbs. @ 2600 rpm</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">180 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Tires</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"> P205/50VR17<br> all season</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">P195/60HR15<br> all season</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">P205/55R16<br> all season</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">P195/65HR15<br> all season</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">P215/60TR16<br> all season</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Wheels</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">alloy rims<br> 17 x 6.5 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">steel rims<br> 15 x 6 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">steel rims<br> 16 x 6.5 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">alloy rims<br> 15 x 6 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">steel rims<br> 16 x 6.5 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Xenon Headlights</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"> Optional</font></td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Navigation System</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">DVD navigation system Optional</font></td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> <td height="38"> </td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>City</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">25 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">21 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">29 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">24 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">24 mpg.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Highway</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">32 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">28 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">36 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">31 mpg.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">31 mpg.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Length</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">176.6 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">173.4 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">171.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">164.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">192.3 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Width</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">69.1 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">66.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">69.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">68.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">70.4 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Height</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">57.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">58.5 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">60.6 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">56.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">57.9 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Weight</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">2826 lbs.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">3045 lbs.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">2679 lbs.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">2897 lbs.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">3001 lbs.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Wheel Base</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">103.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">99.4 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">102.4 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">98.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">110.2 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Ground Clearance</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">5.7 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">5.9 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">5.9 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">5.1 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">Being Researched</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="printsection" width="100" height="19"> <font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Interior</b></font></td> <td class="printsection" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">MAZDA3</font></td> <td class="printsection" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">Impreza</font></td> <td class="printsection" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">Matrix</font></td> <td class="printsection" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">Golf</font></td> <td class="printsection" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">Altima</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Front Headroom</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">39.1 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">39.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">40.6 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">37.4 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">40.8 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Rear Headroom</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">38.4 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">37.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">39.8 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">36.5 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">37.6 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Front Shoulder Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">54.9 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">52.7 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">53.2 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">53.7 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">56.3 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Rear Shoulder Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">54 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">52.9 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">52.6 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">52.4 in.</font></td> <td height="38"><font face="Arial" size="2">56 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Front Hip Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">54.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">53.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">51.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"> </td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">53 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Rear Hip Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">53.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">51.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">47.8 in.</font></td> <td height="19"> </td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">54.5 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Front Leg Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">41.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">42.9 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">41.8 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">41.5 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">43.9 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="darkfield"> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Rear Leg Room</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">36.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">33.7 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">36.3 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">33.5 in.</font></td> <td height="19"><font face="Arial" size="2">36.4 in.</font></td> </tr> <tr class="lightfield"> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b>Maximum Luggage Capacity</b></font></td> <td class="basecarfield" height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">17.1 cu.ft.</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">27.9 cu.ft.</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">21.8 cu.ft.</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">18 cu.ft.</font></td> <td height="57"><font face="Arial" size="2">15.6 cu.ft.</font></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" height="57"> <tbody><tr> <td width="100%" valign="top" height="49"> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <img border="0" src="http://www.autosupermart.com/auto/images/arrowrt.gif" width="22" height="9">Talk about this car and other cars on our message board with other car fans like you. <a target="_blank" href="http://autosupermart.com/forums/">click here</a></font><p> <font face="Arial" size="2"> <img border="0" src="http://www.autosupermart.com/auto/images/arrowrt.gif" width="22" height="9">To sign up to receive new car updates and reviews as well as some coupons for our site, <a href="http://autosupermart.com/shop/maillist/">click here</a></font></p> <p><font face="Arial" size="2"> <img border="0" src="http://www.autosupermart.com/auto/images/arrowrt.gif" width="22" height="9">Do you want to see what parts and accessories are made specifically for this vehicle today? <a href="http://www.autosupermart.com/shop/process?mv_pc=88&mv_todo=return&mv_nextpage=results&search_type=SIMPLE&search_terms=mazda%203">click here</a>.  </font> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!-- END CONTENT --> <p align="left"><font face="Arial" size="2"><b><!-- this is so that this section comes completely at the end and bottom of the page and not in the right side table --> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="5" valign="top" align="center" class="small"> <!--dont erase the above --> <p align="center"><img src="http://carreviewsandnews.com/images/carreviewslogoblack.jpg"> <br> Copyright © 2008 Carreviewsandnews.com <br>Privacy Policy: CarReviewsandNews.com does not collect any personal information about its visitors thus your privacy is always protected. </p> <!-- dont erase below this line also --> 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