Topic: CTC Review: 2010 Mazda3 GT

[vdk]

Odd that nobody has mentioned  that this car lists at just a hair below $30,000. Doesn't this strike anyone as a little high for this class of car?

But dude the one Wing had for a week had all the goodies you need, and it was $23k - $1k for the stick.. $22k  That's more than competitive.

[Leviathan]

Odd that nobody has mentioned  that this car lists at just a hair below $30,000. Doesn't this strike anyone as a little high for this class of car?

Not odd when you look at how the car is dolled up  

From the article:

over $4,000 worth of options

I usually wouldn't care about some of the crap in that $4K but I could really see piloting this little beastie with the full load. 6 speed manual please. The front doesn't seem to bother me as much in some colours...

A fair bit of truth there. But I have to pay to drive such cars while auto journalists don't.

You don't have to buy the top-of-the-heap vehicle. Settle for an entry level Fit if that tickles your fancy but don't project on others  

[Rupert]

We have a Mazda 3 in the family...not my personal cup of tea but can see the attractions for the younger set. The vehicle has been good overall but tire wear on inside edges has been experienced and note this on other examples. It used to be that the Focus was a close platform and wondered if that vehicle had the same phenomina. Think I prefer the Focus frontal effect to this one. Actually the front cycle fender styling is a bit of a challenge IMO but it is around on other mks also.

[airbalancer]

How is it when you open the sunroof, the last model was very noise that I had a test drive in.

[Ice]

How is it when you open the sunroof, the last model was very noise that I had a test drive in.

Are there any sunroofs that when open are not noisy?

[airbalancer]

How is it when you open the sunroof, the last model was very noise that I had a test drive in.

Are there any sunroofs that when open are not noisy?

On my truck
Also it felt like a wind tunnel with it openned

[ghost]

My folks just picked up a 2010 mazda3 hatch. It looks great in person. It feels more upscale than before. All of a sudden the mkI looks dated drastically and that one was already a handsome car on my books.

[1TSX]

My dad drove the 2.5 and 2.0 L models a couple days ago.

His impressions were that the 2.0L felt more refined compared to the previous gen, and it felt "peppier" than the old model. He was quite impressed with the value of the comfort package + 2.0L engine. Isn't the 2.0L a carry over?

He didn't say much about the 2.5 though...the dealer said they sold 3 that day. 

[slimeballzz]

I'm out looking for a new car and had my eyes on this.  But then I noticed for the price I could also get a second hand G35 or IS250.

Do you guys think it would cost significantly more to maintain a Lexus IS250 or Infiniti G35 versus this 2010 Mazda3 (GT-E version)? 

[Oz]

I'm out looking for a new car and had my eyes on this.  But then I noticed for the price I could also get a second hand G35 or IS250.

Do you guys think it would cost significantly more to maintain a Lexus IS250 or Infiniti G35 versus this 2010 Mazda3 (GT-E version)? 

If you want a new car get yourself a Genesis coupe. Otherwise the two cars you've listed are pretty damn good options. Personally I'd go with a 1-2 year used car from the two you mentioned.

[Turbo Bob]

I think by asking the question you already have your answer.

[cargo]

I had been planning on buying a new car this year and the Mazda3 was at the top of the list (currently drive a '95 Mazda Protege that still runs great but my kids are getting it). I was so incredibly disappointed when BAM, the 2010 model is ugly beyond comprehension. That stupid face on the car must have been designed by someone who chews bubble gum and puts smiley faces on their school report. Maybe the designer was on happy pills when he came up with that look. What were they thinking. Sorry Mazda, this car is now totally off my list. I could not buy something that creeps me out when I approach it. It annoys me that they would spoil an otherwise good car.

Trouble is, I don't like what Honda has to offer, Toyotas have the accelerator pedal thing, Ford and GM coddle you in cheap plastic. I am falling for the Volvo C30. It looks like a car, not a japanimation cartoon character.

[Ice]

I had been planning on buying a new car this year and the Mazda3 was at the top of the list (currently drive a '95 Mazda Protege that still runs great but my kids are getting it). I was so incredibly disappointed when BAM, the 2010 model is ugly beyond comprehension. That stupid face on the car must have been designed by someone who chews bubble gum and puts smiley faces on their school report. Maybe the designer was on happy pills when he came up with that look. What were they thinking. Sorry Mazda, this car is now totally off my list. I could not buy something that creeps me out when I approach it. It annoys me that they would spoil an otherwise good car.

Trouble is, I don't like what Honda has to offer, Toyotas have the accelerator pedal thing, Ford and GM coddle you in cheap plastic. I am falling for the Volvo C30. It looks like a car, not a japanimation cartoon character.

I guess if you can wait then grab a 2012 Ford Focus when they come out in early 2011

[ovr50]

I like the Volvo C30 (but have not driven one).

[DS]

That old adage about not fixing what isn't broken was completely ignored by Mazda. New owners wouldn't realize what I'm talking about but as I owned the 1st Mazda3 model, I was disappointed with the dumb "fixes" made to the current model.
1) On sunny days, that light grey driver's side dashboard accent is beautifully reflected in the driver's side view mirror.
2) The centre console on the prior model was a two-door configuration. Now it's a single container with a stupid tray.
3) The rear cover that is connected to the hatch that keeps nosey people from looking into the rear window was articulated but not now.
4) There was a very cool compartment that could be erected in the hatchback area that has been completely removed.
Overall, I like the current car but the four changes mentioned above are, to put it bluntly, just plain stupid. Who ever approved them should be fired.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[Sunray Light]

Nobody talks about how it feels while you drive Mazda 3 GT. I have replaced my Mazda 3 GT 2006 w/luxury package with 2010 the same (no navigation) and I am not impress. It does not sit in bends as well as the previous model. I used to drive 120km on the highway with my 2006 model almost with one finger. Well, you cannot do that with 2010 model. And once you reach 60km and your sunroof is fully open, what is this humming sound about? For $34,000 car it's not a value for your money. Sorry to say so. I am verry dissapointed and the moment I can sell and not loose too much on it, I will and get myself 2006 model. These are 2 different cars, I do not understand why are they even compared.