2010 Mazda3 Video

When competing against the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, a car has to have a way of grabbing customers’ attention. Mazda’s angle has always been to sacrifice a few miles per gallon in favor of a superior driving experience. Is the 2009 Mazda3 as fun to drive as Mazda says? Cars.com reviewer David Thomas checks out that claim in this video review.

Comments

The new Mazdas have a look that stands out alright, like a turd floating in a country club pool.

It's getting to the point where there will not be any controls left on the dashboards of the cars. There are too many controls on the steering wheels.

No disrespect intended, but his was a crappy, superficial review that told me nothing.

Mazda is giving up like 5-10 mpg.
Why didn't they make a new 2.0 engine?
The GEMA 2.0 is better. (and has balance shafts)
Honda's R20 is better (and has balance shafts)
Toyota's 2.0 Valvematic is better

The old car looks better. I do love how Mazda always gets a pass on mileage from the press. Also, that small nav screen is a bad move for numerous reasons. I guess Mazda doesn't think the passenger should be able to see or use the nav system.

that car is so nice. I am really thinking about getting one.

George,
The sedan has a 2.0 liter and gets 32 mpg hwy, still 3 mpg off the Corolla.

Tscurt,
Well it sounds disrespectful...but even I'll admit we didn't have much time with the car to do the actual video and I wanted to show off the unique navigation setup and give a broad overview of the model.Apologies if it seemed too brief.

Compare the '10 Mazda3 sedan against its most direct competitor, the new KIA Forte sedan
KIA 22/32 2.4/6 speed stick 23/31 auto
Mazda3 21/29 2.5/6 speed stick, 22/29 auto

Mazda3 2.0 5 speed stick 25/33, 5 speed auto 24/33
KIA Forte 2.0 25/34, EX fuel economy package (5 speed auto instead of 4 speed-which is still 25/34) 27/36

Fuel mileage is the 3's fatal flaw.
The 3 has good steering, braking, handling, and is 'distinctively' styled.
Who wants a 'compact' car {in a depression} that gets lousy mileage when gas prices are almost $2.50 again

George,
You're talking 1-3 mpg hwy makes the 3 lousy? I'm not sure about that. But like I said, Mazda is betting people will take 32 or 29 mpg hwy and the sporty handling over a lackluster driving experience and 10% better hwy mileage.

On-the-road feel of the Mazda 3 (I have a 2009 5 door) is simply NO COMPARISON to a Civic or Corolla. Forget the Kia. I'm happy to sacrifice 2-3 MPG for a huge smile on my face every time I drive this car. I turned in an Audi A4 for the Mazda with few regrets. It would be nice if Mazda developed a smaller 1.8 or 2.0 with a turbo.

I only like car with black color, any cars with clean black color, i'll like it.

The 3 is much more popular with the press than with buyers. Nice car but most buyers care about price, fuel economy, reliability and resale. They are not concerned with "fun to drive" and thats why the Corolla does so well. While the 3 has a lot of features I notice reviews have been very reluctant to talk pricing. A loaded 3 is over $25k which is considerably above the competition. It has more features but it costs thousands more as well.

The Corolla people are boring people, the Civic are wannabe racers... I prefer the Mazda.

The Mazda3 is a fantastic car - everyone I know who owns one is very satisfied with their purchase. It's nice to see that the new one maintains or improves the driving experience and interior quality.

It's easy to criticize Mazda for having gas mileage slightly behind competitors, and I'm sure this is an area where they will improve as gas mileage becomes more of a concern. But, the video touches on the fact that the Mazda is supposed to be different.

It's not a Honda, it's not a Toyota, it isn't meant to be. If you wanted one of those, you'd just buy one. But if you want something different, the Mazda3 gives you a very desirable option, and that's why it's popular with people who enjoy driving cars.

This car would be at the top of my list were I shopping in this segment.

Dave,

You know, as much as I loved to read and watch your reviews, is there anything you guys can do about the microphone you guys use when taping a video clip? I hear a lot of wind noise and have a hard time hearing your voice.

On the other hand, the Mazda 3's video though, it would be great to mention that for a similar price, we could get a Civic Si sedan vs a Mazda3 Grand Touring.

My wife talked me into this car against my desires for the Civic. I was reluctant, but after 8 weeks of ownership now, I am so glad she convinced me to get this car. This is way more fun than the Civic we traded in, it has quickly become the desired car to drive in our household hands down. And, on my 35 mile highway commute I am getting 34 mpg. I cannot describe how much a fun to drive car like this one improves my mood in these stressful times...you cannot put a price on that feeling, but it is so worth it. The Honda's and Toyota's suddenly seem so retro to me now, with this car seeming so State of the Art.