Mazda is the only automaker from Japan that gets their front end designs right. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, all have excessive plastics, crowded trim prices, wild geometries, and flamboyant expressions. Modern front ends look like manufacturers are competing to see how much stuff they can cram on the bumper. Only Mazda keeps their profiles simple and elegant. I hope they stay that way.
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That really highlights a problem. Yes, beautiful San Diego - my home for nearly 50 years. You rented an ICE you liked, but didn't drive an EV from Los Gatos. You have multiple cars, most drivers have one car and need to buy the car that fits all their needs.We rented a ‘23 Mazda 3 with 8700 miles today in San Diego. What a wonderful car! I don’t know much about Mazdas except their owners seem to love ‘em. It rode and drove better than any Corolla/Civic or other small car that I am familiar with.
Can any owners speak to reliability, issues, whatever about the Mazda 3?
I appreciate your thoughts.
I did not expect this thread to go to EVs, but I will do my best to answer your questions. We do several 1 day trips from San Jose to San Diego each year; via Southwest Airlines. We visit my wife's parents at Mt. Hope cemetery; she (and I) respect and miss them. Her favorite aunt lives north. On Saturday we hit Tony's Jacal for a wonderful lunch, around La Jolla and such and then back to the airport.That really highlights a problem. Yes, beautiful San Diego - my home for nearly 50 years. You rented an ICE you liked, but didn't drive an EV from Los Gatos. You have multiple cars, most drivers have one car and need to buy the car that fits all their needs.
You have stated on multiple occasions that an EV is not good for you to drive long distances. Well the I 5/101 corridor, indeed most of CA has plenty of charging stations. How about the one car owner in an area with few stations? Will they buy an EV?
My sister/brother in law recently bought their daughter a 2016 IA a couple of months ago. I went for a ride in it and while it's a small car it rode well and has plenty of power for a 16 y/o. No squeaks/rattles with a 123,000 miles on it.The Scion IA is / was a MAZDA 2 in a TOYOTA suit .
Salamanca is the gangster in Breaking Bad!Salamanca, Mexico. Mazda built a huge car plant there about 10 years ago. Some Mazda3s come from there, others from Japan, depending on trim, body style, and options.
I agree with your observation. However, one thing all of the Asian OEMs need to fix is get the infotainment screens more integrated into the dash. Most all of them look like they added it on as an after thought and just stuck on top of the dash.Mazda is the only automaker from Japan that gets their front end designs right. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, all have excessive plastics, crowded trim prices, wild geometries, and flamboyant expressions. Modern front ends look like manufacturers are competing to see how much stuff they can cram on the bumper. Only Mazda keeps their profiles simple and elegant. I hope they stay that way.
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My sons 5 year old unit has been rock solid and is still tight and fun to drive. It's closing in on 60K.We rented a ‘23 Mazda 3 with 8700 miles today in San Diego. What a wonderful car! I don’t know much about Mazdas except their owners seem to love ‘em. It rode and drove better than any Corolla/Civic or other small car that I am familiar with.
Can any owners speak to reliability, issues, whatever about the Mazda 3?
I appreciate your thoughts.
I agree with your observation. However, one thing all of the Asian OEMs need to fix is get the infotainment screens more integrated into the dash. Most all of them look like they added it on as an after thought and just stuck on top of the dash.
I’m old school. I like NO screen.If they integrate the screen in the dash it will be too low for quick glances. I like mine just like that. It’s on to and slightly canted towards me.
I’m old school. I like NO screen.
Yeah, that was one of the reasons I didn't buy a new 3 when I was shopping in 2014 to replace my much more space-efficient old Mazda (listed below).... If Mazda would work on their interior space efficiency, I'd consider their vehicles. As they are today, I feel much too enclosed in any driving position. Otherwise lovely cars, ...
Both of my vehicles integrate the screen at the same level as the gauge cluster without it looking like a 2 year old just threw it up on the dash. It can be done, but many don't spend the time to design it in. The MDX is less seamless than the VW and now showing its age but still a pretty clean design. The VW also cants the entire center stack towards the driver which I agree is a nice feature:If they integrate the screen in the dash it will be too low for quick glances. I like mine just like that. It’s on to and slightly canted towards me.
That red interior is stunning.This is mine. 2022 Mazda 3 Sport GT 6MT. Machine Grey Premium Metallic with Garnet Red interior. Purchased new Feb 2022. I like it. I wish it had more power.View attachment 175015View attachment 175017View attachment 175016
Burger has a JB-4 for this that might scratch your power itch. I highly recommend.This is mine. 2022 Mazda 3 Sport GT 6MT. Machine Grey Premium Metallic with Garnet Red interior. Purchased new Feb 2022. I like it. I wish it had more power.View attachment 175015View attachment 175017View attachment 175016