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Nickname: thor

Review: I'm a ex VW owner who grew tired of the yearly repairs. love the SP23 steering, grip and interior quality which rivals VW interiors. I have a stick and find the transmission slick, ratios well balanced and nice low engaging clutch. great bang for the buck if you negotiate aggressively.

Date reviewed: May 1, 2007 5:49 AM

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Nickname: Denis

Review: Unless you get the fully-loaded VW with side skirts and extra body moldings, the car looks like a little Russian 4x4 called "Lada." Even with all the extra mods, the car, especially the GTI, is impractical--very little room in the back seat and the new design makes it look higher then the Mazda. Second was the price, I got the options that I wanted and paid $6,000 less than what it would cost me on the Jetta or GTI. I felt a little uneasy today driving the Ford owned Mazda, which I said I would never do, but then I still have my Jetta III at home.

Date reviewed: Feb 24, 2006 11:36 PM

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Nickname: Denis

Review: Denis from Ohio (originally Europe), here with my take on the new Mazda 3-5Door--my new car. When time came to buy a new car, as a VW enthusiast, I went to the local VW dealer right away hoping to upgrade from an MK3 Jetta to the MKV. The same instant I saw the new Jetta/GTI, I understood how the parents felt when they first found out their child was a transvestite. It looked like a Toyota Corolla and Dodge Neon had an offspring. Disgusted by the exterior, I didn't even want to test that "beast of a small engine" that I heard great things about. I turned around and went to the Mazda dealership and got the M3-5Door. So, the exterior was the major reason I stayed away from the new VW. Continues on next post.

Date reviewed: Feb 24, 2006 11:35 PM

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Nickname: Marky

Review: Just got my Mazda 3 yesterday and I love it. I might be a bit old for it, but iIwanted something that has gotten great reviews, good gas milage, and was affordable. I did a ton of research before buying it. Just got rid of my 10-year-old Honda Civic - great car, gave me 175,000 miles with nearly no problems, but the ac just went out and it's too hot right now. Comparing it to the new Jetta (my fiancee just got one about a month ago), it was alot cheaper and is easier to see out of. I have problems looking out the back seat windows when backing out of parking spaces and I can't seem to adjust the seat to where I can see clearly out the front window. The Jetta has a lot more neat little features that the Mazda 3 lacks and has more pickup. But I was looking for a car that just gets the job done. Her Jetta sometimes seems to have problems going right into gear when putting it in drive, doesn't seem very tight. Almost bought one, but I think I made a great choice.

Date reviewed: Aug 25, 2005 5:46 AM

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Nickname: Thane33

Review: Thane Peterson, here, the BW Online reviewer. I loved the Mazda 3 and I'm glad owners agree with my assessment. Did anyone compare it with the new VW Jetta before buying? If so, would you please post your thoughts on how they compare? It will be interesting to see how the sportier versions of the new Honda Civic shape up when the 06s come out in September. Thanks for your comments.

Date reviewed: Aug 24, 2005 12:51 PM

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Nickname: Staubachfan

Review: Great car for the money. First manual I have owned in 12 years and don't regret it a bit! Very forgiving clutch, great handling around the curves, and enough punch to beat that semi to the end of the on ramp. Also I get 35 mpg, mostly highway driving.

Date reviewed: Aug 23, 2005 11:43 PM

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Nickname: Mark

Review: LOOOOOVE my SP23! It has everything I was looking for and I just can't stop smiling when I'm cruising down the highway with the Bose blasting! No complaints whatsover--the standard features (and the options!) make this the perfect car!

Date reviewed: Aug 23, 2005 2:07 AM

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Nickname: KP

Review: I love my Mazda 3S. It has a taut suspension and a very precise steering feel to it. The acceleration is adequate for a sub-$20,000 car. I would, however, recommend the 5-speed version since I feel the 4-speed automatic is probably inadequate to really push the limits of this car. The interior fit and finish beats all other competitors like Honda and Toyota. I am not sure about the reliability since I have had the car for four months and I have had to replace a power steering pump already. (This was done under warranty.) Definitely a car to consider!!

Date reviewed: Aug 22, 2005 10:00 PM

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Nickname: David

Review: Totally agree with BW - sweet ride indeed. A friend let me borrow his for a weekend trip. Now if I could just get Mazda to donate one to the cause of liberating me from my current vehicle then life would be perfect indeed.

Date reviewed: Aug 22, 2005 6:09 AM