2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Review

The new Mazda 3 shows this automaker continues to build cars that legitimately back its "zoom-zoom'' advertising campaign.

The new Mazda 3 replaces the automaker's slightly smaller Protege, which was lively and practical. The Mazda 3 is even more fun to drive than the Protege and offers more sophistication and practicality.

The Mazda 3 isn't just an updated Protege -- it's a genuinely new car build on a new platform that's nearly 50 percent stiffer than the Protege's fairly rigid body shell. The stiffer the car, the better the ride, handling, safety and overall "feel.''

The Mazda 3 is one of the most enjoyable small cars, with sharp steering, taut handling, strong braking and a comfortable ride.

The sporty looking Mazda 3 comes as a front-drive sedan in $13,680 "i'' and as a higher-line $16,405 "s'' version. It's also offered as a versatile $16,895 "s'' four-door hatchback with distinctive -- even controversial -- styling, thanks to inputs from Japanese, European and American designers from Ford-controlled Mazda.

Mazda can afford to take chances with designs because it's not one of the established players in the small car arena, such as Toyota and Honda, and thus can swing for the fences in an attempt to capture less conservative customers who want something different.

Even the i sedan is fairly well-equipped, with such items as a tilt-telescoping steering wheel with radio controls, bucket seats, center console, split-folding rear seat for more cargo space, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, intermittent wipers and rear defogger. The 65-series tires, though, aren't especially large and are not put on very wide (15-inch) wheels.

The i sedan is powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower that provides decent acceleration, but works hard when pushed because of its rather small size. It's best suited to the very slick, standard five-speed manual gearbox because the optional $900 four-speed automatic transmission soaks up power despite its manual shift gate.

The s sedan adds a quieter 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with more torque. This engine better handles the automatic transmission without a performance loss; it still provides the best performance with the manual transmission, which is best suited to the fun-loving nature of the Mazda 3.

Both engines are fuel-thrifty. The 2-liter engine provides an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway with the manual and 26 and 34 with the automatic. Figures for the 2.3-liter motor are 25 and 32 with the manual and 24 and 29 with the automatic.

Besides the stronger engine, both s versions add such items as air conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped wheel, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver' seat and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

Wheel size on the s sedan moves from 15 inches to 16 inches and tires are slightly wider (55-series) for better handling.

The Mazda 3 is a youth-oriented car, but the hatchback version is especially for younger drivers. For example, it gets even wider (17-inch) wheels and wider (50-series) tires. Both the s sedan and hatchback have spiffy alloy wheels, which cost $400 extra for the i sedan.

Stand-alone options include $850 air conditioning for the i sedan and $590 leather upholstery for the s versions. A power sunroof costs $890 for all versions and comes with an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The s sedan is offered with a cosmetic $490 sport package for a racier look.

As for safety, an $800 option package for all versions contains front side air bags, head-protecting curtain side air bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution for surer panic stops.

The Mazda 3 has an a assertive look with a long wheelbase and passenger compartment, short overhangs and aggressively flared front and rear fenders.

While it registers high in the sporty appearance department, the Mazda 3 has one of the roomiest interiors in the subcompact car segment because it's one of the longest, widest and tallest autos in that crowded market segment. The hatchback is 176.6 inches long, while the sedan is 178.3 inches long.

There's plenty of room up front in the nicely shaped individual seats. However, despite one of the longest wheelbases in its class, the car's rear leg room gets tight for a 6-footer if the front seats are moved more than halfway back. The hatchback has more rear head room for tall occupants than the sedan, which is just average in that regard.

The audio system has some buttons that call for too much driver attention, but major controls are easy to reach and use. Unlike many older Mazdas, this new model has upscale interior materials that don't shout "economy car!'' However, the hatchback's interior allows more road noise to enter.

The sedan has a nicely shaped trunk with a low opening, although it's rather small. The hatchback provides more cargo space, but at least the rear seatbacks can be easily flipped forward in the sedan (and also in the hatchback) for more luggage room.

Ford is determined to sell considerably more Mazdas in America. The Mazda 3 should help it out a lot.

2004 MAZDA 3

Prices
$13,680-$16,895

Likes
Sporty and practical. Versatile hatchback version. Lively acceleration. Sharp handling. Upscale interior.

Dislikes
Tight rear leg room. Small sedan version trunk. Hatchback road noise.