Test Drove the MS3

[VTBimmer535is]

Overall, I thought it was fun. The exhaust is pretty loud for stock would probably be my only complaint.

The dealer let me drive a cosmic blue sport model, not like that makes a difference, but I wanted to drive the GT to mess around with some things.

Power seemeed nice and it reminded me a lot of my friends MSP. The ride was nice and tight and the exhaust kinda hums along on the highway.

Power was plentyful...I was at 80 in a heartbeat, kinda crazy.

Not sure about over quality, some things felt a little cheap and the salesman seemed a little cramped in the backseat.(I had a friend come with me)

After leaving the mazda dealership I was all for the MS3 like everyone says, but then i went and test drove a TSX and the new GTi and the MS3 just felt about average.

Ranking, I really like the TSX even though it wasn't as powerful, it was just gorgeous through and through. Everything was great and the manual tranny was smooth as can be. Acura really put a lot of thought into building their cars and that shows in the 28k price tag... =*(

The GTi I think i liked the best. Classy, yet still help to the its roots of a hot hatch. I wouldn't mind driving my boss around in it. (not sure if i would in the mazda)

Seems like the MS3 is aiming for a different group of drivers younger and ricier(for lack of a better adjective but you guys might see where i'm coming from)

The mazda is still in the running, but I'm gunna take a look at a 4door GTi and maybe a used WRX. But boy was the mazda fun to drive! I can see where you guys fall in love with that car instantly.(cool)

[fkmp5]

FWIW: i absolutely love my TSX. Silver/Blue exterior. Silver Leather Interior, with the brushed aluminum look accents. Definately doesn't feel "cheap" or average.

And it's a great ride.

[FlyinMSP]

I test drove a 6 speed manual GTI (3 doors, w/ 18') and, besides the engine (lovely!), I wasn't that impressed. I was happy to hop back into my MSP (a little noisier and of lower quality, but feels more connected and a lot sharper)

[clos561]

thats too bad when u see a ms3 pull up next to u ...your gona wish u got the ms3(screwy)

[Hikaru9]

thats too bad when u see a ms3 pull up next to u ...your gona wish u got the ms3(screwy)

Good point, but not everyone is a Top Fuel drag wannabe. *^_^*

[clos561]

not jsut the speed ..the car breaks necks...some tint if u must and a nice set of wheels.....yea your right but...tsx vs ms3? come on tsx is 6k more ..even tho its more luxury...my preference is obviously a 23k ms3 gt

[blue2turbo]

I was trading in an 06' Civic Si when I bought the MS3, I had test drove a GTi, MS3, Infiniti G35 Sedan, and a Nissan Sentra SE-R... instantly the SE-R was out the door, and the G35 was almost 7k more then I could spend, so it came down to the GTi and the MS3... Reason the Civic was going bye bye is because my girlfriend has a 2 year old (it was her car) and we needed more room... plus the lack of torque was super depressing...

I liked the GTi, rode great, nice amount of power for its size, little amenities here and there, but the problem was the price tag... a 4 door GTi at my local dealer was more then the MS3. The other major problem, while the car technically seats 4, if you have 4 passangers in there, you have also used up a huge majority of the hatch space, so again it wasn't going to have enough space for my needs.

Drove the MS3, the power was awesome, the handling was lacking compared to the Civic, but I am a fan of the interior on the MS3, its simple and plain, I felt too much "school boy racer" feel in the Civic. Overall for me, the MS3 had plenty of room, all the features I needed, gobs of torque (what a pleasent feeling) and decent suspension for a 4 door, ricer killing grocery getter.

[blue2turbo]

not jsut the speed ..the car breaks necks...some tint if u must and a nice set of wheels.....yea your right but...tsx vs ms3? come on tsx is 6k more ..even tho its more luxury...my preference is obviously a 23k ms3 gt

Perfect point, you can't really compare the 2... they are in totally different price worlds... if I was going to have 28k to spend on a car, I would be lookin towards 05' G35 Coupes, 05' EVO's or STi's, etc. I think the MS3 is a great car, not necessarily geared toward "younger, ricier" crowds, but more towards the middle class people who want power, want performance, but can't afford the high dollar 28-32k performance cars. For ~23k out the door (if you swindle the salesman) the MS3 is a hell of a deal.

[Hikaru9]

not jsut the speed ..the car breaks necks...some tint if u must and a nice set of wheels.....yea your right but...tsx vs ms3? come on tsx is 6k more ..even tho its more luxury...my preference is obviously a 23k ms3 gt

*note to self* - marry a chiropractor.

Yeah... TSX and MS3 are completely different animals targeted towards very different groups of people. I drove the TSX quite a lot while I had my RSX because the dealership always gave me one of those when I had my car in for service. A really sweet ride, and if Acura had something with the TSX quality/ reliability with a hatch and more power, I'd be the first one in line to get one. *^_^* (I don't really care how much it costs)

[clos561]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

[Hikaru9]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

I never said Mazdas were unreliable, and as the MS3 is my first Mazda, I won't know for few years.

BTW are you calling me old? -_-++

[Ms3InMd]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

Definately true!(dance)

[FlyinMSP]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

Ever since my 3 years old MSP has lately started to rust in front of my eyes, I'm having second thoughts about this great Mazda quality....

[M3_Zoom]

thats too bad when u see a ms3 pull up next to u ...your gona wish u got the ms3(screwy)

Noted! Fact: The MS3 is a "de-tuned" rocket waiting to respond to the aftermarket world and the GTI is a 4 cylinder with a turbo if you get what I'm saying. Also the 4-door GTI is only 30 pounds less in curb weight than the MS3 and it has allot less HP and torque. I think if your looking for "in your face" performance in the long run, chose no other than the MS3. If you hesitate remember they are limited and only a two year deal. The quality is great! Those saying its not, need to compare it to an equally priced car, not one that's $5000 - $10000+ more. Lastly, if your not into noises STAY AWAY from Subaru. I didn't purchase an STI for that reason. They are super fast off the line but they have more rattles and clunks than I would ever except in a daily driver. Just my .02 cents.

Check out May 07 Car & Driver

[Betelgeuse]

If you had 2 people in the car with you, then you really haven't felt the power of the ms3. Anyway if I had 28k to 30k to spend I'd easily skip over the overpriced, overhyped TSX or GTI for something a little higher end and a lot faster: g35 sedan (or coupe), 350Z, or possibly an STI. For the price the ms3 is unbeatable and I have to agree with the posters above that made the points on practicality and simplicity of the interior.

[jersey_emt]

not jsut the speed ..the car breaks necks...some tint if u must and a nice set of wheels.....yea your right but...tsx vs ms3? come on tsx is 6k more ..even tho its more luxury...my preference is obviously a 23k ms3 gt


What's wrong with a TSX?

It's an amazing car. I love them.

[M3_Zoom]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

Let's see 2007 TOP 10 Cars:

BMW 3 Series
Chevy Corvette
Chrysler 300
Honda Accord
Honda Fit
Infinity G35 Sedan
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Mazdaspeed 3
Porsche Boxter & Cayman
Volkswagon Gti

To be compared with BMW, Corvette, Infinity and Porshe says allot about this Mazdaspeed 3. To rank in the top 10 with cars that cost 2 - 4 times as much as the Mazdaspeed 3 speaks V-O-L-U-M-E-S!!! Not to mention 3 Mazda's (MX5 Miata, Mazda 5 & Mazda3 series) were deemed in the top most reliable. Here's a quote from J.D. Power & Associates initial quality, "Yes, just like Toyota's and Honda's, Mazda's are American made and Japanese made and are as reliable as those other two car manufacturer's."

(rockon)

[M3_Zoom]

What's wrong with a TSX?

It's an amazing car. I love them.

Acura's are really nice but WAY over priced. A loaded TSX is in BMW 3 Series territory and BMW would certainly receive my money first. Also let's not loose sight that Acura's are Honda's best just like Lexus & Toyota and Infinity & Nissan. Again, Acura's are fantastic cars but I would chose my MS3 ten times over a TSX. It's all up to what your looking for...

[matsuda]

what makes u think mazda isnt reliable? mazda is the BEST car company IN THE WORLD!lol mazda cars are reliable and acura are jsut over priced and targeted to old people with big wallets

Now if only they could catch up to Kia...

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

[matsuda]

If you had 2 people in the car with you, then you really haven't felt the power of the ms3. Anyway if I had 28k to 30k to spend I'd easily skip over the overpriced, overhyped TSX or GTI for something a little higher end and a lot faster: g35 sedan (or coupe), 350Z, or possibly an STI. For the price the ms3 is unbeatable and I have to agree with the posters above that made the points on practicality and simplicity of the interior.
It isn't always about power. Don't you get it?

Yes the MS3 has better acceleration but there is so much more to driving (and enjoying) a car than that.

[M3_Zoom]

Now if only they could catch up to Kia...

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

To bad that's a 2006 spread sheet and you can easily logout and go else where. Also I look at each individual car. For example, look at Chevy but yet if you do a research on 10 Worst Cars they have 3 of them... Look at Dodge and the only thing there good for is there engines that's it. Plus Dodge is one of the worst residual value cars on the road. They spent so much on the Chrysler 300M the remaining line of there cars suffer. VW only two dots, but are some of the safest on the road. You need to research each car individually. Unfortunately one bad car can pull down the ratings for the entire company.

J.D. Power & Associates "Yes, just like Toyota's and Honda's, Mazda's are American and Japanese made and are as reliable as those other two car manufacturer's."

I've owned a few Honda's and in my opinion the MS3 quality is equal if not better.

[matsuda]

Let's see 2007 TOP 10 Cars:

BMW 3 Series
Chevy Corvette
Chrysler 300
Honda Accord
Honda Fit
Infinity G35 Sedan
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Mazdaspeed 3
Porsche Boxter & Cayman
Volkswagon Gti

To be compared with BMW, Corvette, Infinity and Porshe says allot about this Mazdaspeed 3.
Then it is really amazing that the Honda Fit is compared to a Corvette and Porsche, eh?

BTW, the top 10 car list is based on the opinions of a few automotive journalists. It's nothing to get too excited about.

[M3_Zoom]

Then it is really amazing that the Honda Fit is compared to a Corvette and Porsche, eh?

BTW, the top 10 car list is based on the opinions of a few automotive journalists. It's nothing to get too excited about.

Read it for yourself. If you spent the time to read the entire article you would see how they chose the cars. They are then put into categories bla bla bla. Obviousley the Honda Fit did not run against a corvette in the 1/4 mile. Read the article, you might learn something. I'm not going to waist anymore time on you and why are you on this forum anyhow, jelous?!!

[Donas64]

I like the TSX. Its a handsome, solid competent car that I think would be great to own. But I gotta have some torque. My P5 gets depressing sometimes when I hit the has and.......nothing! Just noise. My nest car MUST have over 220 Ib. ft. At least!

So that puts the TSX out of it for me. I don't need a rocketship, I just want off the line and mid-range punch!

[matsuda]

To bad that's a 2006 spread sheet and you can easily logout and go else where. Also I look at each individual car. For example, look at Chevy but yet if you do a research on 10 Worst Cars they have 3 of them... Look at Dodge and the only thing there good for is there engines that's it. They spent so much on the Chrysler 300M the remaining line of there cars suffer. VW only two dots but are some of the safest on the road. You need to research each car individually. Unfortunately one bad car can pull down the ratings for the entire company.


Mazda's overall score was one of the lowest. Which car(s) are pulling down Mazda's score?



J.D. Power & Associates "Yes, just like Toyota's and Honda's, Mazda's are American and Japanese made and are as reliable as those other two car manufacturer's."

I did a Google search on that exact quote and couldn't find anything.



I've owned a few Honda's and in my opinion the MS3 quality is equal if not better

Nah. Way to many rattles in the interior to be compared to a Honda. No to mention that it's the 4th year of production for the Mazda 3 (basically same interior as MS3).

[matsuda]

Read it for yourself. If you spent the time to read the entire article you would see how they chose the cars. They are then put into categories bla bla bla. Obviousley the Honda Fit did not run against a corvette in the 1/4 mile. Read the article, you might learn something. I'm not going to waist anymore time on you and why are you on this forum anyhow, jelous?!!
Jealous of what? I own a MS3 but that doesn't mean that I can't be objective about it and other cars.

BTW, you are the one that said "To be compared with BMW, Corvette, Infinity and Porshe says allot about this Mazdaspeed 3."

[clos561]

ur retarded....kia?! lol fuck kia...mazda is best car for the money in it class even tho it is compared to higher class vehicles.....tsx..cool but for 28k acura can suck my dick .....either way..anything i say you will disagree with and say KIA is better.....mazda is great car company..i had my mazda3 for 2 years and when i ehard this car was coming out...put that on my priority list....i dont car what anyone says....any other car that is 23k does not compare to what u get in a mazdaspeed3, performance...interior....aggressive look....reliablility....and a hard on.

[M3_Zoom]

Mazda's overall score was one of the lowest. Which car(s) are pulling down Mazda's score?



I did a Google search on that exact quote and couldn't find anything.



Nah. Way to many rattles in the interior to be compared to a Honda. No to mention that it's the 4th year of production for the Mazda 3 (basically same interior as MS3).

Ya know what guy, I'm sure I'm old enough to be your Daddy so if you want to have a civil conversation you might want to start over. Otherwise your just a forum troll in my eyes.

[M3_Zoom]

ur retarded....kia?! lol fuck kia...mazda is best car for the money in it class even tho it is compared to higher class vehicles.....tsx..cool but for 28k acura can suck my dick .....either way..anything i say you will disagree with and say KIA is better.....mazda is great car company..i had my mazda3 for 2 years and when i ehard this car was coming out...put that on my priority list....i dont car what anyone says....any other car that is 23k does not compare to what u get in a mazdaspeed3, performance...interior....aggressive look....reliablility....and a hard on.

close561, Mr. Matsuda does not get it. He comes on here telling us we dont understand bla bla bla. Just let him go, he probably up past his bed time anyhow.

[Betelgeuse]

Jealous of what? I own a MS3 but that doesn't mean that I can't be objective about it and other cars.



So why did you buy a Mazda again? It rates among the lowest according to you (based on a survey that has more holes than swiss cheese) yet you drive one.

[matsuda]

So why did you buy a Mazda again? It rates among the lowest according to you (based on a survey that has more holes than swiss cheese) yet you drive one.
I can deal with the quality issues although I am somewhat disappointed.

However, just because I bought a Mazda doesn't mean that I have to put blinders on.

[matsuda]

Ya know what guy, I'm sure I'm old enough to be your Daddy so if you want to have a civil conversation you might want to start over.
Civil? Did I call you names or use any type of hostile language?

Don't take it personally when someone disagrees with you or asks you to back up a statement.

[matsuda]

ur retarded....kia?! lol fuck kia...
Then you have an issue with the JD Power data.
In that case, don't shoot the messenger.

[bast525]

I can't speak for reliability (though everything I've seen in Consumer Reports et al puts Mazda as being just about average for reliability), but I can speak for initial build quality on my own MS3.

So far I have three loud and very annoying rattles in the interior, one in the dash, a really bad one in the passenger door, and another in the passenger side b pillar.

My wife's '07 Civic Si has one minor rattle in the interior after 8000 miles, and honestly I'd say the interior quality overall between the two is very similiar

My '05 SRT-4 had the plastic-fantastic interior but I have to say that even after almost 2 years and 16,000 miles of driving the snot out of that car it had absolutely ZERO interior rattles. Overall it was holding up very well as far as not looking at all damaged/worn as well. Looks like it was made by tupperware, and lasted like it was made by tupperware :D

[tsunami]

every one is entitled to their own opinion guys... lets just agree to disagree and move on please... otherwise i will close this thread...

thank you please.

[Betelgeuse]

I can deal with the quality issues although I am somewhat disappointed.

However, just because I bought a Mazda doesn't mean that I have to put blinders on.


I and my family have owned several Mazdas so I'm speaking from experience, no blinders here. You really haven't answered the question though. You seem to have lots of faith in surveys yet you took your hard earned money and put it down on one. Why?

[MS6S2K]

Matsuda. it's refreshing to see someone who can own a car, yet have an objective view, and appreciate other cars for what they offer. Unfortunately most people cannot think objectively about a car they own. Loved all your points and insight. It is so much more then about how fast a car is. I absolutely LOVE the GTI, and I'd be torn between the Speed 3 and the GTI if I was in the market for a hatch. One car has what the other lacks, and what I'd want is a GTI that's as fast as the Speed 3. You just can't win. LOL

I test drove a DSG GTI when in the market, and that car was so sweet. I opted for the Speed 6 because of the insane deal, and I'm addicted to AWD, but boy, what a car. I like the power I have, but the quality of that GTI. Good lord. I'm sorry it's simply BETTER. I felt like I downgraded getting the Speed 6, in everything except POWER of course. I always take the side of power, so I picked the right car, but it's not easy to do sometimes. Why can't the GTI be 260hp DANGIT!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Heck my Dad has an 06 Rabbit, and that car in itself is REALLY nice. MSRP of $16k. Gotta be honest here. If I was in the market for a economy beater, I'd take the Rabbit any day of the week over the Mazda 3 hatch.

I got my eye on the AWD R32 coming out. Too bad I won't be able to afford it, but that car is gonna be really nice. I test drove the 04 R32, and that car was freaking sweet, but the STI was faster so again, I opted for POWER. hehe

[Donas64]

As a P5 owner I have to say the car is holding up really well. The only rattle I have at 73K miles is from an aftermarket installed stereo. Very pleased with the quality so far.

[Betelgeuse]

What I find amusing is people who want to pay little or nothing for a car but expect a top notch interior, no rattles and speed. Sorry, ain't gonna happen. There has to be a compromise somewhere. My ms3 has some slight rattles (which don't bother me)but I find the interior to be very good, not the best but simple and practical. I can't ask for anything more. I bought it for the speed, acceptable gas mileage and practicality it offered. And so far it has delivered. If I wanted anything else, I'd be in another car and wouldn't cry over the little stuff.

[Hikaru9]

Let's see 2007 TOP 10 Cars:

BMW 3 Series
Chevy Corvette
Chrysler 300
Honda Accord
Honda Fit
Infinity G35 Sedan
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda Mazdaspeed 3
Porsche Boxter & Cayman
Volkswagon Gti

To be compared with BMW, Corvette, Infinity and Porshe says allot about this Mazdaspeed 3.

I love my MS3, but you need to choose your words carefully when you write. They definitely did not "compare" the MS3 with the BMW, Corvette, Infinity, and Porshe. To be ranked along with those vehicles is awesome, but the MS3 isn't a Porshe no matter what kind of eyeglasses you put on. Apparently you like the MS3 just as l do, but as Tsunami put everyone is entitled to own opinions, so there is no need to bash on other members.

[matsuda]

I and my family have owned several Mazdas so I'm speaking from experience, no blinders here. You really haven't answered the question though. You seem to have lots of faith in surveys yet you took your hard earned money and put it down on one. Why?
It's kind of obvious that I must really like the MS3 if I spent my hard earned cash, right? I like hatches, I like turbo motors, etc.

As I said previously, I can deal with most of the quality issues.

I don't necessary put so much faith in surveys but I don't believe that JD Power randomly assigned the scores either.

I know it is the nature of some people not to accept any criticism of something that they like, so it's normal that some Mazda owners will not believe any survey that says that their cars are less than excellent.

[matsuda]

What I find amusing is people who want to pay little or nothing for a car but expect a top notch interior, no rattles and speed. Sorry, ain't gonna happen.
I have no doubt that the QA/QC folks at Mazda would strongly disagree with you. I'm sure that interior rattles in any car that rolls off their assembly line is unacceptable to them.

One important aspect of quality is attention to detail.

[Betelgeuse]

I have no doubt that the QA/QC folks at Mazda would strongly disagree with you. I'm sure that interior rattles in any car that rolls off their assembly line is unacceptable to them.

Well I'm not sure about that. Test drive most cars and usually there are no rattles. Over time they develop on some, at least that's my experience. I also know that visiting any other forum that are dedicated to cars in this price range would reveal many members complaining about similar rattles. When I bought my car it had 6 miles on it, so if the the engineers did any long term testing, looking for rattles, they rolled my odo back (which I seriously doubt).


One important aspect of quality is attention to detail.

And one important fact you seem to be forgetting is that you get what you pay for.

[Betelgeuse]

It's kind of obvious that I must really like the MS3 if I spent my hard earned cash, right? I like hatches, I like turbo motors, etc.

As I said previously, I can deal with most of the quality issues.

I don't necessary put so much faith in surveys but I don't believe that JD Power randomly assigned the scores either.

Never said they did, but what's a major problem to one person might be a minor annoyance to another. So without seeing the raw data, it's hard to draw any meaningful conclusions.



I know it is the nature of some people not to accept any criticism of something that they like, so it's normal that some Mazda owners will not believe any survey that says that their cars are less than excellent.


I put a little more faith in personal experience than surveys, that's all. And forums like these only reinforce the fact that many people enjoy sweating over the small stuff.

[bast525]

Definately unbiased here. I have NO loyalty whatsoever to any brand/model of car. I've owned import and domestic, classics, musclecars, old Datsun's... Honda's Toyota's Chevy's Ford's and Dodge's.... I have loved most of them except for the few lemon's I've had.

I like any car that is fun to drive, and like practical fun to drive cars even more. The Civic Si that I bought my wife, MS3 I currently own and SRT-4 that I traded for it all rank very high on the list as far as favorite cars I've owned. They all have/have had their little issues, nothing major really, but mostly are/were great cars overall and very fun.

I'll give any brand a chance if it offered something fun, quick, and within my price range.

[Barney]

I've put 400000 miles on 3 Integras. Owned some some of the best muscle cars money could buy. Well at least before they started selling at just stupid amounts of money to buy a classic piece and put it in a garage. Owned a genuine 70 Buick GSX Stage 1 455, 86 Grand National, among others. My second car is well modded 94 Z28 6 speed with 174000 miles that puts 340 the the rear wheels. I've had many small and big block Chevrolets on my engine stand in the past, but the MS3 engine is amazing with the amount of torque it puts out at low RPM's for a four banger. Plus get's 30 MPG, I love this car. I'm 45 and have had my right foot into some of the best from the last 30 years and this car just gets better every time I drive it.

[Willspeed]

VW FTL... I hate the new GTIs.... but thats me. Plus VW is not that reliable look it up the info on that if you have to especially all the issues with the new DSG tranny thats supposed to be so bad ass, I know 3 people just around here that have had to get new ones.

[Stamperman]

I love to drive VW's but after driving them for many years I'd had enough of their shoddy reliability and at least around here, bad dealerships.

I'm on my thrid Mazda, an 04 3, traded for my 07MS3 and my wifes 5. No real problems with any of them so far. They aren't as nice inside as the new VW's, but I think that's a fair trade when you look at the better reliabiltiy numbers. The last time I checked the JD power reports VW was third from last on the bottom end of the list and consumer reports had 3 of their cars in the their list of the 5 most unreliable cars sold in the US. I really wish they could get their problems solved as I love the cars and would buy another if (I wanted a R32 soooooo bad) if I thought it would be reliable and I could get decent service from the dealer(s).

Just as a FYI, here is a partial list of VW's I have owned.
89 Jetta
84 Scirocco (owned for 15 years, was my auto-x car)
84 Scirocco - Beater
82 Rabbit GTI
86 16V Scirocco
92 Coraddo (best unreliable car ever!)
89 Jetta "Blueberry"
85 Scirocco
78 Scirocco