Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Mazda3 GS Sedan

[Autos_Editor]

The 3's unique blend of driving pleasure, practicality and fuel efficiency ' plus a better warranty ' is compelling.
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[SKYMTL]

We looked at the sedan before buying the hatch.  While it may have awesome interior trunk space, the trunk access itself is absolutely pathetic.  In order to access the back third, you literally have to crawl into the thing due to the narrow opening. The intrusion of the two brackets really cuts down on usable space as well. 

[redman]

I was instrumental in mom's 2012 Mazda 3 beating all competitors at the time in our opinion.

I was also intrigued hearing of the Mazda 3 third gen figuring that it would only improve on an already good product offering.

Fact is the current 3rd gen does little for me as far as styling or offerings compared to it's competitors. The SkyActiv technology had been offered since 2012.

The issue maybe that competitors have come to party. The new Corolla came out improving styling and efficiency, along with others such as the Ford Focus. The Civic always competitive is coming out with the 10th gen this fall.

I don't like the tapered rear end of the current Mazda3 especially the hatchback. Mazda effectively forces people in the new CX3 just to get the space, ingress and egress of the 2nd gen Mazda3.

The current 3 is not a bad car but no longer a stand out vs it's competitors. Mazda needs a bump here to stand out from the crowd once again.

[Solstice2006]

It's a cycle.  One or two cars start with a new generation, the others catch up 1-2 years later, then the pressure is on for the first one to find something new.   I find it interesting that in the US, almost all the compacts have already beat 2014 YTD numbers, but in Canada only the Forte and Golf (being a new generation helps) have done that.  Especially since we like compacts more, and guess is so cheap now...

[OliverD]

I love the look of the sedan though I'd be unlikely to choose it over the hatchback.

[ktm525]

It's all fun and games until the rust appears. For my money I would go VW Golf and deal with blown headlight bulbs.

[redman]

It's all fun and games until the rust appears. For my money I would go VW Golf and deal with blown headlight bulbs.

I believe Mazda has addressed those issues since the 2nd gen. Mazda is now offering a seven year unlimited mileage anti-perforation rust warranty.

Additionally, 2015 Mazdas will come with a three-year bumper to bumper unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty.

[ktm525]

It's all fun and games until the rust appears. For my money I would go VW Golf and deal with blown headlight bulbs.

I believe Mazda has addressed those issues since the 2nd gen. Mazda is now offering a seven year unlimited mileage anti-perforation rust warranty.

Additionally, 2015 Mazdas will come with a three-year bumper to bumper unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty.

I guess but that being said I noticde that the FIL'S 5 year old 3 was rusting behind both rear wheels... Not Protégé levels but still there..

[JRM]

It's all fun and games until the rust appears. For my money I would go VW Golf and deal with blown headlight bulbs.

Perhaps the  older models had problems, but I had a '10 VW Golf for four years and had  no problems with the head lights or anything else.

[Solstice2006]

It's all fun and games until the rust appears. For my money I would go VW Golf and deal with blown headlight bulbs.

I believe Mazda has addressed those issues since the 2nd gen. Mazda is now offering a seven year unlimited mileage anti-perforation rust warranty.

Additionally, 2015 Mazdas will come with a three-year bumper to bumper unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty.

I guess but that being said I noticde that the FIL'S 5 year old 3 was rusting behind both rear wheels... Not Protégé levels but still there..

Wouldn't be a Mazda thread without the mention of rust.  Guess every Odyssey and Accord is going to go through at least 2-3 transmissions...

[ktm525]

IMO Mazdas never seem to age well. Kind of like an old Cougar that spent way too much time in the tanning booth.  They tend to look ratty and bagged out much more than their competition.  A 4 YO VW without a blown headlight? Pics or it is not true.

[tortoise]

I agree.  After 2 consecutive Mazda's I won't be buying a 3rd.

Though the Protege5 is still one of my favourite cars.

[ktm525]

I agree.  After 2 consecutive Mazda's I won't be buying a 3rd.

Though the Protege5 is still one of my favourite cars.

Oh for sure they make some great cars. My wife had a first gen MX-6 turbo AWS and the folks had a second gen MX-6. Both cars were great little cars. They didn't last though. Paint faded quick and they look old. Perhaps it is cheap paint?

[dkaz]

My driver's seat is loose.

[Solstice2006]

I am on my 3rd, and guarantee I will buy a 4th.  I also think the older ones don't like dated.  IMO, the first generation Mazda3 sport, still looks great.  Would a buy another domestic, that's the question.  Only 3-5 that I would consider.  Hard to narrow down, as I don't know what class of a car I will be shopping for next.  Won't be a compact, or full size car thats for sure.

[mixmanmash]

My driver's seat is loose.

That happened to me in my Protégé.

Speaking of which, that Protégé lives on, rust and all with a friend.  340k+ kms and running strong.  Just rusty.

Sent from my LG-D852 using Tapatalk

[Ron]

Yes I wouldn't hesitate to buy another or recommend them, which I have without reservation. Why not? They are arguably one of the best cars in this segment and have been for a long time. Case in point:

2002 Protégé ES 2.0 with 140,000+ Kms when sold. Bought at 32k and for 7 years of ownership only fluid changes and brake service (original brakes). The only repair was to replace a couple burnt out tail lights. Rust bubbles were starting in the lower door seams, but all in all, still not bad looking for a 10 year old car when sold.

2011 Mazda 3 GT currently with 90,000 kms. Only fluid changes and brake service, no repairs to date. Still tight and in mint shape, get comments regularly on the 'new' car and get unbelieving looks when told it is almost 5 years old. No rust whatsoever.

[Solstice2006]

^^ The rust is a lost cause, I gave up.  IMO, the rust issue has been addressed on the Mazda3, 2nd generation.  I see many fine examples with no rust.  But then the odd time I do see some first generation Mazda6 with some.  I asked a wagon owner, car was not repaired properly when it was in an accident.  I still think it's exaggerated on newer Mazdas. 

[OliverD]

^^ The rust is a lost cause, I gave up.  IMO, the rust issue has been addressed on the Mazda3, 2nd generation.  I see many fine examples with no rust.  But then the odd time I do see some first generation Mazda6 with some.  I asked a wagon owner, car was not repaired properly when it was in an accident.  I still think it's exaggerated on newer Mazdas.

My first wagon had zero rust, my second one started rusting on the hatch and rear wheel wells. My dad's wagon rusted in the same places. So they were definitely hit or miss. My good wagon and my dad's wagon were built in the same month.

[tortoise]

I also live in Ottawa.  Which, near as I can tell, is probably the worst city in the country for a car to spend a winter.

That said, until the newer models have proven they will last as long as their competitors I feel the rust comments are fully justified.   I think they have yet to prove this.