Driving Impressions
The easy-to-drive Mazda3 handles more adeptly than most rivals. The automatic transmission delivers quick, smooth responses. Performance with the larger engine falls short of some sporty compacts, but it will satisfy most drivers. That engine is generally quiet, but it emits a fair amount of blare when pushed. With an easy-shifting manual gearbox and a well-behaved clutch, even the Mazda3 i with the smaller engine feels more spirited than an upper-level model with the automatic.
Although the front seats are nicely shaped, their seatbacks are on the hard side. Rear legroom is limited, but foot space is good. Headroom is average in the rear but meager in the center position. Visibility is good. The Mazda3 instruments are difficult to see on dark days but are lit nicely at night.
See also:
Safety
The Mazda5 hasn't been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety. Its standard safety features include seat-mounted side-impact airbags
for the front seats, plus side curtain airb ...
Mazda5 2008 Review
The Mazda5 minivan is fun to drive. That's right: A minivan that's fun to
drive. How can this be? The secret's in its size, as the six-person Mazda5 is
significantly smaller than traditional miniv ...
Specifications
Engine
Electrical System
*1 ex factory
NOTE:
When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate
coating on the iridium
alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
...


