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:
Audio Set
Audio information is displayed on the information display.
Power/Volume/Sound Controls
Operating the Radio
Operating the Compact Disc (CD) Player
Operating the In-Dash CD Changer
Operating the ...
Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the
following conditions
apply.
- Repeated short-distance driving.
- Driving in dusty conditions.
- Driving with extended use of ...
The Little Engine That Could
The Miata started its life with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that grew to 1.8
liters in 1994 and 2.0 liters with the current (third) generation in 2004.
Tweaks over the years, including the addition ...