Vehicle Overview
Mazda's larger, more powerful replacements for the departed Protege sedan and Protege5 hatchback went on sale in the 2004 model year. Built on the same platform as the Volvo S40, the compact, front-wheel-drive Mazda3 displayed entirely different styling. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine goes into the Mazda3 i sedan, while the Mazda3 s sedan and hatchback hold a more powerful 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Competitors include the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta.
The Mazda3 received minor modifications for the 2007 model year. The front bumper was redesigned and fitted with square fog lamps, and the 16- and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels also got a new look. The audio system has a standard auxiliary audio input for MP3 players. Both the sedan and hatchback have rear armrests with cupholders, and the i sedan has zebra-striped wood-finish dash trim. For 2008, s Sport models have standard side-impact and side curtain airbags.
See also:
Vehicle Overview
Ever since Mazda introduced the Miata as an early 1990 model, it's officially
been known as the MX-5 Miata. Anyone who has known the model, however, has known
it as the Miata. Mazda discarded the ...
Miata in the Market
The Miata's advantages in the market are that it has little competition — and
none with anywhere near its two decades of refinement and evolution. There's
almost a $10,000 span between the base-pr ...
Installing Child-Restraint Systems
Accident statistics reveal that a child is
safer in the rear seats. The front
passenger's seat is clearly the worst choice
for any child under 12, and with rearfacing
child-restraint systems it is ...