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.

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    Winter Driving
    l Carry emergency gear, window scraper, flares, a small shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of sand or salt. Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to perform the following precautions: - Have the pro ...

    Push-Starting
    Do not push-start your Mazda. WARNING. Never tow a vehicle to start it: Towing a vehicle to start it is dangerous. The vehicle being towed could surge forward when its engine starts, causing the ...

    Mirrors
    qOutside Mirrors Check the mirror angles before driving. Mirror type Flat type (driver's side). Flat surface mirror. Convex type (passenger side). The mirror has single curvature on its surface ...