2004 Mazda MAZDA3 Review
All-new compact is fun, versatile, and affordable.
2004 MAZDA3 Review Summary & Specifications
Mazda is rightly boastful about its new entry level car, because it offers far more than anyone might expect in this price class. It's solidly executed, with no flaws, at least not at first blush: strong engine, transmission, handling, brakes, comfort, packaging and looks. The five-door should be the shape of things to come with its versatility.The old econobox ain't what it used to be. This is what it has become. Is this a great world or what?
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Mazda3i ($13,680); Mazda3s sedan ($16,405); Mazda3s five-door ($16,895) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.3-liter I-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 2.0-liter 16-valve; 2.3-liter 16-valve |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic with manual shift mode |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | two-stage front airbags with passenger weight sensors; collapsible steering column and breakaway pedals; front and rear side impact beams; LATCH anchors and tethers for child safety seats in the rear |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ABS with EBD; side airbags for front seats; curtain airbags for front and rear |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-222-5500 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mazdausa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 13680 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mazda3s five-door ($16,895) |
| Standard Equipment | cloth interior; 17-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlights and foglights; power windows, door locks and mirrors; electroluminescent gauges |
| Destination Charge | 520 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | air conditioning ($850); leather seats ($590); ABS, side-impact airbags and curtain airbags ($800); power moonroof and in-dash 6-CD ($890) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 19695 |
| Horse Power | 160 @ 6500 |
| Torque | 150 @ 4500 |
| Fuel Economy | 25/32 |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 |
| Length/Width/Height | 178.7/69.1/57.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 34.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.1/54.9/41.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/53.9/36.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 31.2 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link |
| Ground Clearance | 5.7 |
| Curb Weight | 2826 |
| Stock Tires | P205/50VR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |