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:

    Mazda Bluetooth Hands-Free Customer Service
    For toll-free Bluetooth Hands-Free customer service call 800-430-0153 or go to www.MazdaUSA.com/bluetooth for assistance. ...

    Audio Control Switch Operation
    When the audio unit is turned on, operation of the audio unit from the steering wheel is possible. NOTE: Because the audio unit will be turned off under the following conditions, the switches wil ...

    Meters and Gauges
    1 - Speedometer 2 - Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector 3 - Tachometer 4 - Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge 5 - Fuel Gauge 6 - Dashboard Illumination Speedometer The speedometer indi ...