Best new small car available

Today, as I love test driving cars, I checked out the new Protege replacement, the Mazda 3. They had one equipped with just the optional A/C and it was $11,288. Special base model advertised "only 1 at this price" model.

The 2 liter 16v motor had great response and a nice sound. Didnt drive the 15 thousand dollar 2.3 liter hatchback, Mazda 3 so I cannot comment on it's performance, but this thing was certainly no slouch!

The steering position was very good with a telescoping steering wheel.

The instruments were stylish and modern, without being too gimmicky, and had clear readouts.
CD Stereo sounds fabulous and is easy to access.

The glove box was awesome. BIG with a neat boxlike design that should not only hold a lot of stuff, but should hold up well for many yrs.

Pretty sporty sedan, but very civilized with impressive fit and finish to boot.

Nicer ride than a Civic with excellent and sharp steering.

Trunk space was adequate, but certainly not up to VW or Subaru level.

The back seat was a little smaller than a Corolla or Civic. 4 people can sit comfy, but 5 would be a bit tight. Subaru Impreza's and VW Golf's have a better design space efficiency wise.

Outward vision was better than Toyota (not too mention the horrid driving position of Toyota's cars these days) Not quite Subaru or VW, but better than most makes in outward vision.

The 5 spd manual was tight and smooth.

I liked this car 10 folds compared to just about any other car available under 13 grand. Keep in mind however, that I said BELOW 13 grand...be careful with options!!, or move up to a different car if you must have even more doo-dads (or space)!!

Just check out the standard features: 16 valve 2 liter motor, low profile tires that STICK, 4 wheel disc brakes, good standard seats (almost up to VW/Subaru level), very well equipped and available without power windows and locks for a fantastic price. You can effectively adjust the mirrors form the cabin from inside the car manually.

Hint: Ask for power door locks to be installed and it should cost more than $150-200 MAX to have done. My friend had the Toyota dealer do this on his new Echo for $130.
Stereo places can do this as well if you do not negotiate this at time of purchase.

Mazda has a good warranty to go along with a terrific reputation.

The interior and exterior were attractively styled.

If I was the type to buy new, this would be my choice hands down... if I couldnt quite afford a new Subaru Impreza.

With the exception of a back seat strictly average in size compared to competition, lacking variable speeds in the wipers, and average outward vision...it virtually stomps the competition in every crucial area of design dynmamics.

ABS is not standard, but I am not a big fan of ABS because it can be expensive to service and to repair if ever needed. I found the brakes great as they were. 4 wheel disc standard to!

Hint: Ask the dealer for a replacment intermittent stock and you can have 3 spd wipers for $90, if felt necessary. I know they offered this in the Protege.

It is about as close as you are going to get to having a Miata for a brand new car 1/2 it's price. PLUS you get a back seat!

Civics are way overpriced this year, this car is as good as the new 2006 model really with exception of a wee bit less power, so I cannot think of anything better for just over 11 grand.
Prior Proteges were very reliable in all the Consumer Guides for many years since the car's inception so that should give anectdotal support to the Toyota and Honda fans.

Subaru is rated #1, by the way in terms of customer satisfaction and reliability (above Toyota and Honda!). VW has been sketchy. They have been rated below average in reliability, but they have some of the best interiors in their class.

The Mazda is the most balanced compact available in terms of driving dynamics, reliabililty, fun, quality, and price.

Prior Proteges were neat and fun to drive cars, but I did not appreciate the highway ride. The new Mazda 3 rides much more stable and compliant without lacking the sharp steerng they were famous for.

Save your money and deal with manual windows and sideview mirrors. Once you start upgrading the car with power packages, shiny wheels, etc then you might as well get the Subaru Impreza that comes standard with all this stuff for around $16,000 after negotiation. The Subaru Impreza would also give more space, standard features like ABS, A/C, Power Everything, AWD, and too many other attributes. Your call.
We bought the Forester (same as the Impreza chassis) with over a grand in options for just over $18,000 and love it.

So it comes down to base model Mazda 3 with optional A/C and perhaps some side airbags and power door locks and the intermittent wiper stalk for under $12,000, or spend the extra 4 grand on the Impreza if you just must have more room and features the Mazda lacks.

For the money however, this car ROCKS!