More Mazda 3 Hatch

[FanaticZ]

my favorite new compact http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gifi priced one out and still barely managed 20k with leather, xenon package, and brake package.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_3.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_11.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_12.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_10.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_9.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_13.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_6.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_7.jpg http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/images/04mazda3_8.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_10.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_3.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_9.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_15.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_17.jpg http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/mazda3/swf/gallery/mz3_5door_lrg_19.jpg

[M_TYPE_X]

Mazda seems to be pricing them well.

['87 Sentra]

The hatch is nice, but I like the sedan much better. I test drove a black sedan with the GFX package, tinted windows, and the raised spoiler (it looked really nice), and I must say that this car sure feels like something in a different price range. Mazda has done it with the 3, definatelly worth a look for anyone interested in buying a new car on a budget, or someone who wants the refinement of a midsize with the size/packaging of a compact.

Non believers should drive it. Even they would not regret it.

[M_TYPE_X]

At least Mazda offers a range of bodystyles. Wonder what Nissan will counter with in the Sentra line for 2005 or 2006.

[Vans]

I wonder about that too sometimes. You know every once in a while a car company will see what their competitors have and just start cursing because they know its like lightyears above what they have. You wonder if Nissan is doing that with the new sentra when they look at the new 3. Definitely, the best car in its class.

[M_TYPE_X]

Toyota does "reliable" and Honda "economical" and Mazda "Eurotrash sporty" (or whatever they call it). Where does Nissan fit in the compact car market? Just thought I'd pose the question.

[FanaticZ]

the old man market

[M_TYPE_X]

the old man market



Sounds like where Nissan is heading. But the Toyota Corolla is already there. And the Sentra can't compete with the Über-chickness of the Honduh chick appeal of the Civic.

http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[delerium75]

Toyota does "reliable" and Honda "economical" and Mazda "Eurotrash sporty" (or whatever they call it). Where does Nissan fit in the compact car market? Just thought I'd pose the question.


Regarding the Sentra, I think their market is "Slightly more sophisticated than your average Cavalier buyer". It's a decent enough car and probably has the reliability part down now (looking past the couple recalls they've had with the current bodystyle, ah hem) but seems to have fallen into the "japanese bland" category in almost every dimension...doing lots of things pretty well, but not really excelling in any one particular area. I would agree that the Mazda 3 definately has accommodations on par with a VW Golf and I could see that in the future, buyers in that price class will want more quality for their money. This is where American competition will feel the heat...in the $18-20K range, the American cars are kinda nasty...only someone with a deep Big 3 discount would continue with a transaction in a car of this range.

['87 Sentra]

Well, I think that one of the biggest problems with the Sentra is that when bought in cheapest/midrange trim, it looks cheap and boring, where the Corolla and Civic don't. The Mazda3 is a vehicle that looks good no matter the trim you get, and the use of the two body styles definatelly covers a wider variety of tastes.

Interesting to see how people considering the Civic SiR will react to the fact that the Mazda3 Sport is cheaper, has more features, is better looking, and handles better than the SiR. I think that for those who are not looking to buy a Honda in particular, it would be difficult to justify getting the Civic, not to mention the insurance rates being lower for the 3.

[NismoS224]

As much as i like Nissan, i gotta say that the sentra is a POS!!

[CoCo_PuFf]

As much as i like Nissan, i gotta say that the sentra is a POS!!



AMEN! to that brotha http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

['87 Sentra]

As much as i like Nissan, i gotta say that the sentra is a POS!!



AMEN! to that brotha http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Sorry, but I have to disagree with the two of you. The Sentra is not a bad car, it just wasn't executed properly. I think that its major flaws are the droopy rear end, and the rear suspension. It also looks like a very small car with a very small wheel base.

To make the Sentra successful, Nissan must give it good looks like it gave the Altima, and perhaps introduce some kind of sporty hatch (people seem to like this kind of body style, just look at the Protege5). Perhaps most importantly, follow the Mazda example and make sure that the car doesn't feel cheap.

[Riffster]

The Sentra is a couple years behind everyone. It needs some more up-to-date styling and more power and performance accessories.

The Mazda3 is a nice car for someone looking for an entry-level sporty car. Mazda has some nice sporty cars now with the Miata, the Mazda3 and 6, and the RX-8. If they can work on their reliability, customer service, and make sure that their specs are real world, they are going to be good choice for some consumers.

- Riff

[joeB]

I like the 04 Sentra SER. I think it looks alot better
with the few changes it received.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Nissan_Admirer]

As much as i like Nissan, i gotta say that the sentra is a POS!!



OMFG!!! A Nissan troll!! A Nissan hater!!! ... Just kidding! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Oh wait, this isn't a Honda fanatic forum so you're not going to get a moron who thinks that his POS Honda is better than other auto manufacturers POS! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[M_TYPE_X]

I like the 04 Sentra SER. I think it looks alot better
with the few changes it received.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif



Actually, you're weird. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[M_TYPE_X]

Cavaliers and so on aren't in the $18K+ price range. GM employee discount gets you one for something like $11K.

Passed a 2000-2003 Sentra GXE today on I-75 near the Saginaw/Bay City area. My mother said "dopey" ... and she's an old woman! Oh well, Nissans have always been 'an acquired taste.'

Sentra has always been a pretty conservative car. But they did it pretty right with the 2002-2003 Sentra SE-R. Those still look hot!

[joeB]

I like the 04 Sentra SER. I think it looks alot better
with the few changes it received.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif



Actually, you're weird. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif



Nah, weird is when you sit on the computer waiting for
somone to post on FA and drive a integra. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[M_TYPE_X]

I like the 04 Sentra SER. I think it looks alot better
with the few changes it received.
http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif



Actually, you're weird. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif



Nah, weird is when you sit on the computer waiting for
somone to post on FA and drive a integra. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif



Actually, I was watching a certain chick flick called "Titanic" and waiting for you to diss me. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif
It's bad enough that I had to drive the Granolamobile in the wind today, but now I'm hunched over my bro's computer waiting for you to say somepin stoopit. Next time, I'll let my parents take physical me on vacation and I'll pack mental me in the truck of my car, hibernating in da garage at da house.


Seriously, I'd like Nissan to counter the 3 and 6 with a knockout Sentra/Altima punch. Will they do it?

[joeB]

Is it your goal to take up as much space on here as
possible? No ride in the integra today? No gas?
wouldnt run? what happend? computer cuddling? http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

[MikeSable]

Give me an AWD version, smaller wheels, and a black or silver grill and I'm sold.

[M_TYPE_X]

Joe is unhappy cuz I only saw 2 Nissans at the ski area today, and both of them were old or discontinued models... http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Like any other Mazda, the 3-Hatch will live out its old age retirement years as some ski bum's beater up in them thar hills. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[joeB]

Im happy,

Like the discontinued car you have? http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif