Looking at getting a Mazda3 5 door or equivalent

[Slightly_Stoopid]

As of now, I'm looking at three different types of small hatchbacks that are all about the same price.

Toyota Matrix XR or XRS standard
power windows, locks, ABS, Side airbags, Cruise control, and traction control

Mazda3 5 door standard
power windows, locks, ABS, Side airbags, Cruise control, and traction control

Ford Focus ZX5 SES standard
power windows, locks, ABS, Side airbags, Cruise control, and traction control

I've gotten strong reccomendations for the Matrix and the Mazda3. I've pretty much eliminated the focus based on the lack of room in the back, seats, and headroom. Being that I am 6'2" my head was practically touching the roof, and in the unfortunate event of a rollover I would probably break my neck, not good. I've gotten fairly good impressions from the Matrix, from other people and from a test drive. I'm going to go test drive the Matrix and Mazda3 tomorrow, and from what I've heard is that the two cars are practically carbon copies of each other.

What I want to know from all of you Mazda3 owners is what problems have you had with the vehicle. What do you like, what do you dislike, what problems have you had (and if they were covered under your warrenty), and how is the room/space in the vehicle.

Thanks for taking time to read all of this and post a response,
-Mike aka Slightly_Stoopid

[Roddimus Prime]

I'm 6' 3" 280lbs. I love the Mazda3S. It's VERY roomy inside and VERY comfortable on long trips.

The toyots by comparison is a dog, cheap and plastic-y. If you buy the 3S hatch you won't regret it later. This is my 3rd new mazda in 3 years and I'm very pleased.

Bang for the buck you cannot beat the 3S no matter who you buy from. I'd say this is more like a BMW or Audi than a toyota/ford competitor.

[Boss_Hog]

Man, don't bother with the yota'. The two cars may drive the same, but I'm 6' 5" and I fit in the drivers seat perfectly...like the dang car was tailored for a guy my size.

Plus you can't get over the clean, metalic lines on a Mazda3 5 Door. You also don't get 17" polished alloy wheels on the yota'...or maybe you do? Who cares, try out the Mazda, you won't regret it!

[swamp]

I'm only 5'9" and I find my leg room a little less than I would like but my previous car was a Buick so I'm not really being fair.

Mazda 3 is a great car and I would a agree with Rod. It's like driving a little BMW.

[nightrider]

I bought my 3 fordoor in September and it was the first car that I could sit in with my baseball cap on and not hit the roof and that is with the sunroof. The car is confortable and it seems to be made well. Did I mention it goes fast and looks good. You won't go wrong if you choose the Mazda. Nightrider...

[bob teatow]

DRIVE the Mazda and the Matrix. Then decide. It sounds corny, but compared to the Matrix the Mazda has got "zoom-zoom". Better power and handling and more comfortable.

[M3]

look man you dont compare the toyota matrix with the mazda space the mazda is better speed the mazda is better in driving the mazda is smooth the steering whell is beautifull you could make the closes turns and you will still be on your seat you can make turns really fast with out peeling out it has a great start, just buy the car yo

[Roddimus Prime]

p.s. my 2.3L 3S hatch with auto got 30mpg city driving this week. I'm very excited.