Newbie here saying hi
 

Newbie from NY
although I do not have a mazda3 I absolutly LOVE them. Currently I own a toyota matrix xrs, I know some of you HATE the matrix, but the 3 wasn;t availible at the time. A couple of my friends have the 3 and I love driving it nice and solid. Hope I'm welcome here. I love looking at the pics of some of the members here.

welcome, now sell that T(u)RD and buy a mazda! I like the matrix just fine but it's not a "stand out" car. It doesn't excell in any catagory...speed, handling, looks, space, etc.. Just like every other toyota model. Just enough to get by.

Buy a mazda and be happy.

p.s. owning a mazda also prevents cancer and the gout. another bonus.

Hahah thanks for the welcome. I'm not planning on selling the trix, too much invested/sentimental value. As for the cancer part..I guess I should have bought a mazda3 then I wouldn;t have had to go through chemotheropy then..
As for not standing out, I know what you mean, but I've done enough to it so that it does in performance and looks, but I think it was you that said something about the matrix looking really plasticie..it's the damn truth..but here's my baby hopefully you'll like
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...7_153_full.jpg

... I have to admit, I was considering the Matrix XR-S when I was shopping for a car two years ago. With the 180hp engine and a stick, it's a nice package. Trouble was, I drove the Protege5 first.... and fell in love with the excellent handling and perfect ergonomics. Suddenly, I found myself signing the papers.

If you have to drive a "loaf" (i.e. wagon), the good news is that more are coming. The Mazda3 is excellent, as is the Protege5 that it replaces. But there are other new guys in town that offer a similar combination of good looks, fun handling, sporty demeanor, and utility. The Kia Spectra5 is getting surprisingly good reviews from the enthusiast press (although many here hate it simply for being a Kia). Then there is the departed (lamented) SVT Focus. Or, the Matrix/Vibe twins. The Subaru WRX wagon. And, and up and comer: the Dodge Caliber (attached). And the Audi A3... the list goes on and on.

Welcome, fellow loaf owner.

Welcome, Thats a good looking car....

Preach it brother!!

That ride still looks dope though...gotta give Duke some cred.

But, i agree w/my fellow gearheads...get a Mazda as your toy.

You too? That's exactly what happened to me :bt:

I would love to do some driving in my pro5, where ever the hell that picture was taken. Looks tasty:yumyum:

Yah...those lanes in the background look sweet don't they!

hella hella hella drifters bitcheZ!!

Beautiful...just beautiful. (not the car)

Yeah, I just noticed the road in the back...looks damn fun!