This review is for the Mazda3 (hatchback) with the S Touring package. See link for full specs http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks___W0QQMake247a0eZMazda46b0043QQModel4710b09ZMazda388f50850QQModelYearf0c65f14Z20061774c4QQ_tidZ57522126QQ_tabZ2
I have this car for more than a year with 20k miles on it. I don't have any mechnical problems so far. Only thing is the sharp grinding noise as I stepped on break, but I can only hear it when I first started the car in the morning. Offers solid usable features at an affordable price range.
Pros
+ Excellent handling, able to handle sharp corner turns
+ Great gas mileage (avg 320 mi with one full tank on mix of highway and city driving)
+ Quick acceleration, have no problems merging into freeways
+ Comfortable seats
+ Great looking interior dashboard lights
+ Wide leg room in the back
+ Abundent cargo space
Cons
- Loud road noise
- Lack of MP3 player plug-in support (requires purchase)
- Weak A/C
- Mediocre stereo system
- Somewhat loose body, but much better than a Civic
- Cup holder in a place where it interferes with shifting