Mazda 3

[Vahagn23]

Is the mazda 3 better in quality or in comfort and such compared to the versa, I dont really care about the speed orthe HP.

[bikeman]

Is the mazda 3 better in quality or in comfort and such compared to the versa, I dont really care about the speed orthe HP.

I LOVE the Mazda 3 HB. Comfort is good in both vehicles and I've had zero issues with quality with the Versa. What steered me away from the 3 was it's inability to handle snow and ice. I attribute that to the tires. It's a sports car wanna be with wanna be tires. I could have made it a winter vehicle but that would have added a bunch o' money and negated the reason I like the car in the first place. The Versa is less, money, more "versa"tile, and I've spent less than a $100. making it winter ready.

David

[Great White Versa]

I've never ridden in a base model mazda 3, but I did consider getting the Protege5 (which is basically the Mazda 3) the year before they made the name change and it was a very comparable ride. It handled well, was comfortable. And reasonably quiet.

Also, I test drove the MazdaSpeed3 and really liked it as well. The 3 has a slightly larger cargo capacity (its a longer vehicle). Other than that, the roominess (in my opinion) is very similar.

The base model starts at just over what a loaded 6-speed SL costs, but they offer some options that are not available in the V, like the HomeLink stuff (which I love) for programing remotes. Though, I couldn't find on the Mazda site where they offer bluetooth integration anywhere.

I think that its somewhat of a toss-up (as far as comfort and amenities go). But the 3 costs considerably more money.

[wobblypete]

Is the mazda 3 better in quality or in comfort and such compared to the versa, I dont really care about the speed orthe HP.

Well, in a way it should be better quality, since the MSRP in Canada is $23,195 (Mazda 3 Sport, w/ 5speed AT, and AC), vs. $19,875 (Versa SL HB with CVT). Really, they are two different cars, the Mazda a sport driver, and the Versa a commuter/tourer.

Comfort is a very subjective category, so I would try both and see which is better for your body type/size.

If you don't care about the speed or the sportyness of your car, I would say that the Versa is a much more sensible choice.

[frankoV]

It was a tossup between the two for me (non-HB for both); cost was a big selling point. As well, I liked the idea of being an early buyer of a vehicle rather than "just another _____" (in this case, Mazda). I would have gone for a Mazda 6 sport over an Altima, though.

[AG]

When I was looking for a car, Mazda 3 was my 1st option. Also I had in mind Matrix, Fit and Versa.At first I test drove Mazda 3. Good car, didn't like suspension (firm/sporty -> i personally don't t see a point in a sporty suspension on a non-sport car). I liked the interior and exterior.Then was a test drive of Matrix, I liked it better than Mazda 3. Then I test drove Fit, was surprised by its price.After all of that i test drove Versa, just because. Liked it more than previously mentioned cars.Price issues: if I got Mazda 3 with pretty much same options as my Versa I would be paying only $10 more per month. So the price wasn't really an issue. But again... Sometimes I think why didn't I buy Mazda 3 or Matrix. =)

[jfanaselle]

Basically it boils down to Sporty vs. Comfortable. Not that the V can't be sporty and the 3 can't be comfortable, but they're definately designed around these key points.

My car before my V was a Protege (which was replaced by the Mazda 3) and my boss has a 3 hatchback which I've driven.

The 3 seems to have more road noise and a stiffer suspension. Also, the seats weren't as comfortable and there was less leg room in the back. However, it accelerates and corners nicely and there's nice feedback in the steering.

Ultimately I chose a Versa because I have a long commute and that 2.3 liter Mazda motor does terrible on the fwy. I know this for a fact, because my boss lives right up the street from me (has the same commute as I do) and he only gets about 25 mpg. The Versa is an amazingly comfortable car for long drives.

[Versa Madness]

Ultimately I chose a Versa because I have a long commute and that 2.3 liter Mazda motor does terrible on the fwy. I know this for a fact, because my boss lives right up the street from me (has the same commute as I do) and he only gets about 25 mpg. The Versa is an amazingly comfortable car for long drives.

What is your average mileage for the same commute? Do you have the CVT or 6sp transmission??

[MinisterofDOOM]

I've never ridden in a base model mazda 3, but I did consider getting the Protege5 (which is basically the Mazda 3) the year before they made the name change and it was a very comparable ride. It handled well, was comfortable. And reasonably quiet.

The Protege and 3 are not the same car... The 3 replaced the Protege but it is a whole new car, not simply a changed name.

That said, I like both cars a lot.

[frankoV]

Must say, passenger (rear seat) leg room in the V is better and influenced the decision.

In fact, the more I think about it, the more I like the V: no regrets, no buyers remorse (quite a change for me -- I usually 2nd think for days and weeks!).

[jfanaselle]

What is your average mileage for the same commute? Do you have the CVT or 6sp transmission??

I average 28.5 on the same drive going the same speed. If I slow it down a little bit (68 mph instead of 75), I average 32! I have the CVT.

The Protege and 3 are not the same car... The 3 replaced the Protege but it is a whole new car, not simply a changed name.

That said, I like both cars a lot.

That's exactly what I said - the Protege was replaced by the 3. I wasn't implying that they were the same car, just stating that I've been a Mazda owner prior to my Versa and that I considered upgrading to the 3 before I decided on the Versa.

[Ever Victorious]

Seems to me it would be a no-brainer to cruise at the lower speed. Then again, I don't know how long your commute is.

Even if it's an hour at 75, it's stil only 66 minutes at 68 MPH... so unless you're doing a marathon, seems to me the slower speed would be smarter.

[matt_a]

The Mazda 3 is a nice car, but the Versa wins hands-down for comfort and interior space (especially in rear seat leg room). I had a Mazda 3 as a rental this past summer and my 14 yr old son was cramped in the back seat. He has plenty of room in the back of the Versa.

[Jerky_san]

I orginally was going to buy a speed3 but when i went to the dealer all they had was the top model for 25k base but then on the stick they had "market value increase" to 28k because they only had 3 in stock. Then when I asked the woman if they would go down on the price at all she said no because they were "special" cars and I said really? This is after i said i only wanted to look at speed3s and she kept trying to show me a sport.. So I said what is so special about it other then it says speed3 on the seats? She didn't know what was the difference between the 2 so I walked to the nissian dealership accross the street and bought a versa.

[NOreasonY]

The mazda 3 is really in completely different class.... my GF has a 07 3 hatch and its a great car... the engine is really smooth...i love the handling and steering and it comes iwth a lot of options....so its hard to compare the two. If i had a choice between the two id go with the mazda but thats my opinion