Mazda3 vs Vibe 2005 .... really liked the Mazda...

[lexicon]

Ok,My Vibe isreliable,spacious,can haul just about 90 % of my "stuff"Is economical, pretty reliable 30 mpg with automatic.Is pretty much trouble free in around 90K miles,Does what I need it to do, even handles adequately with a heavy duty stabilizer replacement bar.I drove a 06 Mazda 3 and , to be honest, I liked it.The owner (a co-workers(5 door hatchback 2.3L) ) has had no probs in 50K miles, Gets a reliable 30mpg.My impressions, handles 20% better (my guesstimate), is more solid a drive (feels planted), feels more responsive (Ive got a 1.8L auto (hers is automatic and slightly bigger engine),The interior materials and fit look "more impressive and expensive", my visual impression.Feels more like a sport car. Feels lower to the ground.Is perhaps 15% quieter on the road.If I were to compare gearing/engine match, the combo seems more responsive or linked together rather than the "smash on the gas and hope the automatic downshifts fast enough to give adequate acceleration.Seems a little less spacious in the drivers seat (lower roof than a vibe), slightly smaller rear storage space.Drivers seat hugs more like a sports seat, or perhaps its my fat (removed) : )Overall, If I were to go with a replacement, I would strongly consider the Mazda3.Yes, if you read about the Mazda3, they may not have as trouble-free life as the Toyota/Vibe, but, ...in this particular case, her Mazda has been trouble free.Just my observation.I really liked the Mazda 3. ......comments welcomeby the way, Ive owned a BMW, Lexus SC400, Italian sports car, 3 supras over the years and some older utility Toyotas. I am and have been a devout Toyota man, but... The Mazda, gets my thumbs up.

[ou.grizzly]

I myself have been looking at new Mazda3 5 doors online... They are a nice vehicle. As far as reliability, can not answer than question.

[DeClerq]

I had an '05 Mazda 3s hatch (2.3) and I really liked it. I agree with pretty much all your observations. I did not own it long enough to assess long-term reliability but I did have one problem - the fuel pump started to fail - twice. After sitting for long periods (while at work, overnight, etc), it would have an excessive crank time before the engine started. Fired right up when warm. So the pump was replaced twice under warranty. One thing I liked about Mazda is they give you a free loaner car for warranty work. I didn't have to arrange a ride which was nice since the closest dealer was an hour away. Other than that I had no issues. If/when I ever get rid of my gas-guzzling Santa Fe I would definitely take a look at another MZ3.

[TONY TAT2]

Had 1 back in the 80's ,Ford Probe

[Caretaker]

2.3 liter engine versus 1.8 is not slightly larger; it is significantly larger and thus provides a much more enjoyable driving experience. However, there ain't no way your friend is getting 30 mpg overall unless they are doing 99% highway driving and 1% suburban. The 2.3 mazda engine in NO way matches the Corolla in gas mileage. As someone wrote on another thread, I too get 30 mpg overall with my 1.8 liter auto on my 2009. Some weeks I get 28.5 or 29, and some 31, all in 100% suburban driving (driving like a maniac). The 2.3 liter engine will be closer to 25 under those same circumstances.

[vibedrivermatt]

hey why not get an 09 vibe or matrix with the 2.4 engine. ive read stuff on wiki though about the mazda and it sounds great. It has a nice mulit link rear suspension and the 2.3 puts out a healthy 156 bhp and 146 lb-ft torque. Thats a really nice combo with a five spd manual transmission. Sounds like a great car. i think they try to keep with their whole zoom zoom sport heritage they way it has good rear suspension technology. Also its from the same people who make the RX-8 and the miata..both cars loved by many. their whole lineup is pretty sweet actually. Id say go for it but its not a UAW car like the vibe. Uh or at least vibes used to be UAW. Pretty sure the Mazda's built in Japan. As for me I couldn't be happier with my 09 2.4 vibe. never test drove a mazda.

[dinkers123]

I own a mazda 3 and can say it's a joy to drive. If you are concerned about gas mileage then you should go with the vibe because the 3 with the 2.3 is know for very poor gas mileage. Also remember 2004-2006 years had a huge problem with motor mounts failing, unlikely anything will happen but its still something to be cautious of.

[star_deceiver]

The new mazda's look nice... but that grille...

[zdkaiser]

that grill is so happy to see everyone with its big smile!

[dinkers123]

well he won't have to worry about the big smile since he's looking at an 05.

[NJV]

I am considering a 2005 Vibe, base 5spd, with moon and tunes, and all power options, and a 2005 Mazda 3 Sport GT (5door). Being a GT it has the 2.3l, 4spd auto, and all the power options. Has slightly less room than the Vibe, but obviously it's more fun to drive with more power and tighter handling. The Vibe is listed at 12,999, and the Mazda at 15,300. They are close in mileage. Of course, I still need to sell the 2001 Forester first. If that doesn't happen I'll just be keeping it.

[star_deceiver]

Both are overpriced IMO! But I'd get the Vibe, a stick is way more fun to drive then a slushbox!

[high revin]

I own a mazda 5 aswell as my GT vibe and love the mazda 3 speeds but id never take a reguler 3 over a vibe those speed 3's are sweeeet though.

[northvibe]

as a prior owner to a mazdaspeed 3, I concur the mazda 3's can be very nice, spacious, reliable and get good gas mileage. All while being more "luxorious" than the vibes offerings of options. The mazda has a better fit and finish, not as droney of a engine and more pickup. Eh cant go wrong with either imo but the mazda has more class imo.

[vibolista]

You are comparing an apple to an orange. Mazda3 has a quality interior, a very pinned down ride and thirsty engine. A well maintained Mazda will last a long time.Your Vibe will continue to be a reliable toolkit of a car, light on fuel usage and as we all know, if maintained well it will outlast just about anything on the road. I test drove an '05 Mazda 3... 2.0L manual and found it to be a much better driver than the contemporary Civic and the Corolla. Even with the small 2.0L, it was the gas mileage that scared me off. The other problem that I have with the Mazda is how easy they seem to rust. If you don't live in snow country where they salt the roads, it wouldn't be a problem like it is here. Other than rusty steel wheels, I have yet to see a rusty Vibe.The new Mazda 3 is really sweet, except the freaking Joker smile front end. It frightens just about everyone. I'm sure that Mazda will fix/adjust it a little in the next year or two... but they really have to work on their fuel efficiency numbers, though.

[northvibe]

I know the ms3 is turbo'd but I pulled 33mpg on hwy going 75-80mph

[vintagegz]

Mazda 3's from that time period had a problem that when you whack one of the doors the door locks would pop open allowing stuff in your car to be stolen, the forums do not like to talk about it for obvious reasons but it is a concern.

[dinkers123]

yeah you don't here much about the faulty locks, but I don't think enough people know about it for him to be worried about someone breaking in.

[northvibe]

it was fixed sorta by putting a new brace in the door. I think it was also a silent recall. idk my 2008 had the fix done.

[high revin]

Thats funny because thats the only complaint i have with my mazda is the locks, soemtimes the remote works soemtimes it dosent!

[NJV]

Well, the red '05 Vibe I looked at sold over the last couple weeks. There is another one in town, same vehicle except in black, but they're asking even more for $16K, and they've had it for months now. So far I haven't even looked at it. I've decided to quit looking until our Forester sells. Otherwise I'm just tempting myself.

[LavaIlliniVibe]

I thought I was the only one who thought the new Mazda 3 looked TOO happy! Please, Mazda, "SADDEN UP" THE GRILL.

[DeClerq]

Quote, originally posted by NJV »Well, the red '05 Vibe I looked at sold over the last couple weeks. There is another one in town, same vehicle except in black, but they're asking even more for $16K, and they've had it for months now. So far I haven't even looked at it. I've decided to quit looking until our Forester sells. Otherwise I'm just tempting myself. Yikes...$16K? No wonder it hasn't sold. That's about what I paid for a brand new '05 3s.

[star_deceiver]

$16K??? That's what I paid for my '09 Vibe 6 months ago!!!

[09vGT]

If something is to happen to my Vibe.. I will get a 2010+ Mazda 3 wagon.. I LOVE the way they look.. very sharp..

[lowincash]

yup same here =D i will go with the 2010 mazda 3 but i'll have to get over that happy face tho =/

[vibolista]

Optimum tire pressure is something that you sometimes have to work on to achieve. Every tire is different and will ride uniquely. Finding a pressure that allows the tire to work the best way on a particular car means experimenting a little with different psi. I've never used recomended tire pressures. Same as star_deceiver. But then again, I don't have a car with OE sized tires, either. A well set up car should not ride too stiff or too mushy. Tire wear, fuel economy and handling are all pressure dependent. All of those factors are important to me. Never inflate beyond max inflation stamped on tire sidewall. Never.