Mazda 3 --the Mazda Vibe, more like it

splashd · Post by **splashd** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 2:36 pm

I see that Mazsa is fielding a competitor to the VIbe--the Mazda 3. It looks an awful lot like the VIbe, but it may leapfrog this generation. It comes with a 2.3 L 4 banger, and stiff sport suspension. If I'd waited a couple of months, I might've had a hard decision toi make. Alas I have a vibe, and I dig it. Hopefully I'll find a lot of flaws in the 3 to make myself feel better. If not, I'll wait for my daughter to get little older, and hand off the VIbe to her, and get the Mazda cousin.--Splash

savedbyzero · Post by **savedbyzero** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 12:16 am

It's based on the Ford F*ckus....So, they've got "sport" suspension just like we supposedly do.

DoughBoy · Post by **DoughBoy** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 6:38 am

don't feel bad...I found the interior of the 3 gaudy and tacky. When you adjust the radio (volume, station, whatever), little LED's start lighting up in the dash. Annoying. The red glow to everything made me feel like I was in a neon hell. It drove well enough, but I couldn't get over the interior to consider it seriously.I'm still Vibe-less right now, but hopefully I can find one soon! I wouldn't regret your decision at all.Cheers,DB

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 7:52 am

I never thought the Mazda3 was very appealing, I like the Protege5 better.

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 7:58 am

I think the Mazda 3 (as well as everything else Mazda has put out for '04) looks heads and tails better than everything else on the market. But don't depair; I'll give you three big reasons to hate the 3:1. FORD is always lurking in the shadows.2. There is absolutely NO rear seat leg room 3. You CANNOT change the oil yourselfWhile I own a Ford 626, I will NEVER EVER buy another Mazda product as long as Ford has anything to do with the product. If I had my way, Ford, and their damn gas guzzlin' SUV's would be out of business.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 8:07 am

So does Ford just own a percentage of Mazda? Or they actually produce them as another branch?

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:13 am

Ford owns 55% of Mazda. For unfortunate owners of Mazdas from the 90's, Ford stuck a lot of their parts into Mazdas. From what my mechanically inclined friends at Mazda tell me, Mazda has been stiff arming Ford, keeping Ford parts out of the current line-up. I believe that the current CEO at Mazda is also from Japan if I am not mistaken. That having been said, I, like many other Americans who work very hard for their money, are not willing to turn a blind eye to the way Mazda treated us. The Ford Probe transmission in my 626 is one of the worst ever built, and should have been recalled. Tens of thousands of owners have had to endure repeated tranmission swapouts. Today, I can only attest to the way GM has treated me in comparison. When I had numerous problems with my Vibe (I own one of the first AWDs from NUMI), GM did everything possible to fix my problem, and was willing to take the car back. Although I bought the Vibe knowing I was buying a Corolla, over the next year I will purchase a Malibu Maxx. I am very impressed by the quality which as gone into that car, the attitude of GM, and the direction the car maker is taking. I have never owned a US manufacturer's car before, and up until the Vibe, would have never considered looking at a GM product. Ford on the other hand, had done nothing to earn my business. I tend to think that the reason the Mazda 6 is selling only mediocre these days (despite having the sharpest car on the market) is because of what they did to so many of us 626 and Tribute owners. I'm taking my marbles and going elsewhere.

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:14 am

On paper they own a percentage, but they are actually run as a division of Ford. You'll see much more sharing/integration between Ford and Mazda than say GM and Subaru.

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:18 am

I did not know they were a division. I figured Ford simply owned more stock than any other single stockowner.

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:24 am

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me Â»Ford owns 55% of Mazda. For unfortunate owners of Mazdas from the 90's, Ford stuck a lot of their parts into Mazdas.Quote Â»The Ford Probe transmission in my 626 is one of the worst ever built, and should have been recalled. Tens of thousands of owners have had to endure repeated tranmission swapouts.Know that I absolutely DESPISE Ford and all their brands, but for the record the "Ford Probe transmission" and engines for that matter, were Mazda parts. Again, hate Ford, but facts are facts.

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:29 am

Quote, originally posted by maxx4me Â»I did not know they were a division. I figured Ford simply owned more stock than any other single stockowner.When talking about Ford, things like ownership and divisions get sketchy quick. You were right to say Ford has 55%, but Ford runs them as if they had 80%. Mazda is given some line to try and maintain their identity (RX7, Miata) but Ford's involved in everything they do. The 3's a great example. The platform is shared by the Volvo S40 and forthcomming Focus. It may be decent car but for personal reasons I want nothing to do with Ford.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:31 am

Quote, originally posted by FusionVGT Â»Know that I absolutely DESPISE Ford and all their brandsAmen brother!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 9:40 am

I dunno about other folks, I think they look good...but I'm not likely to go test drive one any time soon. Especially knowing they're in any way connected to Ford...

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 10:03 am

I think the 3 Sedan has a nice shape. The 5 door, much like the Matrix, looks like a disfigured hatchback. I appreciate the wagon lines of the Vibe

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 11:51 am

Knowing Mazda is partially owned by Ford, I still like Mazda suprisingly. I don't think Ford can ever live down the Probe...Isn't Nissan partially owned by Ford? Does anyone know what car brands are owned by the major manufacturers? Such as Kia, Mitsu., Hyundai, and all the other not-so-popular makes?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 12:04 pm

well, i had a 00 cougar and it was fine. no real probs except it lacked some power. i like the mazda's. they did an excellent job with the marketing, design, and overall quality.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 12:07 pm

Yeah, Mercury's aren't that bad either, but I've had too many friends who've wrecked in Fords and the car/truck/SUV either caught fire or actually exploded. Enough to make me steer clear of Ford.Ford just always has bland vehicles too me, Alot like Honda.

Faultline · Post by **Faultline** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 2:21 pm

I sat in a Mazda 3 at the auto show,....the vibe is better..vibe seems bigger, who can match our guages.....our interior seems nicer...I am glad to have picked the Vibe instead....

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 8:38 pm

Your "facts" are very funny Fusion. I'll go out to my 626 now and mail you the FORD sticker found right on my transmission. The 93-97 626 had a FORD transmission. Sorry to correct your facts. Now having had 3 transmissions in my car, I think I know what I'm talking about!

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Sun Jan 18, 2004 10:54 pm

I'll do you one better. I'll take the MAZDA transmissions from 2 of my 3 PROBES (93GT 5sp, 95GT Auto). That is where you say these Ford units come from right?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 2:48 am

Quote, originally posted by fuel4soul Â»Isn't Nissan partially owned by Ford? Does anyone know what car brands are owned by the major manufacturers? Such as Kia, Mitsu., Hyundai, and all the other not-so-popular makes?Check out this link:Consumer Reports Guide To The Auto MakesLists the parent companies and all the brands that fall under them...

VibeChick · Post by **VibeChick** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 3:37 am

Wow, you have an answer for everything!

Caretaker · Post by **Caretaker** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 4:00 am

Nope, I just said the 626 transmission came from Ford (which it did).

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 4:23 am

No, you saidQuote, originally posted by maxx4me Â» The Ford Probe transmission in my 626 is one of the worst ever built, and should have been recalled.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 5:40 am

Okay thats enough arguing... now about that Mazda 3...

FusionVGT · Post by **FusionVGT** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 5:46 am

We're not arguing Sputnik. It's just a healthy debate

Robert G · Post by **Robert G** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:15 am

Nissan-Infiniti is partially owned by Renault, not Ford.The other car companies (with subsidiaries) and their partners:Ford (Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Jaguar-Volvo-Land Rover-Aston Martin)-MazdaGM (Chevy-Pontiac-Oldsmobile (for now)-Buick-Cadillac-GMC-Saturn-Hummer-Saab-Opel (Germany)-Vauxhall (UK)-Holden (Australia))-Suzuki-Isuzu-Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru)-GM Daewoo-[Fiat]Toyota (Toyota-Lexus-Scion)-Daihatsu-HinoDaimler/Chrylser (Mercedes-Maybach-Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep)-Mitsubishi-Hyundai (Hyundai-Kia)BMW (BMW-Mini-Rolls Royce)VW (VW-Audi-Bentley-Lamborghini-Seat-Skoda-Bugatti)Ferrari (Ferrari-Maserati) â€“ currently owned by Fiat, but not part of the Fiat/GM arrangementPeugeot/CitroenMG Rover Group (MG-Rover)Honda (Honda-Acura)PorscheThe various Chinese car companies and their affiliations with GM, VW, BMW, etc. are beyond this response. Also, this doesnâ€™t include commercial truck companies.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:25 am

Are you sue Porsche is stan alone???I always though Posche has something to do with VW and Audi...I could be wrong, but when you look under the dash of a Posche, you nitice a very very big resemblance wit the VW/Audi wiring pathern.

Robert G · Post by **Robert G** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 6:32 am

Separate companies, although the family which owns Porsche also is (was?) a large shareholder in VW. VW/Audi and Porsche cooperate on cars, such as the Toureg and Cayenne.Also, my list did not include car assemblers, such as Magna Steyr (builder of the BMW X3 and various Mercedes specialty models), Karmann.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 7:38 am

I've seen the Mazda 3 TV commercial several times this week, but have never, ever seen a commercial for the Pontiac Vibe.

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:24 am

Yay someone's back on topic.

fuel4soul · Post by **fuel4soul** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:27 am

Thanks for that link Mike, and for the reply Robert G.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 12:45 pm

ya, it's funny that gm didn't do more marketing for the vibe. see plenty of matrix commercials, but nothing for the vibe.

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Mon Jan 19, 2004 10:15 pm

i use to see these gay commercials for the vibe where some trendy 20 somethings would get in the car and go on a trip, all the while having the time of their lives because of the vibe. i have never seen a mazda 3 commercial though

kaybeejay · Post by **kaybeejay** » Tue Jan 20, 2004 2:45 am

speaking of the Mazda3...http://www.mazdarevitup.com/home/f_default.asp

Robert G · Post by **Robert G** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:11 am

I've started seeing Corolla commercials which mention the Matrix. I haven't seen a Vibe commercial in over a year.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:23 am

Quote, originally posted by http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercuryn ... 643083.htm Â»For 2003, Pontiac sales were up 4 percent, to 156,466 vehicles. Overall, GM's sales fell 2 percent last year compared to 2002. GM executives credit the Fremont-built Vibe wagon for Pontiac's growth -- its sales rose 46 percent to 56,922 last year -- and for starting Pontiac's revival in 2002.I wonder how many Vibes they could sell if they had an advertising campaign and the production capability to back it up.

Robert G · Post by **Robert G** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:04 am

If these numbers are correct, it's amazing that the Vibe accounts for 1/3 of all Pontiac sales.

kaybeejay · Post by **kaybeejay** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:06 am

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â»I wonder how many Vibes they could sell if they had an advertising campaign and the production capability to back it up.Now that the Voltz has stopped production, the Fremont plant should be able to churn out vibes much faster.The Ad campaign could have been MUCH better. But I have the DVD of "ultimate X" The ESPN X-games video, and there is a very prominent "VIBE" poster behind all the interviews and staduim shots. I guess the Vibe was one of the sponsors and they just happened to have the internview in front of the banners.

Fun Bobby · Post by **Fun Bobby** » Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:22 am

That the Vibe accounted for 1/3 of Pontiac sales may not be as surprising as one thinks considering what the other cars in the line up faced the last couple of years:SunFire - Over 10 year old platform, Chevy's sister car being replacedGrand-Am - Being replaced by the G6, although production will continue for the the 05 modelsGrand Prix - New design ("sweet" if I may so)- faces 1st production year buying issues.Bonneville - Despite the 04 GXP the future of the Bonneville is known to be "dim" at worst, "uncertain" at best.Montana - Being replaced in '05 by the Montana SV6.Aztec - well let's face it rather ugly, and going away very soon.GTO - Great car but not exactly a large volume seller.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 7:36 pm

The small local newspaper here runs a feature every Friday where they "review" a car, but it's almost always just a light rewording of the manufacturers advertisement. Today, they did the Mazda3. The best quote in the thing is :"The new Mazda 3 introduces unmistakeable Mazda styling and functional intelligence to the compact segment."I guess that means that our cars have unmistakeable Mazda styling too!

Geo · Post by **Geo** » Sun Feb 15, 2004 10:26 am

Thought I would bring this thread back up - I was just at the Chi auto show, looked at the Mazda3 quite a bit ...Needless to say, I'm impressed. Except for the whole back-seat legroom bit, it takes everything I liked about the Vibe and made it more ...Some interesting things people are doing with their MZ3s:

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sat May 29, 2004 11:28 am

There's been a silver Mazda 3 sport parked below my condo all day so everytime I look out the window there it is - calling to me. Its a sweet looking car. Even the bf was impressed and he's not a car guy at all.

ArcsVibe · Post by **ArcsVibe** » Sat May 29, 2004 11:47 am

I agree with you! It is really a great car and I have said it time and time again if I didn't have my Vibe I would be driving that

millster · Post by **millster** » Sat May 29, 2004 11:49 am

I kinda like it too... sort of... maybe a lot.OK, I'll shut up now.

noginsk · Post by **noginsk** » Sat May 29, 2004 12:31 pm

I used to like it, until I went to http://www.crashtest.com and found out their crash results. Not as good as I would expect from a brand new design... The vibe performed much better. I'm happy with the vibe.

millster · Post by **millster** » Sat May 29, 2004 12:49 pm

Eh, I've seen worse. My Saturn kind of scared me.I love my Vibe too, don't get me wrong. It's a fine car, just not right for me at this moment.

noginsk · Post by **noginsk** » Mon May 31, 2004 10:20 am

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 Â»Mazda 3 is very good looking... ...hmmm, style vs. function... which is better? Tough call.

ZubenElGenubi · Post by **ZubenElGenubi** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 1:44 am

Test drove a Mazda 3 with a buddy of mine about a week after I got my Vibe. In fact, we pulled in the Mazda dealership in my Vibe and got lots of looks from customers...plus a couple of salesmen.Anyway, liked the performance, definitely had more acceleration and was a little tighter in handling. It had a lot more road noise than my Vibe and was a little stiffer in the ride (which goes back to handling). I personally thought the interior materials were inferior, especially in the cargo area. The gauge cluster was harder to read in bright daylight than in my Vibe. Dollar for dollar, you can get a Mazda 3 for less than a Vibe with similar equipment, but that's only at MSRP level. GM has more rebates and discounts available than Mazda (at least at the time of the test drive, which was about 3 weeks ago).Bottom line: I had no regrets driving out of that Mazda dealership in my Vibe.

ViciousRR · Post by **ViciousRR** » Tue Jun 01, 2004 3:24 am

I saw Geo "Jon" in town here a few days ago... Pretty sweet car. My Prelude could still take'em though!