My wife and I have been driving Mazdas for the past 16 years. Excellent cars for the money. High safety ratings and one of the lowest (if not the lowest) costs of ownership. I've had 4 Mazdas and only one recall (very minor) and maybe two very minor warranty issues. I love the styling and for reasons that are hard to define, they are extremely fun to drive. Taking twisty back roads in my (almost overpowered) hatchback makes this old man feel like a kid again.....conversely, my wife likes her CX5 because it sits up higher, is easier for older folks to climb into and it has all wheel drive. The only other brand I'd consider is Subaru.
I thought about a Mazda 3 hatchback when we bought our last car. The screen on the dash drives me insane. I still should have bought one.
I had a 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback and now have a 2010. Fantastic cars. I did test drive a 2015 Mazda 3 and agree with you completely about the dash screen. But aside from that, it was a blast to squirrel around in. My wife is now trying to convince me I need a CX3 but I'm in no hurry. Other than its a bitch for an old man to get into, I love my 2010.
Mazdas share parts with ford. Ford is trash. Rangers use to have a mazda transmission, total shit. Fords are good for blowing sparkplugs out of the head.
I know Mazda used to be in a partnership of sorts with Ford, but I think that ended a few years back. Anyway, I've had wonderful luck with Mazda regardless. Definite proof they weren't in bed with GMC....
I have an 04 mazda6 with 170k miles but its had its fair share of problems. Fuel pump had to be replaced Ran lean forever because of it Bad engine mount design Poor layout of the plugs and cylinders
