Just drove a rental Elantra for 2 days - man, did I miss my 3!
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I had Fiat, Chev and Mitsubishi rentals last year when my car was getting worked on. Guy at rental car place mentioned that a few manufacturers only allow same brand rental aka got a Chev rental must be Chev only... he added Mazda doesn't and customers always just can't wait to get their Mazda back.
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not necessarily a bad business practice. It makes you realize just what all Mazda gives you for that price.
I travel frequently for work... well, at least I have been this year. The lack of effort that some of the car companies put in to their base models baffles me. I know a base model car is supposed to be pretty basic. Some times it just amazes me at how basic they can be, even in this day and age. I've had cars from Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, Chevy, VW, Jeep, and Kia this year and some are definitely a lot nicer than others. I've had cars that don't even have as much as an Aux port. I get that bluetooth isn't a standard thing for all cars, but this day and age, I'd at least expect an aux port. I'm pretty sure the Kia Optima I drove had a 4-speaker stereo. I've never seen so many blank panel covers in a car before. I'm actually surprised it had power windows. I haven't even begun to mention the seat (dis)comfort or the steering in some of these cars.
I've not had a car that has made me feel disappointed to go back to my Mazda 3. Every time I get home, I'm glad I get to drive my 3 again. There have been a few nice ones, but my thought has always been "not bad" or "alright". Nothing "great" or "awesome".
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Haha I remember driving a ford focus hatchback rental for a few days while my mz3 was at the dealer. The focus was smooth and fun to drive but I was still very very excited to get back to my car. From all the reviews they all say the focus is quieter than the 3, only thing I find quieter were the tires but wind noise was pretty much the same. The interior quality seemed overhyped, some gaps were wider than others and the steering wheel controls felt like a toy. Not to mention the car studdering and shaking while braking. Told the gal at the car rental place about it and she says almost all their focuses were like that. Yea I was super happy to get back in my little mazda lol
Been driving around one of the new Mustangs for a few days while my car is getting its bumper replaced and boy I can't wait to get the Mazda3 back. The Mustang is huge compared to our cars. It definitely feels faster but a friend of mine noted that the Mazda felt faster since it weights significantly less than the Mustang.
Driving around the small streets of Atlanta in such a wide car was tough. I thought I was going to curb one of the wheels.
Driving around the small streets of Atlanta in such a wide car was tough. I thought I was going to curb one of the wheels.
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I love the size, economy and nimbleness of our little 3s. Although most of my mileage is out there on the open highways, I chose the small Mazda3 in order to easily traverse the hazardous streets of New Orleans and to get into my tiny parking spot. It's perfect for that, and also for competing in the wide-open spaces of I-10, -12, -20 and -49!
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when I was looking for a new car, I took an elantra gt for a test drive. My old car was an accent so seemed like a good idea to give Hyundai another shot.
Boy was that a waste of time. Just like you I thought that the steering was a bad joke. Hyundai uses a drive by wire system now where there is no steering rack - just electric motors. Any feedback to the steering wheel must be simulated. It feels awful. Mazda didn't do this nonsense with the 3.I also thought that the blind spots around my shoulders were outright dangerous. I check my shoulder before changing lanes, etc like a good little driver. With the way that the pillars are I couldn't see a thing!
Others like Honda and Toyota I didn't even consider. I wanted a manual hatchback without sacrificing certain options. Mazda is one of the few left that don't screw you just because you want to drive standard.
Boy was that a waste of time. Just like you I thought that the steering was a bad joke. Hyundai uses a drive by wire system now where there is no steering rack - just electric motors. Any feedback to the steering wheel must be simulated. It feels awful. Mazda didn't do this nonsense with the 3.I also thought that the blind spots around my shoulders were outright dangerous. I check my shoulder before changing lanes, etc like a good little driver. With the way that the pillars are I couldn't see a thing!
Others like Honda and Toyota I didn't even consider. I wanted a manual hatchback without sacrificing certain options. Mazda is one of the few left that don't screw you just because you want to drive standard.
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