Capsule Review: 2014 Mazda3

For a car company that seems to have a perpetually precarious existence, things are going well at Mazda. Sales of their new range of products, like the CX-5 and the Mazda6, are relatively strong – I say relatively because the Mazda6’s volumes are about 10 percent of the Toyota Camry, and the whole brand sells fewer cars than Honda does Civics. But Mazda is banking on the new Mazda3 to help them get real traction in the market place. Not only is there a new car, but a new factory in Mexico as well, which will help insulate Mazda from then yen’s penchant for yo-yo’ing, as well as any future Fukushima-like disruptions.

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  • Scotes So I’ll bite on a real world example… 2020 BMW M340i. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. At 40k now and I replaced them at about 20k. Note this is the staggered setup on rwd. They stick like glue when they are new and when they are warm. Usually the second winter when temps drop below 50/60 in the mornings they definitely feel like they are not awake and up to the task and noise really becomes an issue as the wear sets in. As I’ve made it through this rainy season here in LA will ride them out for the summer but thinking to go Continental DWS before the next cold/rainy season. Thoughts? Discuss.
  • Merc190 The best looking Passat in my opinion. Even more so if this were brown. And cloth seats. And um well you know the best rest and it doesn't involve any electronics...
  • Calrson Fan Battery powered 1/2 ton pick-ups are just a bad idea period. I applaud Tesla for trying to reinvent what a pick-up truck is or could be. It would be a great truck IMO with a GM LS V8 under the hood. The Lightening however, is a poor, lazy attempt at building an EV pick-up. Everyone involved with the project at Ford should be embarrassed/ashamed for bringing this thing to market.
  • Jeff I like the looks of this Mustang sure it doesn't look like the original but it is a nice looking car. It sure beats the looks of most of today's vehicles at least it doesn't have a huge grill that resembles a fish.
  • Doc423 SDC's are still a LONG way off, 15-20 years minimum.