2004 Mazda Mazda3 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 Mazda Mazda3?
Mazda replaces the Protégé and Protege5 models with the 2004 Mazda 3, an all-new premium compact available as a sedan and a hatchback. The Mazda 3 sedan is available in “i” or “s” trim levels, with a 148-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 160 horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, respectively. The Mazda 3 five-door hatch can be had in “s” form only. Either engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed manually interactive automatic transmission.

Advantages of the 2004 Mazda Mazda3:

• Available in hatchback or sedan configuration
• Premium-class features like leather upholstery, a navigation system, side curtain airbags and Xenon headlights
• Huge glovebox can hold a laptop computer
• PZEV engine rating in some states
• Platform shared with new Volvo S40

Objections to the 2004 Mazda Mazda3:

• Fully optioned this compact runs as much as a loaded mid-size model
• Tight rear legroom

Editor's Advice:
Conventional wisdom states that compact economy cars satisfy a need rather than a want; you get one because you require basic transportation and monthly payments that don’t break the bank. However, the 2004 Mazda 3 may be the car that you might actually want just because it’s fun and useful. With two peppy engine choices and a sophisticated four-wheel-independent suspension that expounds upon Mazda’s sporty heritage, the Mazda 3 is not only a spiritual successor to the nimble Protégé, it improves upon the formula in almost every way. The base “i” sedan comes with a CD player with automatic volume control, steering wheel audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split rear seats, and whiplash-reducing front seat headrests. The sportier “s” version adds alloy wheels, fog lights, power mirrors, power door locks, power windows, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded audio, and lots of silver interior trim. Attuned to the emerging premium compact class, in which small cars are not necessarily equated with cheapness, the 2004 Mazda 3 also offers such high-society options like Xenon headlamps, a navigation system, leather upholstery, a moonroof and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Available on the Mazda 3s sedan, and standard on the Mazda 3s hatchback is a sport package that includes special side sill extensions and 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50 all-season tires. Optional side curtain airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) supplement the safety offered by the standard four-wheel disc brakes. Full of visual and tactile appeal inside and out, the 2004 Mazda 3 should appeal to a wide audience whether or not they’re low on cash.