Originally posted by: lnguyen
i thought there was one out there already somewhere? I'm still skeptical on long term ownership... but the mazdaspeed6 looks tempting only if it were cheaper...
I don't think there is a Mazda Fanclub here on ATOT.
What are you skeptical of? I'm curious.
I do feel some of the older models were generally garbage. In the early 90s, the only thing they had going for them was the RX-7 and the Miata. The newer cars are much nicer IMO. I'm glad Mazda has came around, and made stylish cars. The 6 looks much better than the Accord and Camry, and the 3 is better looking than the Civic and Corolla. Both are priced competitively, and I cannot forget to mention both of them are likely to be sportier than the competitors. I've been in several Mazda3s around an autocross track, and with a good driver, that thing can haul! If I was to recommend 1 low-priced nice car, I would probally go with the Scion TC, but if I had to recommend 2, the Mazda3 is next on the list.
Reliablity wise, they're a decent manufacturer. I do not think too highly of the older cars, and the newer cars seem to be built much better. I don't believe its fair to put them up as high as Honda or Toyota, but they're certainly better than most others. My Miata has a bit over 103,000 miles on it, and it runs like a champ. Many other Miatas have tons of miles as well.
I am no Mazda Expert and I try to be as unbiased as I can, but I believe they make quality cars.
I'm really looking foward to that Mazdaspeed 6, as well as the next gen Miata .