Any Mazda owners?

[Paolo]

After 6 years of the Ford SUV, I've decided that enough is enough - especially since it's a 'bastard' model that doesn't interchange parts with Rangers and regular Explorers.

I know that Talula has had Mazdas in the past, and I'm currently interested in a "3". Very creative names, there...

Anyone else with thoughts on Mazda, which consumer reports ranks as #2 in quality?

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

No personal experience, but those that I know with a Mazda seem to be satisfied with them. My impression is that they are right in the middle of the pack for repair cost and frequency. There seems to be a big difference in design philosophy between the newest models and those a few years ago. I remember Talula's Mazdas with some fondness. --FLO--

[stewie69 (imported)]

I own a 2006 Mazda3. Bought it new. Other than a battery (died last December), tires, and wiper blades, the car has needed nothing. Zoom-zoom!

[Dave (imported)]

I don't think this is going to be much help but the first car I bought was a 1973 Mazda RX2 with the rotary engine. It was a good car but after one helluva crash, it survived to become a rust bucket. Shorted out one night and left me stranded in my wheelchair on a hill so steep I couldn't get out. So I left it with my Father and I bought a new car (my first Dodge/Chrysler in 1979). My father sold it a few months later to a college kid and as far as I know, it was still running for four or five years after that. Lotsa body putty the kid said but mechanically sound.

[transward (imported)]

I had a late 90s Ford Escort, which was a Mazda Protégé in Ford drag. It was an amazingly reliable car. Handled well. Really liked it. If I were buying a new car it would probably be a Miyata or Mazda3.

Transward

[cocktamer (imported)]

I have 2002 Mazda Demio ( model does not exist anymore, is now Mazda 2 )

And that is a fantastic car, that just runs and runs... ( petrol 1. 3 engine, 4 cyl. )

90000 km so for, no breakdowns...

In my experience Mazda gives excellent vallue for money...

[Paolo]

As Transward mentioned it, I had forgotten about this.

Ford and Mazda parted ways some years ago, though.

Much to Mazda's benefit, I am sure.

[jako9999 (imported)]

Im sorry but I cant say much about the ones your looking at but in the past I have had 3 MX5's and all were great I only drive soft tops with 2 seat and I drive them hard and they never failed more then can be said for the Merc, Audi or Porsche which all cost me in repair bills. The MX5's were cheap to buy and run and great to drive forget about the back seats and have some fun.

Good luck

[The Lurker (imported)]

Ford still owns 30% of Mazda.

I currently own a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback. LOVE this car. Have had ZERO problems. Bought it new in Aug of '06.

[nonuts (imported)]

Ford still owns 30% of Mazda.

I currently own a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback. LOVE this car. Have had ZERO problems. Bought it new in Aug of '06.

Not 30% more like 3%. At least according to Mazda's latest annual report. More the the OP, great cars overall, fun and high quality, with good value.