LexFather

needis

For the $$, the mazda's fit and finish is very nice.

dunnojack

i like the rear half side profile of the mazda better, with the rear quarter glass.

the CT rear passenger glass looks too small.

chikoo

I have driven Mazda for over 11 years now and the fit, finish and reliability are second to none. Top that off with fun to drive and excellent cabin appointments, plus it is always a step ahead in terms of standard accessories than Honda/Toyota. Too bad the market never appreciated the excellent value proposition.

knihc2008

iTrader: (1)

I think the smiley clown face actually works on the Mazdaspeed model, for some reason:


It looks a bit ridiculous on the standard model though. But from the rear, the 3 is FAR more cohesive than the CT for sure.

LexBob2

We have a 2011 Mazda3 and it's a great little car overall. I agree with all of your observations.

The smiley face was almost a deal breaker for me, but it wasn't such a big deal to my wife and she convinced to to buy it. In IL a front license plate is required, so that with a thin rimmed chrome license plate frame and the fog lights help to soften "the face" a little bit.

I wouldn't be surprised if they revise the front end a bit in the near future..

knihc2008

iTrader: (1)

chikoo

This is my favorite hatchback yet....2009 mazda3 in red

LexBob2

Good eye!!

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

while i definitely like mazdas i think the smiley face front was a bomb. also, while the quality is definitely strong i find the interior materials to be rather cheap, although they work well. tons of HARD plastic.

but not knockin' them overall - great vehicles!

Dlewbell

The CT is slightly smaller. I love my Mazda3, & I like idea of the CT, so I used a few online comparison programs. Most of the dimensions of the CT were slightly smaller than the 3, which surprised me a bit. The CT is a nice car, but even if I were looking to spend that kind of money, I still see the 3 as a better value. If they dropped the hybrid & offered a stick at a lower price, I'd be in, but I understand that's not Lexus's thing.

LexFather

Yes outside the smiley face and Lexus Altezzas the car is quite good. I enjoyed my drive in a manual at Skip Barber.

Still the best small compact to me.

spwolf

if you want to compare it like that, Matrix is much better value than 3 and has more space too.

TwiBlueG35

My brother-in-law has a 2010 Mazda 3 s hatchback, what a great car to drive and sit in. Nice cabin. I even like its seat more than the leather seats. He got it for $22k out the door.

lexmenow

3 hatch handles better is faster, cheaper, adequate interior, better ride comfort and is a true commuter compared to the CT. No bias