Niall

You were deleted when your comments turned personal. It does nothing to move the critique of the car forward.

Ed

Well, if you do drive a 02 WRX, you would understand that the Mazdaspeed3 is a special model. For one, it is only available with a 6-speed manual (NO auto) and not meant to be “appliance.” The Volvo C30/S40/V50 price too high. The Mazda3 is selling well, but Mazda is not a volume marquee like Toyota, Chevy and Ford. It is more like Subaru, which you would know if you own a WRX, as you said.

What would a Ford badge change? For one, it has a more extensive dealer network than either Mazda or Volvo. The Focus will likely be built in the U.S. rather than in Japan or Belgium. And the Euro Focus/Mazda3/C30/S40/V50’s platform is still one of the most substantial. Ford will benefit with more updated technology rather than one dating back to the late 90s.

This review dishonors the refrigerator, which is vastly more important than the ‘Rolla. Other than that, whoever wrote it (Mark Elias?) conveyed the cheapness of the car quite nicely.

The Mazda3 is the only car in the segment which is an enthusiast’s car. It isn’t everyday that a compact econobox gets compared to a 3-series in terms of playfulness.

The public can’t be saved. If you have to explain to the public that the Corolla is an appliance and they should be looking at more interesting offerings, then they’ll NEVER understand.

Looking at drum brakes, non independent rear suspension, safety (known to be marginal in some areas such as left foot protection, safety cage and side impact ratings), and size wise (it’s now the size of the second generation Camry) it’s not nearly as good as the rest of it’s competition. Traction control and stability control aren’t even optional on the base model, and are only standard on the top of the line XRS.

tripleonefive- Is that all you can think of? Rear HEADRESTS? Who cares, the vehicle is much better laid out in terms of using space, the seats are taller in the rear as well. The Ford Focus has been reliable thus far. They’ve worked out ALL of the reliability issues since 2004 through recalls, and took the blame, unlike Toyota. It’s Consumer Digests best buy. And despite some minor growth, the Focus came out lighter and more refined than the last generation, even with the quirky looks.

Darn, I’m replying to a troll again…

They’re not cars for enthusiasts, but we make up a small portion of the buying public. As far as the average joe shmo looking for A-B transportation, the Corolla does what it always has. Perform flawlessly.

did I just read the same article that you did, 7up? LLN calls out the sloppiness of the steering, and the overall blandness of the car, and even says it “does nothing to entertain or engage the driver.”

That hardly sounds like a press release.

I have a question for the writer: Does this model finally feature courtesy lights that turn off as soon as you remove the key from the ignition? Mazda3s do.

Gas mileage? When I ditched that 2003 Corolla, I got on average 29mpg, and a high 38mpg on the highway. Well, seeing as how I get 27 on average in the Mazda3 S with an engine that puts out 42 more hp than that car, I call that a easy decision. Of course, that is down to only a 24 hp difference, until the new 2.5l comes out.

Hell, even the weird looking Fit at least had some work put into it to make it drive well. Read about it at C&D.

oh baby, SIGN ME UP!

what is a Toyopet? a robot?

the Corona was junk the Land Cruiser is not.

this “appliance” deserves less same respect thab the family refrigerator, bcuz it stinks.

The very worthy opponents in this NON- mid-size segment include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, and Suzuki SX4.

I like the sx4.

venerable Camry, or vulnerable Camry?

this car is not handsome or ugly.

faux maple wood? Y?

this a car that does not do what it’s supposed 2.

I ;like the iideathat audio CDs containing MP3 or WMA files can be played on the system.

60/40 rear seats is a good idea. that way, U can use 2 seets if U need 2.

y U would buy it: U believe that hore**** about “legendary Toyota reliability.”

Y U wouldn’t:
Bcu U have a brainb.

I think the ‘88 corolla was the best lookinh’

the UK doesnt get the Camry or the Corolla bcuz iyts standartrds R 2 high. Y buy a corolla when U can have a mini?

not many unreliable GM/ford cars. Chreyser, tyes.
this revie is wquite buased, like they always R.

And about the comment about ugly GM/Ford cars, i’d have to disagree. the Euro cars look three times as better as the American counterparts, and we dont complain nearly as much ^_^