Mazda Mazda3 Brand Reputation: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good reputation, and quality is way up. JDPower just put them right at the top, over Civic see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Even though many disagree... The smile in the front of the 3 is in reality a "grin". Mazda designs vehicles that keep drivers want to test their vehicles and continue driving them. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Zoom Zoom is an effective marketing strategy. The original Rx7 (which I owned) put real go-cart style sports car performance in an affordable bracket. They continue to do so with the RX8, as well as the 3 and 6 see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 167-horsepower 2.5L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
I seem to like almost all the cars they produce. Sporty ones (mx-5, rx-8) and not so sporty ones (CX suvs, mazda6). Besides, Zoom-Zoom! see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2010 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Mazda has always been reliable and viewed as a fun to drive, sporty brand. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
This car has won Car & Driver Magazines Best Hot Hatch comparison 3 years running. It is THE BEST performance buy on the market. The 3 has good CR/CU/JD Power ratings. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD |
Mazda lives up to its zoom tagline and is known for reliability and longevity. The 3 is the successor to the Protege5. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2008 | 4dr Hatch turbocharged 263hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
"Fun" see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Good rep.... see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
mazda has a big mileage warrenty and is known for the cars having a sporty feel. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
Mazda Mazda3 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Hatch 156-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
The are not really known to be reliable and this is high in my list. see full Mazda Mazda3 review |
Fiat 500 Brand Reputation: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 2dr Convertible 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the really sad things about the Fiat 500 is the way FCA is handling the brand here in the US. The Fiat 500 is actually many different cars, some good and some not good at all, but to most American buyers a Fiat 500 is just a Fiat 500. Nobody really knows if you are talking about the 500 hatchback (a true retro economy car), the 500L sedan/wagon (the dual clutch gearbox has not worked any better for Fiat than for Ford in the Focus/Fiestia), the Abarth (a real fun car for drivers only), or the 500X (Built on Jeep running gear With more style than off-road performance). Only the Abarth stands slightly apart since it is devoid of Fiat badges and costs a good deal more than most other "500" models. see full Fiat 500 review |
2012 | 2dr Hatch 101-horsepower 1.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Fiat used to have a so-so reputation because their cars rusted. This car has a 'not-rust-through' guarantee for something like ten or twelve years and is totally galvanized metal. It is a very stylish car, too. see full Fiat 500 review |