New Car for Mommy. Suggestions?

[pnosker]

As previously mentioned, the Saab 9-2x is fast, handles sort of well, and is cheap (Impreza based). I've never driven it but the 9-3 torque steers like crazy. Same with the Mazdaspeed 3 that I drove at one of those Mazdaspeed days.

[bmwracerchick]

I already looked into the MazdaSpeed3 I got to see it at the motor trend and I personally would love it, my mom said she would love it too but as much as she would like a manual its not practical for her especially in a very highly congested area so the mazdaspeed3 is out only because they are manual only cars. However I am on a waiting list at mazda for when one comes in, they have been leaving the lot the moment they were shipped to it.

I am liking the saab but that might be a push to get her into that. BTW wtf is with the 9-5 it is sooo ugly why why! I love saabs they look great but that is just.....no!

[tastade]

Originally Posted by pnosker

Well I have some bad news for you. The Mazda 3 shares the platform with the european Ford Focus (same body, powertrain (for the most part), etc.) as well as the Volvo C30, V50, V70 Coupe/conv., and the Mazda 5. This platform is called the Ford C1 platform, and cars based off of it have been the most recalled car in history according to Jeremy Clarkson, host of UK Car show "Top Gear."

My friend has the 268hp Mazdaspeed 3 and it torque steers like mad when reved high. I'm not sure whether your mom will do that or not, but I can tell you it's not exactly fun to accelerate for 0-60 times.

There is a lot of misinformation here. Yes, the Mazda3 shares the C30, V50, V70, Mazda5, among others, but it is one of the best and highest rated FWD platforms on the road. It was developed by Ford of Germany along with Volvo and Mazda. The old Focus was a completely different platform. The Mazda3 has been subject to one minor recall in 2004 (only affected some of the first cars built).

The Mazda3 is an excellent car, in every aspect. It is reliable, powerful, good handling, fun to drive, and you name it. The 2.3L in the wagon is not under powered, especially with the manual transmission. It has won many editor awards from various magazines and is one of the best compact FWDs available.

My opinion is that it feels a lot like our BMWs. It is deffinitely a car to look at. I would like to point out that gas mileage for the 2.3 automatics has been kind of poor, many people only get about 20 mpg in town.

I should point out that my second car is Mazda3 2.3 sedan. I love it, but my wife drives it most of the time. The only reason we will replace it is that it is too small for a growing family. I think we will replace it with a Mazda5.

[pdxmotorhead]

I like mazdas but,,,, Thier interiors don't hold up very well. Most of them 've been around have not held up over 5 or 6 years.

Especially if its an economy package....
The RX 7's were terrible this way even the expensive later ones.

Great mechanically though...
Dave