In reply to Bobzilla:
Sorry man, even the SX can't stand up to the 3. Base model to base model, and upgraded to upgraded, the 3 is just the better car, IMO (and in many others, reflected in the residual values and sales numbers of both). Not to mention the 3 also has an eco-grennie, extreme tree-hugger, hippie mode (SkyActiv) and a club the baby seals, burn some gas and rubber mode (Mazdaspeed3).
The Forte5 has been out all of 2 years. Hard to have much in sales numbers when compared to a car thats been out what, 8 years?
Driving feel/perceptions are unique to individual buyers. I'm not impressed with Mazda's reliability and cost of maintenance long term, I AM impressed with Hyundai/Kia's. Add in a great ride, fun chassis and the other stuff to go with it and the decision is pretty easy.
Bobzilla wrote: The Forte5 has been out all of 2 years. Hard to have much in sales numbers when compared to a car thats been out what, 8 years? Driving feel/perceptions are unique to individual buyers. I'm not impressed with Mazda's reliability and cost of maintenance long term, I AM impressed with Hyundai/Kia's. Add in a great ride, fun chassis and the other stuff to go with it and the decision is pretty easy.
Easy for you, I had the same options and bought a 5.
The debate of Mazda3 vs. Forte is one I could just about ride the fence on. I'm a huge Mazda fan, and also have a lot of respect for Kia...6 years of beating on my Sedona has given me that. My wife likes cars more than a majority of women, but won't be doing any drag races or HPDE days with it. She'll enjoy the drive, but it'll be confined to suburban commuting. She'll never explore beyond 7/10th of either cars ability. So either of them will suit her needs and wants very well. I'm happy with either one she chooses, as neither would be a bad choice.
For the record, if it was my car I'm picking, I'd go Mazda. Just personal taste.
You'll need to log in to post.
