Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 30

Thread: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

  1. #1
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Hi Everyone,

    Back in April we purchased our car (thread).

    Now after 4 months, I figured I would do a review. I'll probably make this an ongoing thread, detailing my on going thoughts of the MZ3.

    Overall our Mazda has been excellent, there really isn't anything overwhelmingly bad about it. It was our first vehicle that we have owned, and it really has impressed. The handling is great, it gets pretty decent gas mileage (despite other's complaints) and is just a joy to ride in. The freedom it has given us is just awesome.

    Pros:

    Looks- We have received much admiration for our car, loving the colour (GunMetal Blue) and the styling. Even my brother, who hated the 2010 look, loved our car once test driving it.

    Space- We had debated to get the sedan version but I am glad we got the hatchback. The ample space means we don't have to worry about running out of room. It also means the car is super versatile and is relatively cheap on gas.

    Handling/Pickup- Even though we only have the 2.0, it provides plenty of pick up. The car is fun to zoom around town in, but also great on the highway.

    Cons-

    The only con I can see so far is that we have already got a stone chip, but we assume it was from travelling the 401, and any flying rock will cause damage to paint.

    Conclusion- The MZ3 after 8,500KM and it's first check up is a great car. We decided that waiting for the SkyActiv was too long. We also figured it wasn't wise to buy a new engine in it's first production year.

    I recommend the car and our salesman (Jeff) to anyone we talk to, and even the base model is great.

    Stay tuned for updates while we continue to drive this great machine.

  2. #2
    Member Timotee's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Mississauga
    Age
    56
    Ride
    2013 Mazdapeed3 CWP
    Posts
    1,091
    Thanks
    245
    Thanked 94 Times in 78 Posts
    Mentioned
    25 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Nice review stew5 and thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love my 3 as well and my only complaint is.......yep, the paint that easily chips.

    Bone Stock Slow

  3. #3
    Newbie Pillbox2010's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Hamilton, Ontario
    Posts
    134
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Good choice in colour
    2010 Gunmetal Blue GS Sedan
    Current Setup:
    -- 17" Enkei FD-05 -- Falken 215/45/17 -- Black Calipers -- Eibach Prokits -- MZ3 Aluminum Pedals -- 8000k HIDs -- Tints 35% front 15% rear --
    -- Rainguards -- TM3 Plate Covers -- Corksport SRI -- Corksport LED Kit -- Rockford Fosgate T400-2 Amp and P2 Sub --


  4. #4
    Member PR3Y11's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Markham
    Posts
    1,459
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Mentioned
    3 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    +1 on crappy mazda paint.
    also a note about gas mileage, i think it's only the speed guys who really complain about it

  5. #5
    Newbie old-guy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Kitchener
    Posts
    204
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    I too am a new owner of the 2011 Mazda 3 GS Sport in, wait for it ... gunmetal blue. Awesome colour and it truly is an awesome car. Agree with everything you said but I haven't reached my first check-up yet. :-)
    2011 Mazda 3 Sport GS 2.5 L
    Gunmetal Blue with leather interior | 35% Tint | VG Shark Fin | Rally Armor | Window Visors | Mazda Aluminum Pedals | TM3 Brake Light (GTA Decal) | Smoked Reflectors | LED Reverse Lights | Painted Engine Covers | LED Hatch Lights | LED Interior Lights, LED Cupholders | 7'' Audio/GPS | Pioneer Speakers | CF Vinyl Wrap Interior Trim | WeatherTech front and rear | TM3 Plate Covers | Aluminum HVAC Knobs |


  6. #6
    Member sarujo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    GTA
    Posts
    1,296
    Thanks
    74
    Thanked 79 Times in 60 Posts
    Mentioned
    24 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    I will be curious to hear your comments after we are back into the fall and colder weather to see if Mazda finally fixed the cowl and interior rattles. Keep up posted. Enjoy the new wheels!


    2010 Sport 2.0L 5MT

  7. #7
    Newbie insomniak's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Toronto
    Ride
    2006 Mazda 3 GT Sport
    Posts
    54
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by sarujo View Post
    I will be curious to hear your comments after we are back into the fall and colder weather to see if Mazda finally fixed the cowl and interior rattles. Keep up posted. Enjoy the new wheels!
    +1 Please keep us updated on the ongoing review when the colder weather hits...

  8. #8
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Now at 16.5k Kms and everything I posted in the first review still applies. The car is still great to drive, and still feels brand new.

    To answer the questions, we haven't heard any rattles yet anywhere. The weather has been cool a few mornings (-2 or so last week) but we didn't hear anything. Fingers crossed that this issue was fixed!

    Last week we put our winters on, we ended up getting 16'' Gislaved NordFrost 5s. They seem pretty good so far, and we'll see once the snow and really cold temperatures hit.

    The parts manager at Bay Mazda is really great, I bugged her into getting quotes for various different tires, and she was always nice and friendly. The service dept. isn't quite as friendly but nowhere near the parts dept.

    Conclusion: We still love the Mazda 3 Sport GX, there haven't been any issues yet *crosses fingers*

  9. #9
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Here are some photos too:








  10. #10
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    So it appears that we may have our first problem with the car. Over the last few days it seems as though our "aux" button has stopped working. With or without an mp3 player plugged in, the button won't switch the radio to "aux" mode, it just does nothing.
    Example: FM is playing, press the aux button, and it stays on FM.

    Very odd.

  11. #11
    Jr Member Akiba48's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Richmond Hill
    Posts
    533
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 28 Times in 25 Posts
    Mentioned
    15 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    ^
    Just use the warranty and get it fixed, shouldn't be a problem.

  12. #12
    Member sarujo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    GTA
    Posts
    1,296
    Thanks
    74
    Thanked 79 Times in 60 Posts
    Mentioned
    24 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Good choice in snow tire! I'm running same rubber and handles great. Be sure to keep them inflated well.

  13. #13
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by stew5 View Post
    So it appears that we may have our first problem with the car. Over the last few days it seems as though our "aux" button has stopped working. With or without an mp3 player plugged in, the button won't switch the radio to "aux" mode, it just does nothing.
    Example: FM is playing, press the aux button, and it stays on FM.

    Very odd.
    The aux button isn't supposed to do anything until you have somehting plugged int he aux jack in the armrest

  14. #14
    Resident Deal Provider, UnHaggle Rep, CarCostCanada, EasyCarDiscount
    Jeff-TheBiz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Mazda of Toronto
    Ride
    2017 CX-5 GT w/ Tech
    Posts
    8,882
    Thanks
    116
    Thanked 216 Times in 115 Posts
    Mentioned
    117 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by gomac View Post
    The aux button isn't supposed to do anything until you have somehting plugged int he aux jack in the armrest
    And the something has to be turned on.
    Damn you photobucket.....

  15. #15
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    The review continues at 24,000 a few months shy of our 1 year anniversary. The car is still driving great and there is really nothing to complain about.

    Even in the few really cold days we have had I notice very little interior or exterior noise when starting from cold. This car laughs at -20 weather (it’s that front grin!)

    The only minor quibble I have with the car is the passengers/drivers handle on the arm rest. I only notice it when I am not driving, but the materials are just so much worse in this handle compared to the rest of the car. Minor quibble, but I see they actually fixed this in the new 2012 SkyActiv I saw at the international auto show.

    As for the Aux issue, that was due to not having music playing so not even an issue.

    Driving my family around this weekend and the people around 5’ seem to have visibility issues. They weren’t nerely as impressed with the car as I am. Also, the back seat people complained about the heating. Not sure about that one as I never sit in the back.

    Took it in for the 24k service and definitely noticed that the brakes were not squealing and were more responsive.

    Everything is great and I always recommend Jeff and Mazda to anyone I come across; especially now that the Skyactiv 3 has some great MPG numbers.

  16. #16
    Jr Member zoomahh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    583
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by stew5 View Post
    The review continues at 24,000 a few months shy of our 1 year anniversary. The car is still driving great and there is really nothing to complain about.

    Even in the few really cold days we have had I notice very little interior or exterior noise when starting from cold. This car laughs at -20 weather (it’s that front grin!)

    The only minor quibble I have with the car is the passengers/drivers handle on the arm rest. I only notice it when I am not driving, but the materials are just so much worse in this handle compared to the rest of the car. Minor quibble, but I see they actually fixed this in the new 2012 SkyActiv I saw at the international auto show.

    As for the Aux issue, that was due to not having music playing so not even an issue.

    Driving my family around this weekend and the people around 5’ seem to have visibility issues. They weren’t nerely as impressed with the car as I am. Also, the back seat people complained about the heating. Not sure about that one as I never sit in the back.

    Took it in for the 24k service and definitely noticed that the brakes were not squealing and were more responsive.

    Everything is great and I always recommend Jeff and Mazda to anyone I come across; especially now that the Skyactiv 3 has some great MPG numbers.
    +++++11111 /\ /\ /\

    Decided it was time to run my new 2012 3 GS Skyactiv down to almost empty (one hash mark left, no nerve left to go any lower), then filled up....ready for this?.....814 kms ! ! ! For a freakin mid size car that has a bit o guts? I'd say that's pretty fuggin good I'll say...just went over 2000kms tonite. For the rec, I do combo city/highway driving with average/spirited driving. Fair combo to give a fair estimate. My iphone app "roadtrip" calculated my fuel economy to be 15km/L yyyyup....ahhhmm LUVIN IT
    2012 Mz3 GS SkyActiv CWP Mods; DDM 50w 6k lows / Headlights tinted with Lamin-X 6% overlay / DRL Nokya Hyper Yellows / Foglights; Morimoto 35w 3K's with Lamin-X yellow overlay / Dealer tinted sides n rear / KiCkER kx 600.4 4ch amp / Alpine Type "R" comps front / Alpine SPR-68's rear / License plate LED's / Interior LED's /***MY ICE UPGRADE***http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...-Zoomahh's 2012-SkyActiv-ice-upgrade*** /Detail Day July 2013 http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...il-Day-!-!-!-D
    2011 Mz2 GX CWP (wifey's car) / led interiors only

  17. #17
    Jr Member zoomahh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    583
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    I would edit my previous post but no edit privs yet...but in ref to my 2000kms remark....that's my current total odometer reading....not fuel economy..jus making sure noone thought otherwise

  18. #18
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by zoomahh View Post
    +++++11111 /\ /\ /\

    Decided it was time to run my new 2012 3 GS Skyactiv down to almost empty (one hash mark left, no nerve left to go any lower), then filled up....ready for this?.....814 kms ! ! ! For a freakin mid size car that has a bit o guts? I'd say that's pretty fuggin good I'll say...just went over 2000kms tonite. For the rec, I do combo city/highway driving with average/spirited driving. Fair combo to give a fair estimate. My iphone app "roadtrip" calculated my fuel economy to be 15km/L yyyyup....ahhhmm LUVIN IT

    That is pretty impressive! With our snow tires on, and mainly city driving, we usually get around 8-9L/100Kms with it dropping lower on the highway. Still not too bad compared to larger cars and trucks.

  19. #19
    Jr Member Karmaspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Pickering
    Posts
    474
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts
    Mentioned
    45 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Dam wish I had the time wait for the skyactiv when I had to buy a car. I got the 2012 GX Hatch as that's what they had in the lot as I needed a car right away, and I'm only getting @500km when I get to the last bar on the gas level. Oh well maybe in a couple of years I'll have to upgrade to something better.

  20. #20
    Sr Member zzz3's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    GTA
    Posts
    3,374
    Thanks
    168
    Thanked 106 Times in 63 Posts
    Mentioned
    31 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by cbrual View Post
    Dam wish I had the time wait for the skyactiv when I had to buy a car. I got the 2012 GX Hatch as that's what they had in the lot as I needed a car right away, and I'm only getting @500km when I get to the last bar on the gas level. Oh well maybe in a couple of years I'll have to upgrade to something better.
    it will get a lot better once your engine breaks-in. should be able to get 700km to a tank with winter gas depending on your driving habits.

  21. #21
    Jr Member js593's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Winnipeg MB
    Posts
    443
    Thanks
    24
    Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts
    Mentioned
    2 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by zoomahh View Post
    +++++11111 /\ /\ /\

    Decided it was time to run my new 2012 3 GS Skyactiv down to almost empty (one hash mark left, no nerve left to go any lower), then filled up....ready for this?.....814 kms ! ! ! For a freakin mid size car that has a bit o guts? I'd say that's pretty fuggin good I'll say...just went over 2000kms tonite. For the rec, I do combo city/highway driving with average/spirited driving. Fair combo to give a fair estimate. My iphone app "roadtrip" calculated my fuel economy to be 15km/L yyyyup....ahhhmm LUVIN IT
    Must be nice. I get about 400 to a tank.
    ____________________________________
    2011 Celestial Mica Blue Mazda 3 GS Sport
    2.5L 6 Speed Manual
    DC Sports Intake, 5.5K Morimoto Retrofit HID kit, Sure Motorsports RMM
    Enkei Wheels,R40 lug nuts, ISC N1 coilovers, Corksport short shifter, CS Rear sway bar
    Ebay front strut bar, Custom magnaflow axleback w/ 4" tips, Style M front lip

  22. #22
    Jr Member Kessly Snipes's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    GTA
    Posts
    295
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by zoomahh View Post
    +++++11111 /\ /\ /\

    Decided it was time to run my new 2012 3 GS Skyactiv down to almost empty (one hash mark left, no nerve left to go any lower), then filled up....ready for this?.....814 kms ! ! ! For a freakin mid size car that has a bit o guts? I'd say that's pretty fuggin good I'll say...just went over 2000kms tonite. For the rec, I do combo city/highway driving with average/spirited driving. Fair combo to give a fair estimate. My iphone app "roadtrip" calculated my fuel economy to be 15km/L yyyyup....ahhhmm LUVIN IT
    I have gone below the last line, then about 80km. I put 58L in after that.

    Since my first oil change (at 2000km) my biggest tank was 726 km. I do about 50% city driving and get on it now and again. It does get great gas mileage. My best l/100km was 6.6, worst was 10.7. I current;y have about 3600km (since feb 2nd )

    If you want to keep track of it, check out fuelly.com. This is a breakdown of my cars fuel consumption, http://www.fuelly.com/driver/kesslysnipes/3-gs-skyactiv
    Last edited by Kessly Snipes; 03-04-2012 at 09:56 PM.

  23. #23
    Noob
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Posts
    21
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Pure city driving in my 2011 I get about 305kms to the last dot on the gas tank. Much less than highway which is about 400-500km with winter gas and snow tires. Although you rack up the KMs much slower in the city so the tank lasts longer!

  24. #24
    Jr Member Akiba48's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Richmond Hill
    Posts
    533
    Thanks
    2
    Thanked 28 Times in 25 Posts
    Mentioned
    15 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by stew5 View Post
    Pure city driving in my 2011 I get about 305kms to the last dot on the gas tank. Much less than highway which is about 400-500km with winter gas and snow tires. Although you rack up the KMs much slower in the city so the tank lasts longer!
    what? 305 is a bit TOO low...
    I get at least 220+km for half a tank on pure city driving...
    and that is with Esso 87 octane and winter tires
    Yokohama ADVAN RS / Corksport SRI / Rally Armor / MS3 Spoiler / Eibach Pro-Kits / Some random strut bar / Ebay LED interior lights
    2010 Mazda3 GX CWP Hatch / 2016 Mazda6 GS-L JBM

  25. #25
    Jr Member Astig02's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Scarborough
    Posts
    470
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 16 Times in 12 Posts
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2011 Sport GX- Review (8.5k and ongoing)

    Quote Originally Posted by stew5 View Post
    Pure city driving in my 2011 I get about 305kms to the last dot on the gas tank. Much less than highway which is about 400-500km with winter gas and snow tires. Although you rack up the KMs much slower in the city so the tank lasts longer!
    Same here!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. 3 night review 2011 3 GT-E Hatchback
    By A6X6L6 in forum Mazda3 Reviews
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 09-15-2011, 11:00 PM
  2. Erin Mills Mazda 2008-2011 customer service review.
    By joseph_lear in forum Dealership Experience
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 09-04-2011, 10:13 PM
  3. 08 STI Sport Tech Package test drive/review
    By Unoriginalusername in forum Other Cars
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 03-10-2009, 12:54 AM
  4. Mazda3 Sport GX Review
    By hoodlum in forum Mazda3 Reviews
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-25-2008, 04:14 PM
  5. Ongoing CEL issues
    By bDeE in forum Problems with the Mazda3
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 06-14-2005, 08:35 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •