Mazdas
(This is the second time I’m writing this, my first post inexplicably disappeared 🙁 )
I get (have) to travel a lot for work, and usually I rent a car. (usually Hertz, as I am a Gold Member) Hertz used to allow me to specifically request a Mazda, but these days it is not an option. However, I have been lucky the past three times I’ve rented a car, and have gotten to drive three very different Mazdas.
- Miata (Las Vegas). Ok, this was a pleasure rental and not for business. I was surprised to find a Miata waiting for me at the canopy, as I had requested an economy car. It was a newish Miata, with a ragtop. I decided I wanted to find out what all the excitement surrounding the miata was, so I went ahead and drove it out of the lot. Immediately there were two things I didnt like about it: the seats are very low to the ground and uncomfortable, and there was a LOT of road noise. My companion liked it even less, and eventually said she hated it. Still we only had the car for a day, so it was at least a learning experience. No more Miatas!
- Mazda6 (DC). I own a 626, which is the predecessor to the Mazda6. While the 626 is squarely a family sedan, the Mazda6 is a bit smaller in interior space, and a lot more sporty in exteriors. I liked the 6 I drove, which had a V6, but could tell that a normal 4 cylinder would not have any oomph to match the sporty lines of the car. My 626 engine is nothing to gush over either, but at least the body doesn’t scream sporty like the 6 does. All in all though not a bad car. With incentives and rebates, I believe you can get a 6 for the same or lower price than a Mazda3, which is probably a good deal.
- Mazda5 (DC). This is the microvan I am currently driving this week. I’ve driven it before, and thought its acceleration was amazing considered it was a microvan, but this time around I’m not impressed with the acceleration. The gas mileage is pretty poor too. However, I think this is a very useful vehicle if I were married and had 2+ kids. Probably don’t want to make this the primary car, however. In a perfect world I would have a Mazda3 for day to day commuting and a Mazda5 for weekend trips with a family. Now all I need to do is get rich and get a family!