"Kanaric" (Kanaric1)
08/26/2014 at 12:17 • Filed to: None
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"Kanaric" (Kanaric1)
08/26/2014 at 12:17 • Filed to: None | 3
| 14 |
Mazdaspeed 3, Mazdaspeed 6, MX5 and RX8. All affordable at the time. Japans last effort at a great lineup for middle class enthusiasts IMO. They had the hot hatch, they had the sport sedan, they had the sports car, and they had the GT.
I think it's the best iteration of Mazda USA because even though in the 90s had the FD RX7 it was near $40,000, the RX8 could have been had for MUCH cheaper even in todays devalued dollar. In the 90s as well they had no real hot hatch in the US lineup, in Japan you could of had the Familia GTR however which if it were available might tip the scales to 91/92/93 Mazda in my opinion. However the $60,000 in todays dollar RX7 was not a car for the masses.
Hoping Mazda builds a similar lineup soon.
I think the only company, in the US, since that has had such a lineup with so great choices is Ford with Fiesta ST, Focus ST, and Mustangs. They just need a small RWD sports car.
Here's a Speed 6 for your attention.
sefeing, actually bought an E46
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:27 |
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I love speed6's. Right after I picked up my old mazda3, I discovered the want for a speed 6. Never got one though.
Takuro Spirit
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:31 |
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You could also get one of these:
And the Mazda5 was the perfect small minivan, and sold like hotcakes at first. If only they had backed it up with the proper new at the time technology and drivetrains.
2006+ seemed like the end of the good times at Mazda. They started making SUVs, quality control suffered, and the NC Miata was too heavy and big, and they canned the 6 wagon for America.
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:32 |
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So you're basically asking if Ford Mazda is the best Mazda?
Yeah I do because I'm sure Ford had something to do with its great selection for the US market.
Don't listen to me I've no idea what I'm saying.
nafsucof
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:32 |
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I saw one of these the other day, tastefully modded. They are aging extremely well!!
Keith Moon
> sefeing, actually bought an E46
08/26/2014 at 12:33 |
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I have been told that they had a lot of issues. I don't remember what issues exactly, though. That was one of the reasons I didn't consider buying one :(
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Kanaric
> norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/26/2014 at 12:40 |
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Well ford has pretty much stepped up their game completely after Mazda left them,so maybe you can argue that.
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Kanaric
> nafsucof
08/26/2014 at 12:41 |
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They do. Mazda products in general from then age extremely well. 1st gen Speed 3 looks great as well:
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Kanaric
> Takuro Spirit
08/26/2014 at 12:42 |
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You make a good point, even the rest of their lineup had a lot of great variety
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norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:45 |
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I wonder if because Ford saw how well Mazda was doing that lead them to being some more hatches and the Fo/FiST to the USDM. I do think Mazda leaving was the best thing that's happened to Ford besides not going bankrupt. Although Jag/LR have really gotten amazing since Ford sold them off.
jsemerica
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 12:50 |
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Not to mention, one year before they were they were making the Mazdaspeed Miatas. 2004-2006 were great years for them, or maybe more so, us.
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> Kanaric
08/26/2014 at 13:33 |
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I'm hoping that 2016 will be the best Mazda.
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Kanaric
> davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/26/2014 at 13:47 |
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So am I.
I'm hoping for, what I think, i a very realistic lineup of Mazdaspeed 2, Mazdaspeed 3 (awd or not), a good Miata, and a GT of some kind even if it's not a rotary and just has a >300hp engine like a turbo 4 or a v6. So long as it's like the RX8 where it is lightweight and handles excellently.
rotorious
> Keith Moon
08/26/2014 at 16:23 |
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Timing chain tensioner and VVT wheel going out around 70k. Mazda did do a recall, but did not publicize it, or my local dealer was just garbage, which was more likely the case. My wife's car had both of these issues and it was about a grand to fix all told, so we just traded it in and got a WRX. Much better. Also, the rust on those cars is almost comically bad.
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Keith Moon
> rotorious
08/26/2014 at 16:28 |
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Yeah, I talked my friend into getting a WRX. I remember watching an anime called Initial D when I was a teenager, and have since then always wanted a WRX :D