2004 Mazda 3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mazda replaces its Protege subcompact for 2004 with a slightly larger new car called the Mazda 3. Mazda 3 comes in 4-dr sedan and hatchback body styles. The sedan is available in base "i" trim and uplevel "s" form. The hatchback comes only as an s model. Two 4-cyl engines are available: a 148-hp 2.0 liter for i models, a 160-hp 2.3 for s versions. With either engine, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic with manual shift gate is optional. The i model has 15-inch wheels or optional 16s. The s sedan comes with 16s; 17s are included in its Sport Package option. The hatchback uses 17s. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and ABS are grouped in an $800 option package for all models. Options exclusive to s versions are leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a package that consists of a tire-pressure monitor and xenon headlights. Air conditioning is optional on the i model, standard on s versions.