My daughter is in the market for a new car. I think she has narrowed it down to 3, all 2012 models.

1 - Kia Soul
2 - Mazda 3
3 - Mazda 2

If someone has a subscription to consumer reports, could you please look these up.

Also, any feedback from personal experience would be helpful.

Much appreciated in advance.

Tim

 

Mazda's have nice smiles.


But Soul's have dancing HAMSTERS.

I vote for the hamsters.

They have a far better warranty.

fltsfshr

 

Per Consumer Reports, the Kia Soul and the Mazda 3 are recommended, but the ratings of all are very close. Really looks like any of them would be a good choice. Wish I could share the actual ratings with you, but you have to be a member to see the information.

 

Mazda 3 ...hands down imo ..just a really grt kids car

 

The Mazda 3 has the highest Reliability rating possible and an average rating of Satisfaction. The Kia Soul has an average Reliability rating and an average Satisfaction rating. The Mazda 2 has NA for Reliability and Satisfaction. (Consumer Reports, April 2012)

 

Thank you all for the responses, she feels good that she is making well informed decision.

 

When she decides, how about a pic of a happy girl with a big smile and a new car?


fltsfshr

 

Last year when I was looking for a replacement for my 2000 Contour SVT I test drove a bunch of cars, including the Mazda 3 and the Kia Soul.

I ended up buying the Mazda 3. It had the best (which means sportiest in my opinion) driving feel of all the cars I test drove. It has decent interior space, and it came with a lot of options ( I bought the Grand Touring version which included leather interior, dual zone climate control, xenon headlights, nav, push button start that lets you leave the keyfob in your pocket). Plus they were offering 0% financing.

I've had the car almost a year and put just over 10k miles on it. The only problem I've had was a loose rear sway bar bolt that the dealer tightened. I do mostly short trips in it (I have a 3 mile comute) with some longer trips on the highway to get to costco and I average about 24-25 mpg.