Anyone have a Mazda 3 or Ford Freestyle?

[FINFAN]

I know, 2 totally different vehicles. Here's the deal...I am so NOT a FORD person...we have tried them in the past...with all due respect to loyal Ford owners, they just have not proven themselves to is. HOWEVER.....at DH current co. there are employee plans for Mazda, Volvo and Ford. We need a new vehicle, and can go either way, sedan or van...(actually the Chrysler Pacifica meets the convenience needs of being both, but not in the plan)
So, DH is thinking give the Freestyle a chance, but I have read some reviews involving transmission issues (I think it is a requirement) but do like the vehicle overall.
The Mazda 3 while tiny, would fit the bill for DD as she gets her license this summer and is more comfortable driving a compact vs van, and better gas mileage, DH can use it if his Gran Prix needs repairs ( 60,000..repairs are coming ) We are on a VERY small monthly paymet budget and prefer to purchase over lease...just wondering if anyone owns either type, likes it, recommends it or not, we would love to go Accord or Camry, but kinda priced right out of either right now...a few grand really makes a difference for us. It is rought since I know over time they are more economical, but if you can't meet the monthly payment....
We are not trading anything in, going to drive my Nissan Nightmare into the ground and will maybe trade DH car in for a new van in a few years, MAYBE....
Ugghhhhhhh! I can't even decide on what to make for dinner let alone where to donate $20,000 for a car!


Pam

 

[damo]

We purchased a Mazda 3 last year for my husband's mother who needed a new car desperately. She loves it. It is the perfect size for her and her chores and getting to and from her medical appointments. When she can't drive anymore, the car will go to my daughter at university. She's already driven it a few times and thinks it is great.

 

[CarolG]

Our older DS has a 2006 Mazda 3, and he loves it. This car is a replacement for a 2004 Mazda 3 that was totalled in a multi-car accident on I-95. Both airbags deployed, and there were absolutely no injuries to either DS or to his friend.

If you decide on a Mazda 3, be sure the car has side impact air bags (SAB/SAC, I think) and anti-lock brakes (ABS). The lower end models don't have these; Consumer Reports recommends including them.

 

[FINFAN]

Thanks for the quick replies...yes, we are going the total safety route on any vehicle we end up with. I knoww the Mazda 3 did extremely well in safety ratings..I think only the Honda Civic did equal/better. They are close in price too, but again...the employee program..
CarolG., so glad your DS and friend were unharmed! That is the phone call I am dreading...
I have only been doing on-line research so far...DH is 6'3" do you think he would fit in the Mazda? I have to admit the hatchback style is darn cute/sporty. Since whatever we buy will replace vacations for about 3 years, we are hoping to at least not hate it/resent it TOO much.
I just hate buying cars...my van is 11 years old, and the memories are still way too fresh for me.


Pam

 

[marydmjj]

My DH is 6'3" and didn't fit comfortably in the Mazda3. We ended up getting a Volvo S60 and he fits and loves driving it.

 

[FINFAN]

We would enjoy the volvo also...but priced right out of it. Hmmmm, so sounds like DH will not fit in the M3....this is so frustrating.


Pam

 

[MickeysGirl]

We have a Freestyle and LOVE IT! The CVT (continuously variable transmission) is a a chain-type transmission that is very durable. It may take a few minutes to get used to, though, as it sounds nothing like a regular transmission. My husband kept waiting for it to shift, and it never did. It has tons of room with fold-in-the-floor seats. It also has a great safety rating and airbags everywhere (including side curtain).

 

[CarolG]

I have only been doing on-line research so far...DH is 6'3" do you think he would fit in the Mazda?

DS is 5'10", so I really couldn't judge how comfortable someone taller would be. Your DH would have to test drive the car to find out.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

We have had our Freestyle for almost a year now and we like it. We had a couple of problems soon after we got it, but it has been fine since. (I think those problems were due to it being a brand new model) It drives very nice and the gas millage isn't so bad, especially being a larger car. There is tons of room and it was great driving on vacation last summer. (We drove from SW Va to Myrtle Beach SC to Va Beach and back to SW Va all in one trip and it did fine.)

I would reccommend it. DH is driving the Freestyle now, but I will get it in a year or so. DH wants a Mitsubishi Endeavor.

Good luck!

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

The Freestyle is.. for all intents and purposes, the Windstar. The Windstar was so bad that they had to re-model and re-name it, but the same problems are still there.

The Mazda 3 is an amazing vehicle. It is Japanese quality.

That said, the employee pricing plan is not that good of a deal. You can probably do better with negoiations. It is only good on new vehicles. Ford should be providing you a list with the retail and discount cost.

If you like the Pacifica I'd go and see what you'd be paying for the Freestyle and take it to the Chrysler dealer.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

The Freestyle is.. for all intents and purposes, the Windstar. The Windstar was so bad that they had to re-model and re-name it, but the same problems are still there.

For what it's worth, I would have to disagree w/ that. I have driven the Windstar before as a rental and I hate them!!! To me, the Freestyle is nothing at all like a Windstar. The Freestyle is 10 times better!! (IMHO )

WatchinCaptKangaroo, could you be thinking of the Free Star? I think that is a mini-van similar to the Windstar. The Freestyle is more of a combo between a minivan, SUV and station wagon.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

For what it's worth, I would have to disagree w/ that. I have driven the Windstar before as a rental and I hate them!!! To me, the Freestyle is nothing at all like a Windstar. The Freestyle is 10 times better!! (IMHO )

WatchinCaptKangaroo, could you be thinking of the Free Star? I think that is a mini-van similar to the Windstar. The Freestyle is more of a combo between a minivan, SUV and station wagon.

No, I'm thinking of the Freestyle. It is a remodeled Windstar. The body and features are different but the mechanics are the same.

 

[MickeysGirl]

Actually the Freestyle is NOT a redesigned Windstar. That would be the Freestar. The FreeSTYLE is a rebadged Volvo XC90.

 

[aynt79]

My SIL has a Mazda 3. She loves it and it is a cute little car. My DH is 6'5" and has driven it a couple of times, I don't remember him complaining about not fitting. I definately think this is a good car for someone learning to drive.

But, I agree with a prev poster not to lock yourself into the company discount. DH's company has a discount on all GM vehicles, and even though I am a GM girl, we ended up buying a Dodge and a Jeep. Get the specs and discount price on the freestyle, then go to a Chrysler dealer to see how close they can match it (or whatever car you decide on).

 

[Longsx3]

Actually the Freestyle is NOT a redesigned Windstar. That would be the Freestar. The FreeSTYLE is a rebadged Volvo XC90.

I think the FreeStyle is built on the same platform as the Volvo XC70 wagon, but no matter it may not be a good buy, I just read on several websites that Ford is no longer building them after 2007.