>>28864428
Theyre garbage.
No sound deadening.
Road noise at 25mph sounds like any other car at 80mph.
Glass so thin that raindrops sound like gravel smashing into you.
Driving one is misery

>>28864428
*the way they look

>>28864428
struts and torsion beams. It also rattles like crazy after a while. Even the CX-90 rattles, let alone the Mazda 3. Many people here regret buying these.

I would go for a Honda. Every normoid tries to define the Mazda brand by being the "sporty enthusiast" zoom zoom ass feeling but really there just describing what >>28864435 said. at best their Hyundai tier quality.

>>28864428
>Are they reliable mechanically?
Yes. They've been using the same engine and transmission for nearly 15 years. It's all been sorted out. Do regular maintenance and it'll outlive you.

>Fun to drive?
It'll be a little better than most commuter cars, but it's not going to blow your socks off.

>What about rust since I know the 1st gen Mazda 3's were notorious when it came to rusting.
I have not seen any of the current gen Mazdas with rust.

>>28864446
>I would go for a Honda.

Base Civic has barely 150HP and a CVT.
1.5 Turbo option is going to require expensive repairs at 60k miles, possible earlier. Enjoy your oil dilution.
Civic Hybrid is going to be at least 35k after taxes, tags, and dealership tip.

Mazda3 sedan can be had for ~$26k, maybe less if you know what you're doing. It has 185HP and a real transmission.