Kizashi Club

I had never even heard of this car until I saw one at a used car lot in June. I stopped and test drove it and fell in love. The appearance is A plus, the hanling is second to none and it is a very comfortable and well built car. This is the first import I have owned, I'm mostly an american muscle guy, but I am glad I found it. I like the fact that there aren't many around, still haven't seen another one, and I like driving something unique. I've had many comments and stares in the 4 months I've owned it. Usually the first question is "What is it?". I traded my Chrylser 300C in on it because I wanted something that got better MPG and to keep miles off my Z28 convertible. I love my Z, and in a straight ling my suzuki wouldn't stand a chance, but get into some curves and the kizashi would leave the Z well in the rear view. If ur on the fence about buying one, take my advice and just do it.

I hear you on the praise of the Kizashi, but it's definitely no fast car, but then again, no N/A 4 cylinder mid-size really is.
I got my Kizashi for the same reasons: comfort, handling, and exclusivity.
My old car was actually more fun to drive, but with too many compromises to comfort. I previously drove a Mazda3 S which had a crisper manual transmission with a shorter throw and the engine was more responsive, even with 100,000 miles. I credit this to the vehicle weight difference as the Mazda's 2.3 liter made only 160hp, 25 less than the Kizashi's 2.4 liter. The power steering on the Mazda was also hydraulic opposed to the Kizashi's electric power steering. The hydraulic steering systems deliver better road feedback and predictable steering. You kind of have to get used to electric power steering.
That being said, the Mazda was more like a go-cart compared to the Kizashi in both driving dynamics and comfort. It's suspension was definitely tuned more for handling than comfort and you felt a lot of bumps on the road. The seats were also a huge difference. Even my daily commute in traffic in the Mazda was wearing me out. In contrast, the Kizashi's seats are among the most comfortable I have ever experienced.
Though I loved my Mazda, it was time for something more comfortable and refined for the long run. After the Kizashi caught my eye, I researched obsessively until I found a good deal on an used one. One test drive later, I had to buy it.

KuroNekko wrote:I hear you on the praise of the Kizashi, but it's definitely no fast car, but then again, no N/A 4 cylinder mid-size really is.
I got my Kizashi for the same reasons: comfort, handling, and exclusivity.
My old car was actually more fun to drive, but with too many compromises to comfort. I previously drove a Mazda3 S which had a crisper manual transmission with a shorter throw and the engine was more responsive, even with 100,000 miles. I credit this to the vehicle weight difference as the Mazda's 2.3 liter made only 160hp, 25 less than the Kizashi's 2.4 liter. The power steering on the Mazda was also hydraulic opposed to the Kizashi's electric power steering. The hydraulic steering systems deliver better road feedback and predictable steering. You kind of have to get used to electric power steering.
That being said, the Mazda was more like a go-cart compared to the Kizashi in both driving dynamics and comfort. It's suspension was definitely tuned more for handling than comfort and you felt a lot of bumps on the road. The seats were also a huge difference. Even my daily commute in traffic in the Mazda was wearing me out. In contrast, the Kizashi's seats are among the most comfortable I have ever experienced.
Though I loved my Mazda, it was time for something more comfortable and refined for the long run. After the Kizashi caught my eye, I researched obsessively until I found a good deal on an used one. One test drive later, I had to buy it.

I'd have to disagree with you on few things, I sometimes use to drive/babysit my old man's 2006 Mazda 3 (SP23 - Sport Version 2.3L engine manual) sedan while he was overseas, although it is a great car, it's no match to Kizashi in any type of comparison. Handling, acceleration and comfort are far superior in the Kizashi. I really disliked Mazda's manual as it was so notchy, clutch pedal spring was so hard, stop-go traffic felt like a chore. Acceleration was ok, but you'd have to go up in the revs to get more out of it (even my old man is complaining that 1st gear ratio is so short it’s almost useless). Handling was good, but steering was very over boosted; it gives false confidence and you only realize you took the corner faster than the car can handle once the front wheels start over steering. Seats aren’t too bad but not as comfortable as in the Kizashi.

Now moving onto Kizashi, the handling is far superior, it handles almost like the BMW. Kizashi’s clutch pedal is nice and soft, coupled with smooth and precise gear shifting (although I wish the throw was a bit shorter), it’s a lot of fun to drive even in stop-go traffic it feels very nice and comfortable (definitely not regretting getting a manual even though it’s for a daily drive). Acceleration is very good (7.4sec to 100km/h isn't bad), although it could use a bit more power (might turbocharge it when warrantry runs out lol. Suspension is very well tuned for comfort and handling (I didn’t even think it was possible to have both before I drove the Kizashi). Steering on the Kizashi feels very natural and very responsive; I had reserved thinking about electronic steering but after owning a Kizashi, I think it is fantastic.

Both cars are great, but the Kizashi is far superior in every possible way in my opinion.

Well, I can't say about your father's Mazda, but mine is in top notch condition with new iridium plugs, new O2 sensor, new MAF sensor, etc. It really just drives great and definitely has better acceleration than the Kizashi. The shifter on the Mazda is definitely notchy, but the shifts are shorter and more precise. It's definitely better for sporty driving as it allows faster shifts. Mazda is known for the feel of their shifters so no surprise there.
That being said, the clutch on the Kizashi is better as it's softer and easier to deal with, but it's also less precise. I can really feel my Mazda's clutch engagement. I never stall that car even on the steepest hills, parallel parked between cars.
Handling wise, I would say the Mazda is just more responsive, but the car is also smaller and lighter. I feel the difference in the hydraulic vs. electric steering. I finally understand what car reviewers mean when they say the vague or unpredictability of an electric power steering. That being said, the Kizashi is still an awesome handler, but I credit the chassis and suspension more than the steering system. I seem to have more fun throwing the Mazda into the curves on a windy road. Maybe with time, I will get more used to the Kizashi. The feeling of confidence is the key to handling limits.

To recap on the comparisons:
Power wise, my Mazda's got my Kizashi beat. My Kizashi is near new at 9000 miles and my Mazda's got 100,000 more, but I've recently tuned it up. The weight difference is the key factor, I think. The Mazda's VVT also kicks in at 4,000 to 4,500 rpm and it goes. I have yet to get that acceleration feel from the Kizashi's VVT. The acceleration is more smooth and gradual, but slower in the Kizashi.

Handling, the gap is closer as the Kizashi handles great, but the Mazda's handling is more natural and predictable in my opinion. It may just be a thing to get used to on the Kizashi.

Comfort, hands down Kizashi by a 100 fold. It's the main reason I wanted something other than my Mazda for the long run. The Kizashi's level of comfort was exactly what I desired.

Overall, the Kizashi is far more refined as a vehicle and would be a better long term keeper. It's an excellent blend of comfort and great handling, but a little shy on the power dept. I have no regret getting the Kizashi, but the Mazda was a fun car too.

I've owned a few Mazda's in my life and can tell you handling was a top priority in those cars. Maybe it's my age starting to show but I was able to do things to those cars I wouldn't feel comfortable doing in my Kizzy. But as Kuro said, it could just take some time. I currently have 7500 miles in this car. It took me 2 days before I was drifting in my Mazda RX7.