I just bought a Mazda3 05'. I have to admit this was my second choice, but once I saw the car, I moved it to the top of the list, except the seats don't lay flat as the Toyota Matrix. The Mazda by far is a finer car, more elegant than the Matrix, and quieter. It doesn't have as much plastic.

I go on road trips (solo) once in a while. I'd prefer doing "car camping", but on the Mazda3 is not as roomy as the Matrix. The thing that I like about the Matrix is that the back seats can go pretty flat.

So I'm wondering if any other Mazda3 owners have done some car camping. I tried to lay down, and even after folding down the front passenger's seat I have lay down in an angle, and there's a gap between the front/back seat.

I know that with the Matrix it would fit an inflatable single mattress. I don't think I could with the Mazda3. But I'm willing to use a pad/sleeping bag. Any suggestions?

 

I can fit a 6ft foam mattress in my BL hatch. Push the front seats forward, fold down the rear seats, bingo.

 

Wow that sounds encouraging. Its hard to believe because the Mazda is a bit shorter than the Matrix or to fit an air mattress. I will go to the store and get the measurements from the box.

As far as the back seats folded down, they don't stay flat. I remember that when I laid down with the back seats down, and the passenger down I had to lay down in angle because I'd not fit and I'm only 5 6"

Do you have a photo with your air mattress placed in the back of the car by any chance Thanks