Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Mazda3

“I have been living with the new 2010 Mazda3 Grand Touring with six-speed manual transmission for just over a week. The best way to describe it is by describing what it is not. It is not a gas miser, although it did get 32 mpg on a long trip for me (if you are into high mileage go get yourself an econobox with a lawn mower engine). It is not a sports car. It is not an RX-8 or even close to it. But it does not require premium gas, $1,500 tires or outrageous insurance. What this car does do is deliver a sports-car like driving experience. For a compact car, it is fun to drive, and that is the reason I bought it.

“I got the Bose speaker system but not the navigation system. There are much better aftermarket navigation systems for less money. The same can be said for satellite radio if you are into that. I am not a fan of automatic transmissions and mine has the six-speed shifter. But if you are going to drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic every day the automatic would be a better choice. While the manual shifts very well with short throws, I did find myself hunting gears on occasion.

“The 2.5-liter has plenty of power for a car of this size and weight. The leather seats are a vast improvement over previous editions. The suspension system feels a bit stiff, as it should for this type of car, but be aware that you will feel the road. It can be a bit tiring on long trips down the poorly maintained interstate systems in this country. At 80 mph this car does not like broken pavement and potholes! Overall, the ride quality is better and quieter than previous editions of this car.

“I really like the cabin layout. Mazda put a lot of thought into that, and it works very well if you are into a driver’s car. The fit and finish is the best I have ever seen on a car of this class and type. I think the car looks sharp. There has been a lot said about its looks. You either like it or you don’t. I like it. And the more I drive it the better I like it.”

2010|Mazda|Mazda3