The Mazda 3 is a great car, but the front end always looks to me like a racist anti-Japanese caricature's from WW2 ads and comic books. See: http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&safe ... 61&bih=555

Transward

I had an '88 Mazda MX-6 and kept it for 18 years and about 120,000miles. Excellent gas mileage, always around 30 in suburbs and 35+ on the highway. No major problems. They are good cars.

Neighbor has been running a Mazda (Ford) 1996 pickup 4WD. He's replaced so many parts since he bought it new, he's spent as much on repairs as he originally paid for it. That may be the Ford heritage, or the 4WD, which is always 4 times the maintenance. Of course, an older pickup isn't the same as a new car....

It appears that the Miata must be effective for picking up teen boys.

At least that's the impression I get from drivers I've met.

I have a 3 with 180,000 miles. It runs as well as it did new. The only problem I ever had was if I let it get out of alignment. When that happened it went through tires and breaks too fast. Mine is a 5 speed, with the upgrade package (Sun roof, good stereo, heated seats.) WHen this one goes, I'll most likely get another one.