This was the first brand new car I purchased in my life (after 8-9 used cars for about a decade prior); it is easily the best car I've ever had. This car has been everything from a daily commute car, a cross-country trip car, and a work car used to transport heavy tools or equipment (which it is not built for but it performs admirably at). I do most of my own car work and in 8 years the most intensive repair the car has needed is a new alternator. While it's age is beginning to show it has held up very well; even when I've submitted it to a lot of punishment. I have put almost 260,000 miles on this car and I didn't even opt for the model with cruise control. Its been all over the eastern half of the US (cold, hot, wet, dry, high altitude, low altitude, rural, city, etc.) and it has never given me any trouble. I honestly can't recommend this car enough.

So far the Mazda 3 has stood up to quality standards that others have harped upon. Even though the sedan isn't as expensive or flashy as the more expensive brethren like BMW or Mercedes it adds little comforts that give it some elegance. So far the fuel economy and performance has been outstanding. Even in the slippery conditions, the ABS kicks into action and prevents slippage. The climate control and center console take time to get accustomed to, but once you are comfortable it becomes second nature. The only bad thing I have issues with are the noise road levels. The tires hitting the road echo throughout the car during drives. New tires may resolve the issue. More to come on that. Otherwise, no complaints and the car handles smoothly throughout.