This car was purchased in order to have a reliable car that would need little maintenance and last a long time. After lots of studying and comparing different makes and models in the same class, I eventually drove the Mazda3. This was the only car on the test drive i didn't want to get out of! It has so much power and pep, it is lots of fun to drive. I drive a manual, so shifting and pedal feel is important. The drive is so smooth, not jerky or stiff.