I liked the style and performance from it being stock. Makes power really easy, and turns heads everywhere I go from the sound of the exhaust to the sound of the turbo. Shifts really smooth and needs nothing. I like this car

Performance: 4 cylinder turbo is all I have to say, with tuning capabilities. The Japanese just left it wide open for you to mess with it Build Quality: Pretty good for a sports car under 20K price range. Appearance: Stock, meh... looks sharp to me. Cost of ownership: Minimal maintenance so far, just 1 major engine recall/TSB that Mazda took care of under power train warranty (70k miles). Fun factor: Holy S#!t.... Never owned/driven a turbo'ed car and damn is the thing fun, especially when you start modifying it.

Handles good for FWD, slower than the Z in the corners, but picks up quick. Stock options are ok, but needs some aftermarket items to really uncork the stock turbo. Cold air intake and FMIC are a must. Cobb Tuning Access Port is another must have. Best overall FWD fun to drive hatch around.

Best Bang for the Buck. First in class overall in performance. Acceleration, braking , handling make this a fun car. It is also a practical car with the hatchback design. Ride is firm but not uncomfortable, MPG is good for performance car (18 to 31MPG) depending on how heavy you foot is. No problems in over a year. Needed more room so no longer own. Two years and no problems with the Speed3. Great car.

All the fun of a Mazda 3 with a bonus 100 HP. Even better handling and feel than a regular 3. And it doesn't scream racer. One badge on the back is all that tells the tale. And it hauls my two kids and a stroller no problem. 5.5 0-60 grocery getter. Oh yea, and because of the Carpocolypse, I paid 20k for it. New. Just ridiculous.