Listen to some automakers, and you might think that conventional automatic transmissions are obsolete and inferior—and to be replaced by continuously variable (CVT)... August 10, 2011 by Bengt Halvorson
Mazda has long been known for emphasizing engineering, being a little quirky, and emphasizing driving enjoyment across all its products in a way we don't see from bigger... August 9, 2011 by Bengt Halvorson
It's been a busy 24 hours for teasers: the 2013 Lexus GS shows its new face (barely). [MotorAuthority] Lotus unveils the Final Edition 2011 Elise and Exige. [MotorAuthority]... August 5, 2011 by Nelson Ireson
J.D. Power and Associates released a new report last week ranking Volvo in the number one spot, ahead of Mercedes in a survey of Customer Satisfaction in the German marque's... June 21, 2011 by Tom Pease 1
Here's the 2012 Mazda Mazda3, a mid-cycle refresh of the current compact sedan, joined on stage at the New York auto show by the production-bound Minagi concept crossover... April 21, 2011 by Marty Padgett 2
The 2010 Mazda3 has plenty of competition, but the editors from TheCarConnection.com chose these based on size, refinement, and sportiness.
Ford’s Focus is a solid choice but doesn’t offer the refinement of the Mazda3 or the availability of high-end options.
It beats the Mazda3 in fuel economy and for the convenience of a Ford dealer in every town.
The Honda Civic is likely to be the most cross-shopped with the Mazda3, and if you want a coupe, it will win out, as Mazda doesn’t offer one.
The Toyota Corolla was all-new for 2009, and while it is available in a sporty XRS package, it doesn’t compare to the Mazda3 in styling or driving fun.
If price and warranty are your primary concerns, the Hyundai Elantra continues to evolve into an attractive alternative, though it's less entertaining to drive.