I definetely agree-- very cool stuff. It's what Subaru should look like..

I totally agree on the subaru comment, it really looks like a rally car!

We're so starved in this country for good vehicles appropriate to the twenty-first century, that we get excited about anything that might be an improvement over the junk from which we have to choose.

My own enthusiasm for cool is for the Mercedes A-Class. It's a brilliant concept, beautifully executed. And, while incredibly it's a foot and a half shorter than the VW Golf, it has the interior space of a Mercedes C-Class and a louvered sunroof that stretches back over the rear compartment.

I've been a car fanatic all of my life, and I've owned VWs, including an early GTI, a Citroen GS, a FIAT 500, a Lancia Zagato, Porsche 356B, and, yes, a delightful Renault 5.

I've rented an A-Class twice on European trips. I would buy it in an instant were it available here, and I don't even want a car, since I live in downtown Manhattan.

Ford has made a concerted effort to improve the viability of their entry-level platform (Focus, Mazda 3, and Volvo S40). These new cars should send the rest of the auto industry into a frenzy in attempt to provide more with less. Although Mazda goes with some sporty designs, it fails to back it up with an engine worthy of the dramatic fascia and aggressive lines. Thankfully, Volvo has added a turbo five cylinder with 220 bhp. Plus, check out the cool center console thingy. www.allnews40.com One downside the girlfriend pointed out, was the cup holders in the Volvo are exposed allowing dirt and used kleenexes to collect (we all do it), however, the Mazda 3 has them covered. As always with Mazda, reliability will be an issue. Might want to wait a year to read long term reports.

I am about to buy a 3 because it looks so cool and the reviews have been quite favorable...and I have put 191,000 miles on my 92 protege. Mazda and reliability are pretty synonymous from my experience.

My dad and I went out this weekend and test drove the car. Though I enjoyed the comfortable ride and the relatively crisp shifts, I don't feel that the car has a lot of power. We were out on some back country roads and I brought the car to a complete halt. I said that I was going to gun it and so I did. The car didn't get off the line very well, but as soon as it hit the 4000 rpm mark, I could feel the variable valve timing kick in. Overall the acceleration felt a bit sluggish. Probably could be adjusted with some aftermarket products, but I would prefer a higher stock HP rating. I enjoyed the interior of the car, especially the gauge layout on the dash. The glove compartment is HUGE. As I read somewhere else, you literally could fit a laptop in there. Both the steering and suspension were pretty crisp. The car had an excellent turning radius, and I didn't feel uncomfortable taking the car at higher speeds. I enjoyed the telescopic steering column. Just allows you the make the car that much more comfortable to drive in. Overall a good car.

Pros; Good styling, good handling, good placement of buttons for various functions.

Cons; Could use more horsepower, with optional 6 speed manual.

Also, their claims on the ABS system made me question why I was able to lock up a rear wheel from a 50-0 mph stop causing a tire squeal. It just made me wonder why they claim that their ABS is soo good.

God Damn! the Mercedes A-class has got to be the ugliest car in existance, save for maybe the honda element...it looks like a cross between a swift and a god damn ford arrowstar...blech! now the mazda 3, specifically the 5 door is a beautiful car. stricktly speaking asthetics here, it may not have the power of a malibu or a 626, or what? a 6 but it is a fine looking vehicle...especially when you have it in that eye-catching electric blue!

I don't know about this new Mazda styling. That inverted third window reminds me of an '87 Cougar (that's not a good thing). I would much prefer the Subaru WRX over a Madza any day, with more style, gusto, and all-around-appeal! It's a valiant effort on behalf of Mazda, which has been producing some of the most uninteresting cars for quite some time. Protege... ICK! 626... DULLSVILLE!... Millenia... BLAH!

My dad got me the new 04' Mazda 3 S 5-door. Let me tell you...It's sweet. It looks like a cross breed of a Nissan Murano and a Mitsubishi Lancer. It's acceleration is good, and I can feel some power. I'm glad it has a steptronic transmission because it's incredibly fun to drive...you should see that baby at night...the red and blue lights on the odometer and the center console...Whew!!! It's a beaut. NO doubt... You better get one.