 After 8 months with my Mazda 3 Grand Touring sedan I am still extremely happy with my purchase. Of the 5 cars I have owned over my lifetime this is the best car I have owned. The fun to drive quotient of this car should be the benchmark in its class.It does mean a firmer ride but for myself it is in no way objectionable. The interior features are astounding.Bluetooth,Bose stereo,heated seats,leather, etc.make for a very nice place to be.Overall you cannot go wrong with the Mazda 3,it is definitely a worthwhile competitor in the segment and in my opinion leaps and bounds better than the Civic and Corolla.