 I traded my 2008 Mazda3 GT for this 2010 Mazda3 GT and the improvements are obvious and immediately noticeable. Better transmission, Handling, Build, road noise/manners, just everything. Initially hardcore Mazda3 people like me almost hated this car just based on LOOKS ONLY. That passed and now it's beautiful as I realize it's as close to a perfectly built car as exists in ANY class for ANY price. The competition is laughable in specs and build and here's 1 reason why- Totoya Corlla-built- Canada/Indiana/USA,Honda Civic-built- Indiana/USA, Nissan Sentra-built- Mexico?, Thats one BIG reason but this car belongs in comparison to Lexus Is250, BMW3, MBZ-C, It's even better than those for the money. 