2010 Mazda 3

By Chuck Giametta

What's new about the 2010 Mazda 3? All-new styling defined by a scary Jack Nicholson-as-the-Joker grille highlights an update to this spry compact car. The Mazda 3 comes as a sedan and four-door hatchback with 148 or 167 horsepower and as the pocket-rocket 263-horsepower turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3; each has a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive.    

Should I Consider It? Yes. It’s not cutting-edge in every department, but the Mazda 3 is sportier than most compacts, and the hatchbacks are sensible and even a little sexy. 

2010 Mazda 3 Release Date: On sale now

BASE PRICE: $15,715 sedan, $19,900 hatchback, $23,865 Mazdaspeed 3