2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2010 Mazda 3 Five-Door

That smile is the best!
Unfortunately everyone's going to buy the Ford Taurus!

The smile is really starting to grow on me. :)

When do we get the Mazda2?

I want to love the Mazdas, but the styling is too fussy for me. At least they're not boring.

Ehh, not a fan of the new styling at all. I thought the hatchback might save it, but it really didn't. If I ever go for a Mazdaspeed3, it will be a used 09 or earlier model.

The smile is goofy.
It is Japanese goofy.
Since it is Japanese goofy, it is a cool design element.

Happiness is the best.
However in America it seems cool to be sad, indifferent, apathetic.

Sad is not cool children. Depression causes serious social and health problems and takes an enormous toll on productivity lost to the society.
Be happy. Drive a Mazda3 next year.

Not again! 2.0 is by far the better engine. It is a real shame that Mazda chose to offer the hatch with the thrashy 2.5l only :-(

Bummer about the Mazda3 hatch...

The first photo reminds me of the old Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth Neon "Hi." ads. :o)

The 2nd photo from the rear 3/4 view resembles either a Toyota Matrix or a mini-van shape not unlike the mazda5. It could just be the photo but this is not a good thing.

I was thinking something similar, technov.

"The 2nd photo from the rear 3/4 view resembles either a Toyota Matrix"

Exactly my first comment......bring back the old design!

That is one of the ugliest front ends I have ever seen.

Mazda's cars were some of the classiest, best looking cars on the road. Somebody find out who green lighted that look and send them back to Nissan where they clearly came from.

its not a good look. The current car has a perfect front end.

Yeah I really can't get over that ridiculous face. Usually styling isn't a make or break thing for me, but this poor car looks like a cartoon character.

POK-E-MON!!

Gotta catch 'em all! (or maybe not)

Terrible looking from all angles. I know the press will make excuses for this ridiculous redesign but the car is just plain ugly. I've owned two Mazda3 hatches ('05 and '07) and would never even consider the new based on looks alone. The front end simply cannot be excused so I won't waste my breath. The rising beltline does not work on a car this small and the front fender flare are egregious and incongruent. As someone mentioned, the back now looks like the Matrix which is a bad thing and the rear lights are cartoonish. Also, why is the car 4" longer on the same sized wheelbase? Increased overhangs make it look even more ridiculous and the rims are corny. If the economy stays bad, I guess I'll be holding onto my car a lot longer which the crappy designs automakers are releasing.

On top of that, Mazda did nothing to improve the fuel economy. 22/29 is a joke for a supposed "economy" car when the bigger Mazda 6 and much heavier Mazda6 gets superior mileage. What gives? I think the four banger Accord, Camry, Sonota, Fusion, Altima and Malibu all get better mileage with more power and much higher curb weights. Mazda dropped the ball and I hope this car flops.

It is a bit of a crazy smile especially on the 3. But it's sporty and daring. I kinda like it! It grows on ya. No one will ever mistake a Mazda for anything else. Economy cars tend to be boring and too similar. I think the 3 will sell well partly because it looks so much different than everything else. Just look at the quality you can buy in such a small package! When all other car companies are following Toyota with bland, boring cars, Mazda is breaking out and making something truly original but not too tacky. Although it's a bit funky, it still looks upscale and sporty. Props! Mazda has always been sort of a weird niche company. They're the ones obsessed with the Wankel for goodness sake. Not only that, Mazdas are also known for their handling and sporty nature. It's nice that they can reflect their company spirit in the design of their cars and buck the boring trend. Two thumbs up!