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As our Four Seasons Mazda 3 continues to accumulate miles, it's also picking up a wealth of positive praise for its engaging personality. In a Goldilocks moment, assistant editor David Zenlea finds the 3 to be just right, bookending it between a subcompact Honda Fit and mid-size Mazda 6.inline_mediumwraptextright25451990/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/0909_2010_mazda3_s_sport_5_door_september_update0910_04_z+2010_mazda3_s_sport+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

If the EV-N and EV Cub concepts are a blast out of Honda's past, the Skydeck concept, which also debuts at the 2009 Tokyo motor show, is almost like looking into the future.

If this looks familiar, take a closer look. Yes, Honda is still calling the CR-Z on display at the 2009 Tokyo motor show a "concept," but this instance is very close to the production model due in 2010.

While Honda's concepts for the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show showcase future technologies, they're also firmly rooted in the company's past.

I envy the lucky kids who are fortunate enough to own one of these cars, and not just because they're several decades younger than this old codger. In terms of safe and enjoyable speed, there is no finer ride than a Honda with a capital S somewhere in its name. You get a wild engine that revs to the stars, a shifter/clutch combo that's a joy to exercise, and a stylish yet functional interior and exterior. Consumption of precious natural resources and environmental impact are both modest in every version of the Honda Civic. The only detail I'd change is a location swap between the speedometer and the tachometer to give the rev counter the top billing it deserves. The $25,000 price for a new Si is a bit steep for my budget, but overall this is the perfect reward for model children of any age.inline_mediumwraptextright26395990/reviews/editors_notebook/0909_2009_honda_civic_si_coupe0909_01_z+2009_honda_civic_si_coupe+side_view.jpgTrue

The Specs