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At the end of February, we sent our 3 in for a scheduled service visit. The dealer performed an oil change, rotated the tires and inspected the battery, fluids, and belts for a total cost of $54.37. As with previous visits, everything checked out fine and our Mazda continues with a flawless reliability record and affordable dealer services. Now, with spring just showing its face in Michigan, we need to swap out the winter tires on the 17-inch aluminum wheels. In their place, we'll remount the factory Yokohama Avid S34 tires. It's been a long winter for our Mazda 3 drivers as the Continental Extreme Winter Contacts compromised ride, handling, and straight-line stability. Adding to the frustration was a relatively mild winter with only a few snow dumps where we really wanted snow tires.inline_mediumwraptextright26071457/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1003_2010_mazda_mazda3_s_sport_5_door_march_20100911_09_z+2010_mazda3_vS_mazdaspeed3+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

With the arrival of a long-term Volkswagen GTI at 120 East Liberty Street, the Mazda 3 faces increased pressure to impress us. The GTI is our 2010 Automobile of the Year and comparisons between the two compact hatches are inevitable.inline_mediumwraptextright2009 Mazda3 Sport Five-Door27057194/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1003_2010_mazda3_s_sport_5_door_february_update1003_02_z+2009_mazda3_sport+side_view_in_snow.jpgTrue