 Traded in 2000 Contour SVT and this Mazda blows it away! Zippy, quick turn-in, and extremely predictable, even in Minnesota winter driving. The Mazda3 has incredible value for this class - for under $20k it offers niceties like heated seats, nav system, rain-sensing wipers, tire-pressure monitor, electroluminescent gauges, automatic climate control and xenon headlights. No other car in the compact class offers that kind of value. The exterior offers 17 inch 5-spoke wheels with brake-assist and EBD. 