As you all know I was in the market for a SUV, but I really didn't like any of the SUV's out there. I test drove and really liked the cx-7 mazda crossover, its a really great car. Only problem was, I drove the Mazdaspeed 3 the same day and fell in love with it. It has a TON of space, the trunk looks about twice as big as the one on the VW GTI. When all was said and done I got it for 23k, its not an suv but it has plenty of space for me, my girlfriend, our two giant dogs, and any possible future additions to our family, and the best part, its fast as ALL HELL. If you guys don't know, its a 2.3 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder engine with 263 hp (most powerful fwd car ever sold in the u.s. I believe) a lsd, and a six speed transmission. The steering feel, brake feel and handling are all amazing, its a much more balanced car than my xfire and the interior looks a lot more updated, including a built in ipod connection. The only bad part is the torque steer, which is massive, the front wheels pull back and forth like two giants arm wrestling, and everyone knows I hate fwd cars. I just could not find anything rwd with this type of speed and utility, plus the insurance is very reasonable and it gets 30 mpg (if I can keep my foot off the go pedal).

Its only been two hours, but I love the car, I think it fits my personality a little better even if it isn't rwd. When the car is paid off in five years I will probably rip the interior of this thing apart and turn it into my track car.

I'll post pictures tomorrow, right now its time for a drive!!

 

Congrats Mike... Glad to hear you found something you really like.

Take care of that pretty lady!!!

 

If you're talking about Mazda, it is the most powerful. The new Impala SS holds the title for most powerful FWD. 300 hp. I was surprised it wasn't RWD.

 

Mike, congrats on your new ride. It sounds like a lot of fun. I can't help but say;
zoom, zoom, zoom...

 

Sounds fun. I doubt that it would have a lot of polish, but it certainly has enough power.

 

x'ed - I dig the Mazdaspeed 3. Utility, speed, reliability, etc.
Nice choice. Hope you enjoy.