The Tee To Green D-R-I-V-E of the WEEK:

 2010 MazdaSpeed3

   D -  Drivability:  9

What I liked:  This baby lives up to it's name.  It is quick, and if it's speed you want, the MazdaSpeed3 delivers.   Do Not confuse this vehicle with the Mazda3, it's mainstream, middle of the road first cousin.  With a quick vehicle, you want to feel in control.  The Speed3 hugs the road nicely and handled itself well in bad weather (slushy roads)

What I didn't like:  Pretty low to the ground, but it helps with the handling.  Takes some getting used to.  Ride was a bit noisy.  The interior is pretty basic.  Lots of plastic, very generic. 

       R -  Rideability:  8.5

What I liked:  If you like small to mid-sized sporty vehicles, this is probably tops in it's class.  Turning, steering, shifting, pick-up, braking.  It's all there, great response.  Fun to drive.  5-star frontal crash rating for driver and passenger.  5-stars for front seat-side crash. 

What I didn't like:  More legroom than headroom.  Not a lot of room, front & back. 

I -  Image: 8.5

The MazdaSpeed3 looks fast even when it isn't moving.  The "grinning" grill is a polarizing feature.  You either like it or hate it.  Overall, it's pretty stylish for it's class with looks that will appeal to a 20 year old or a 60 year old.  Zoom, Zoom!

V -  Value:  8.0

Base price:  $23K.  Fully loaded:  $25,600 (MSRP)  This is a good 25-thousand dollar car.  It hangs in there nicely with the Subaru Impreza WRX, the VW GTI, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 and the Lancer Evolution from Mitsubishi.

     E -  Economy:  7.5

18mpg in the city.  25mpg on the highway.  Unleaded regular.  EPA estimated annual fuel cost (based on $2.80 per gallon) = $1,999.   With a 16 valve, 4 cyl. engine, I'm suprised it doesn't do better, but you're trading mpg for quickness and speed.

TOTAL: 41.5  (out of 50)