It isn't just the ugly front that has people looking for something else.
It is the entire design.
Those "cateye" tailights you speak of are more fisheye looking than cateye.
59 chevy's had the cateye tailights.
The "new" body lines on the sides make the car look disproportionate.
I think it would be a safe bet saying we owners of the last generation 3 are more than happy with our choice.
As for the front end of the 2010 making it look like a racer, I think you have your spelling a little mixed up there.
Shouldn't you have said ricer?
Of course it is personal choice, and everyone likes something different but it would appear the status quo feel the 2010 Mazda 3, especially the hatchback is just plain butt ugly.
Man I am thrilled that I have my 06.
People are always telling me what a great looking car it is.
All I have heard from those (you excluded) that have seen the 2010 "3 "in person say exactly what I have been saying all along, it is an ugly car.
Just a short story here, then I will post this.
You stated above our cars look like a six year old design.
Sometimes a six, or even longer design is good.
Case in point, the Dodge Dakota pickup, (I bought my 2003 in the summer of 2002)
In 1997 They came out with a new style.
People loved it, so Dodge carried it over for another 7 years.
During that time, Dakota sales skyrocketed.
Some fool in design decided to mess with what prooved to be a sales bonanza, and for 2005 Dakota sales dropped dramatically.
This model year 2009, is the last of the Dakota line.
A change in style spelled disaster for the truck.
The very same may well happen to the Mazda 3.
Design change is not always a good thing.
I would certainly not call buying an ugly example of design gone haywire "getting with the times" as you call it.
Bob.

 

great way to put it, i guess hes just living in denial, anyway its more than just a missing harness clip the HARNESS its self is too short and Mazdas poor excuse for engine mounts (a string of rubber bands is more like it) so when that engine rocks back fourth that wiring is getting stretched and will most likely cause electrical failure if that becomes more apparent then i assume that Mazda has also hired someone from VW or Audi to do the wiring.

So now u have car that looks like a botox operation gone wrong in the front, an *** end that pretty much copied and pasted the new lancers (sedans) and the doors they probably pulled from an 08 Accord or TSX, with wiring issues...yea that sounds like a winner

 

A winner??? I've been to my share of fairs, many of them run-down and straight dirty...but they would not even consider that a winner. LOL

 

I love my speed3. And I love that it smiles. I have never been this excited over a car before. I'm just glad I don't have to modify anything for once. The cars just fast and sexy off the lot.

 

Different strokes for different folks.
Bob.

 

And you call yourself a car guy.
When the newness wears off a bit, you'll get tired of how it is now and want to improve upon it. Most do... eventually.
Hi, and welcome CodHolocaust! Congrats on the new ride also.
Post pics when you have a chance. Or you can create an album or a "garage" for your pictures and current, or intended mods.

 

The outsides a done deal. Im only 21 I have to pay this car off for the next 6 years. No money for modding besides a Chip/Flash what ever you folks call it over here and TB exhaust. Cant go any lower cause of the drive way so I'm good to go.

 

I try not to complain too much about the 2010. I fell in love with mazda in 05, when my car was purchased. It's a solid, nimble car with a great interior and exterior. When my car goes, I will purchase another 3, even if it looks like a blowfish. As long as all the qualities of my 3 have stayed the same or improved.

Now when i read someone saying it's a 6 year old design and to get with the times, i get a little ticked. I went to the dealership and took a good look at the 2010. I had to check the dealership sign to make sure i wasn't at the Toyota dealer, because the car looks like a new Matrix! Like stated before, the back is clearly taken from the lancer, which was taken from the IS. I know automakers take design cues from other cars, but come on mazda. I went to a friend's house recently, who never saw my car, and he liked my car a lot. When i told him it was an 05 he said that it looked like an 08-09 model car. I have also been told that my car looks like a futuristic electric car. I laughed but felt flattered. Whenever i walk to my car i can always find it because it sticks out. The 04-09 have a smooth, but aggressive look. They look fast, and always look like they're moving. Instead of the "hello how are you doing" look of the 2010, they have a the "get out of my way, or i will make you get out of my way!" look.

Yeah the design is 6 years old, but it's still fresh.

 

If you look at the rear 3/4 view of the 2010 Mazda 3, it kinda looks like a Hyundai. I'll pass.

http://www.hyundai-elantra.info/imag...ra-923093.jpeg

 

I just bought my Mazda 3 and am very impressed all around. Lets face it, in today's sub-20k automobile market, there isn't much for a tasteful design. I think Mazda did a reasonably well job at designing a more aggressive car then the previous design. Now anytime you come out of the box with an aggressive design, your going to have "hits" and "misses". I'm not going to say that I'm entirely happy with the sharp sidewall line into a largely rolled front fender, but overall I don't think it's a "hideous" design or a "disgrace" to the previous Mazda lineup.

IMO, the previous Mazda 3 had a feminine look as did the previous Jettas (which I do not like period, old or new). Either way I think these will sell better than the previous models, but Hey only time will tell.