First Drive: 2010 Mazda Mazda3

Mazda’s redesigned, re-energized superstar challenges the competition in every way, shape and form.
By Evan Griffey of MSN Autos.

Mazda has always infused its vehicles with a passion for driving. Its “Zoom-Zoom” commercials are more mission statement than marketing slogan. The Mazda3 is the automaker’s best-selling vehicle, tallying 33 percent of the company’s sales worldwide and a whopping 44 percent in North America.

First Drive: 2009 Nissan cube

The original box makes its way to our shores with quirky-fun styling intact.
By James Tate of MSN Autos.

Although it may seem just another entry into the exploding “box car” segment, the 2009 Nissan cube could actually be the originator.
Entering its third generation, the extreme-styled cube has been sold in Japan since 1998. Now, Nissan has finally deemed it ready for U.S. consumption.

First Drive: 2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

The lovable second-gen MINI Cooper finally goes topless.
By James Tate of MSN Autos

It may be hard to tell, but BMW's highly acclaimed remake of the MINI Cooper is now in its second generation, and the convertible version is finally here as well. The roofless version of the nimble compact was a smash hit in its last generation, having sold 164,000 units worldwide. Now based on the slightly sleeker body and stiffer chassis of the latest MINI Cooper, the new convertible is aiming to be just as successful.

Independent Service Is More Satisfying

More customers are satisfied with the work of independent mechanics than with that of dealership mechanics.
By the Editors of Consumer Reports

People who took their car to an independent mechanic for maintenance were generally more satisfied than those who went to a dealership, according to our survey involving 349,000 vehicles.
Eighty-four percent of owners reported being very satisfied with maintenance performed at independent shops compared with 77 percent at dealerships. But they were more satisfied with the dealer service of some car brands than of others

X-Bow Debuts ,Sport bike company KTM builds a four-wheeler with exciting results. By Brian Laban

When KTM boss Stefan Pierer describes the X-Bow as “the world’s most exhilarating car,” you wouldn’t dismiss the statement out of hand; just looking at it, you know that it has all the right ingredients at least to be on the short-list. And it might be the first four-wheeled product from a company best known for its sporting motor bikes, but you can see that they clearly know what they’re doing even with twice the wheel-count.

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Quick Facts
MSRP Price Range:
$14,990 - $23,425
Invoice Price Range:
$14,540 - $22,371
Rebates/Incentives:
Available
Expert Rating:
8.1 out of 10
User Rating:
9.1 out of 10

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Last Ferrari F430 Heads to Auction

The final Ferrari F430 to roll off the production line in Maranello, Italy will be auctioned off to benefit the central Italian region of Abruzzo, which was devastated by an earthquake last month.

Ferrari will work with local authorities to distribute the funds.
The car will be sold at the RM auction, called the Leggenda e Passione event, Sunday on the grounds of the company's factory.
The car will get a two-tone livery styled in the traditional colors of Aquila, the city hit hardest by the quake. The car comes with a certificate from Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
The winning bidder will get to go to Ferrari HQ in Maranello to choose the final specs for the F430, and it can be equipped with optional features from the company's Carrozzeria Scaglietti catalogue.
The F430 has been a defining car for Ferrari, which it touts as the peak of its development of mid-engine V8 berlinettas. Its pumps out 490 hp, 343 lb-ft of torque and can reach 62 mph in four seconds. The F430 was first launched in 2004.
The electronic differential is derived from Ferrari's Formula One program and provides maximum grip in turns. The gearbox also comes from F1. The estimated sticker is more the $192,000