Mazda

I almost didn't bother going to the Mazda dealership.  They've been in an "It's Complicated" with Ford for the better part of a decade, and most of their cars are built on existing Ford platforms.  This is the case with the two Mazda cars I was interested in - the 2 and 3.  Since I'd already tried the Ford equivalents (Fiesta and Focus, respectively) and found them to be lacking in the space department, I didn't hold out much hope for the Japanese versions.  Turns out, it was worth the trip.


2
Though built on the same platform as (and sharing many parts with) the Ford Fiesta, the Mazda 2 is actually a bit roomier.  It's definitely easier to get in and out.  The deal killer, though, is that the semi-detached column from which gear shift sprouts intrudes too far into the space where my right leg would comfortable occupy.  No worries, the 3 more than made up for it.


3
I don't know how Mazda did it, but the 3 is much better for big people than its brother, the Ford Focus.  Getting out was somehow easier than getting in, but both were significantly better than the Focus (or most of the other cars I've tested).  The interior was nice, and the adjustable (tilt and telescoping) wheel made thing extra-easy.  The seats were plain, but comfortable enough and had lots of adjustments.  I could definitely drive this car every day, and it is on my short list of finalists.