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I would recommend Mazda vehicles. Their entire lineup offers a small set of effective and minimally intrusive digital/smart features. But, outside of that, the

by screye 5y ago

I would recommend Mazda vehicles. Their entire lineup offers a small set of effective and minimally intrusive digital/smart features. But, outside of that, they keep it simple. The no-touchscreen is a much safer way to interact with the vehicle, and afaik they have stuck to the traditional 'car' formula. Most of their cars can be purchased in manual and have pretty good driving mechanics for a honda/toyota competitor. The Mazda 3 Hatch, is IMO the best deal in cars right now.

rmk 5y ago
Having driven some of the older models ('10-'12 sedans), I found their transmission/gear shifting not as refined as Hondas from the same period. They do strike a decent balance between digital and physical, though.
ics 5y ago
Owner of a more recent Mazda3 hatchback here. For the last few years I've driven many different makes and models either for work or as rentals on vacation and would agree that they're one of the best if you're looking for a new car. Looks great, feels great, and all of the tech seems carefully considered and balanced. The closest thing to a complaint would be that I do prefer an analogue gauge cluster, but the digital display is tasteful and after driving I rarely even notice that it's on a screen. Before purchasing, I was really looking for a hybrid or PHEV but nothing came close to feeling right in the same way. If Mazda offered exactly the same car that wasn't ICE, I would probably sell and buy again in an instant.
joshu 5y ago
it is also an extremely nice looking car. and mazda reliability seems to be going upward.
aidenn0 5y ago
I love my Mazda 3 hatch. Only thing I wish I could do is turn off blind-spot alerts without turning off rear-cross-traffic. There's enough traffic where I live that former beeps every time I put my signal on before 11pm, while the latter is extremely useful.
grvdrm 5y ago
Happy owner of 21 Mazda CX-5. Agreed completely that they keep it simple. And hide a lot of tech under the hood. I also own an X5 and my CX-5 actually has more tech, but it’s more accessible. +1 for Mazda.
ecf 5y ago
I’m getting bi-weekly letters from the dealership asking to buy my 2017 Mazda 3 hatch for only $3,000 less than what I paid for it back in 2018. It’s crazy out there right now.

by screye 5y ago

rmk 5y ago

Having driven some of the older models ('10-'12 sedans), I found their transmission/gear shifting not as refined as Hondas from the same period. They do strike a decent balance between digital and physical, though.

ics 5y ago

Owner of a more recent Mazda3 hatchback here. For the last few years I've driven many different makes and models either for work or as rentals on vacation and would agree that they're one of the best if you're looking for a new car. Looks great, feels great, and all of the tech seems carefully considered and balanced. The closest thing to a complaint would be that I do prefer an analogue gauge cluster, but the digital display is tasteful and after driving I rarely even notice that it's on a screen. Before purchasing, I was really looking for a hybrid or PHEV but nothing came close to feeling right in the same way. If Mazda offered exactly the same car that wasn't ICE, I would probably sell and buy again in an instant.

joshu 5y ago

it is also an extremely nice looking car. and mazda reliability seems to be going upward.

aidenn0 5y ago

I love my Mazda 3 hatch. Only thing I wish I could do is turn off blind-spot alerts without turning off rear-cross-traffic. There's enough traffic where I live that former beeps every time I put my signal on before 11pm, while the latter is extremely useful.

grvdrm 5y ago

Happy owner of 21 Mazda CX-5. Agreed completely that they keep it simple. And hide a lot of tech under the hood. I also own an X5 and my CX-5 actually has more tech, but it’s more accessible. +1 for Mazda.

ecf 5y ago

I’m getting bi-weekly letters from the dealership asking to buy my 2017 Mazda 3 hatch for only $3,000 less than what I paid for it back in 2018. It’s crazy out there right now.