We are buying a new Hyundai Genesis, but didn't get a chance to complete the purchase before our 2-week drive around Lake Michigan. So, we decided to rent a compact car.

Avis gave us a 2014 Madza3 with Mazdaspeed 4-door sedan. It is a great car. The best part is that it takes regular gas and averages over 40 mpg on the highway. It also allows me to connect (via USB connection) my iPod Classic and see the song titles/albums, etc. on the front console. It has an automatic transmission, but I haven't missed not having to shift. This is the first Madza that I have ever driven and I am very impressed with the car.

We visted with a friend in Madison Wi, and he has a new Lexus CT200 hybrid and he was surprised that my mileage with the Madza3 was about what he was getting with his car.

 

Thanks for the report. Rentals are a great way to test out cars that interest you.

 

I wanted to try renting a hybrid car like the Prius, but they didn't have one in stock. It would have cost twice as much if they had one...and it turned out that the highway mileage would have been similar.