Mazda Mazda3 Overview

The Mazda3 compact is available for 2011 as sedan or 5-door hatchback. The sedan-only 3i (SV, Sport and Touring trims) comes with the base engine, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 148 hp, mated to 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. Upgrading to the 3s (in Sport or Grand Touring trims), available in sedan hatchback body styles, brings a 2.5-liter 167-hp inline 4-cylinder and either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Mazda3's claim to fame in a competitive compact car segment is its handling prowess, providing an exciting, firmly sprung ride thanks to its well-calibrated MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.

Though it is both quick and nimble, the 3 can't match the fuel economy of newer competitors like the Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic: 25 city/33 highway mpg for the 2.0 manual, 24/33 mpg for the 2.0 automatic, 20/28 mpg for the 2.5 manual and 22/29 mpg for the 2.5 automatic. Pricing starts at $15,800 for the sedan and $20,045 for the hatchback.