Any version of Mazda's compact sedan pleases with its blend of sporty steering and responsive handling. The S versions are especially fun to drive, benefiting from larger wheels and tires, better brake feel, and additional horsepower. Extracting the most entertainment from a 3 means opting for the manual transmission, as either available engine is subdued by the available automatic. Fuel economy is another high point, with one test S with manual transmission averaging 27.1 mpg. Passenger accommodations, front and rear, are about average for the class. Taller rear-seat passengers will prefer the hatchback and its addition inch of headroom. And though both body styles rank about average in class for quietness, testers found noise levels slightly elevated in hatchback versions. A smallish trunk limits cargo options on sedans, while the hatchback's relatively spacious storage area is augmented by a useful storage tray.

Value for the Money
Though not the quickest-accelerating compact cars, all Mazda 3s excel for sporty driving fun. They also deliver solid build quality and a pleasant, efficient interior package. Fun seekers are advised to pass up the automatic transmission in favor of the smooth 5-seed manual.