Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

A sporty MazdaSpeed hatchback and detail updates to other models make 2007 news for Mazda 3. Mazda says all 3s get additional underbody bracing, suspension retuning, a mild front-end restyle and several interior revisions, including a standard 12-volt outlet and MP3 music-player plug-in. The new MazdaSpeed 3 borrows the turbocharged/intercooled 2.3-liter engine and 6-speed manual transmission from the larger MazdaSpeed 6, but not its all-wheel drive. Instead, Mazda uses an electronic "High-Level Torque Management" system for even power delivery without unwanted pulling to the side. Mazda says horsepower will be at least 250 vs. 274 in the larger MazdaSpeed. Other features include upgraded all-disc brakes with ABS, specific exterior body panels and interior trim, plus rear spoiler, large-diameter exhaust pipe and 18-inch wheels as standard. The '07 Mazda 3s go on sale this fall. The basic design likely won't be replaced before 2010.