4th Place: Mazda3

Overview:

The Mazda3 stands alone in this class as a good bargain-priced sports sedan. Its combination of sharp steering and reasonably strong acceleration set it apart from other economy sedans as a driver's car, and its interior and seat design give it a more upscale feel than many others here. It's the BMW 328i of economy sedans. But as a mainstream economy car, the Mazda3 falls pretty flat. It's not roomy, doesn't ride as comfortably or quietly as other top economy sedans, and it fails at the basics of being cheap and fuel-efficient. But it's not trying to be a mainstream economy sedan, and for what it is, it is an excellent car. But if you're not looking for sporty handling, you should be looking at a competitor that does a better job at being an economy car.

Driving the Mazda3:

The Mazda3 has a rather firm, nearly stiff ride. It is very well controlled, but not particularly absorbent. This sense control continues into the car’s class-leading handling abilities, where it feels very nimble and has minimal body roll. Furthermore, the well-weighted steering combined with quick, precise responses and good feedback makes the car much more fun to drive than most competitors. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder isn’t exceptionally quick, but never feels overworked, and generally isn’t as noisy or buzzy as a number of the others in this group, especially under acceleration. (The Mazda3's pep helps give it the clear edge over the only car in the group to approach its handling capabilities, the weak and wheezy Mitsubishi Lancer.) The Mazda3 isn’t quiet though, with moderate engine noise at cruise and prominent road noise. Fuel economy is mediocre by this group's standards.

Inside the Mazda3:

The Mazda3’s front seats are well-shaped, supportive, and comfortable, though some might prefer them to be softer. The rear is reasonably well-shaped as well, but too low, and lacking in leg and headroom. The interior is well constructed, with a premium appearance and excellent panel fit, though the plastic is mostly hard.  The gauges are large and clear, and the instruments are logically laid out, though some buttons could be larger. Drivers could sit higher, but are comfortable enough, thanks in part to the standard tilt/telescoping wheel. Visibility is generally unimpeded. It is easy enough to get in and out of the front seats, but the smaller doors and footwells complicate matters for rear seat occupants. The trunk is quite small, even for an economy sedan, but it's well-shaped.

Mazda3 pricing:

The Mazda3 is expensive for an economy car at $17,751, but comes with the group's expected features and large alloy wheels at that price.

Conclusion:

The Mazda3 is easily the most fun-to-drive car in this group, with sharp handling and decent power. If this is the sort of car you like, you'd be hard pressed to find a competitor that does nearly as good of a job. But if you're just looking for an economy car, you can find something more comfortable, more fuel-efficient, and less expensive than the Mazda3.

NEXT PAGE