One of my favorite things about this vehicle is how it handles. My first car ever was a mustang, so I learned to drive in a sportier car. The cars I have driven since then have not been as sporty, so once I got behind the wheel of my Mazda3, I knew it was the one I wanted to buy. Not only does it handle incredibly but it can actually accelerate when needed. The other vehicles in the same price range just did not grab me the way this one did. I recently purchased this used with ~3,000 miles on it.

When you're shopping for a compact car, things like fuel economy, reliability, and overall value are probably near the top of your priorities list. Most modern compact cars meet those standards, though. So for a ride with all that plus some extra personality, you'll definitely want to consider the 2015 Mazda 3. First and foremost, the Mazda 3 is a great choice for any compact-car shopper who enjoys driving. Strong acceleration, sharp steering and a well-tuned suspension make the 3 truly come alive when you want it to, even if it's just zipping around town for errands. The 3 can seem special in other ways, too. The exterior has a distinctive yet classy look to it, and Mazda offers many advanced features that you can't get on other small cars, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation technology and a head-up display. What's most impressive about the Mazda 3, though, is that it does all this while being competitively priced and fuel efficient. But it might not be for everyone, though. In our long-term test of a 2014 Mazda 3, we found that the highway ride can be bumpy and noisy. This is especially true over choppy roads and if the 3 is fitted with the larger 18-inch wheels and tires. Interior space isn't exactly a strength, either, as both rear seat room and trunk space are pretty average. Mazda does offer a hatchback version, however, which does provide some extra versatility.