I previously owned a Chevy Cavalier, which I believed to be a great car. They stopped making them so I did research and came across the Mazda 3. A nice sized sedan with a sporty feel to it. It was also priced lower than most cars in its same category. I was not super keen on buying a foreign car since I had so much luck with my Chevy, but I'm glad I did. The Mazda is compact but also has a lot room. The trunk is a great size and the back seat folds down for added room. As a shorter person, I like the adjustable seat and steering wheel. I have had this car for 5 years (it's paid off finally) and it still runs very well.

Overall, what drew me to this car was the low mileage, despite the year. I researched various used Mazda's for looks at comparable cars and could not find another option that fit all of my needs. First, I loved the sporty look and low-profile tires, making it looks sleek and not like a station wagon. I love the hatchback model of this car, because it gives easy access to the back, and you can pop the seats down for maximum room. I was able to pack everything I had in my college dorm into the back of this car, and it lasted through many trips to college.