2008 Mazda3

1. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe

After evaluating the new-for-2008 vehicles, along with last year's winners, Csere and Swan call the Mazdaspeed3 "the current leader of a small but competitive pack". They praise its acceleration, handling, utility and overall value.

Review: 2008 10 Best Cars, Csaba Csere and Tony Swan, Jan. 2008

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports tested 2006 and 2007 Mazda3 models. The results are applicable to the 2008 model. Along with road-test data, this article includes notes on safety and predicted reliability.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Editors of Consumer Reports

3. Edmunds.com

Every year, the editors of Edmunds.com extensively test current vehicles and choose their personal favorites. The 2008 Mazda3 makes this fairly exclusive list because of impressive performance, build quality and interior appointments.

Review: 2008 Edmunds' Inside Line Editors' Most Wanted Awards, Editors of Edmunds.com, Jan. 6, 2008

4. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe

This comparative review evaluates four similarly equipped compact cars. The incumbent Honda Civic EX is voted out because the 2008 Mazda3 is more fun.

Review: Comparison: 2008 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza vs. 2009 Toyota Corolla, Ron Kiino

5. ConsumerGuide.com

ConsumerGuide.com's comprehensive road test results indicate that fuel economy and steering/handling are high points for both hatchback and sedan versions of the Mazda3, while the sporty Mazdaspeed3 wins praise for impressive acceleration.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 12, 2008

6. Kiplinger.comDetails/Subscribe

'Short reviews in Kiplinger's magazine include predicted five-year service costs, predicted three-year and five-year resale values, and insurance costs. In the $20,000-and-under range, the stylish and agile Mazda3 is judged Best in Class.

Review: The Best Cars for 2008, Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, Mar. 2008

7. Car and DriverDetails/Subscribe

Editors at Car and Driver magazine designed this comparison test to reveal the best bargain-minded performance cars. The Mazdaspeed3 GT bests four other cars, thanks to its playful and engaging drive-feel and comfy seats.

Review: Power Toys, Patrick Bedard, May 2007

8. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

In a short, broad-based evaluation, the 2008 Mazda3 is said to be the "most likeable of all Mazdas." Vorderman especially appreciates the high-performance Mazdaspeed 3 hatchback. The Mazda3 isn't formally compared with other cars, though.

Review: 2008 Mazda3, Don Vorderman