2011 Mazda3

Experts have many good things to say about the 2011 Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, making it a runner up behind the best reviewed 2011 Hyundai Elantra (Base MSRP: $14,830 to $19,980). All reviewers enjoy the Mazda3's class-leading handling and fun-to-drive panache that competitors fail to recreate. Additionally, a nice engine, good interior layout and great crash-test results make the Mazda3 stand out in a crowded segment. However, the car's unique exterior styling -- especially the smiley-faced front end -- may not suit everyone. While the Mazds3's firm ride contributes to sporty handling, it can lead to choppiness on worse-than-ideal road surfaces. Reliability is very good but is still considered a notch below other class leaders like the perennially well-regarded 2011 Honda Civic (Base MSRP: $15,605 to $25,490).

The Mazda3 comes in sedan and hatchback styles as well as a sporty Mazdaspeed3, which includes a turbocharged engine and many performance-related enhancements.

The major change for the 2011 model year is that all Mazda3 models now come standard with electronic stability control. Other than that, some minor tweaks to features within the various trim packages are the only other alterations. Our full report on the essentially identical 2010 Mazda3; provides a detailed analysis on what the experts are saying.

The Mazda3's 2-liter, four-cylinder base engine delivers 24 to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 27 to 28 mpg combined according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. The available 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine gets 20 to 22 mpg city, 28 to 29 mpg highway and 23 to 25 mpg combined. The high-performance MazdaSpeed3 variant delivers a much lower combined estimate of 21 mpg.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2011 Mazda3, and it fares well, earning a Top Safety Pick designation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tested both the sedan and hatchback, and gives frontal-crash protection a perfect 5-star rating. Rollover resistance receives 4 starts, but side-impact protection is given only 2 stars out of 5. NHTSA notes that the rear door panel intruded into the passenger compartment during the side-impact test.

Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes, side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard equipment.