The 2017 Mazda3 ranks in the top half of our compact car rankings thanks to its sharp handling and peppy engine. It also has an elegant interior and a very high safety score.

Mazda fully redesigned the Mazda3 for 2017, and the result is a very good compact car. It’s one of the most fun-to-drive small cars, with dynamic steering attributes and good acceleration. Inside, quality materials help create a luxurylike atmosphere, and the infotainment technology is intuitive.

The Mazda3 does suffer a little in terms of practicality. Rear-seat space is nothing special, and the trunk is a little small for the class. However, you can go with a hatchback model for more storage space.