The 2011 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is a subcompact that is the company's entry level offering. Although it is the least expensive car that Mazda offers it shares a lot of features with its more expensive stablemates like the mazda 6. As a result you get a car that is a class leader in driving performance.
The best thing about the Mazda 3 is its handling, it is the best handling and most fun car to drive in its class. This is quite an achievement since most manufacturers are really focusing on making their subcompacts into sporty little cars. Mazda was amongst the first to do this and they have been the leaders of the pack for quite some time now. The steering is crisp and responsive and the chassis and suspension are stiff so that you can get around corners in a hurry. The tradeoff is that the ride is a little bit rough compared to some of its competitors although this has been improved from earlier versions of the car.
One of the biggest factors when it comes to performance with the Mazda 3 is going to be the engine that you choose. The standard 2.0 liter is not great, it gets the job done but it really doesn't create the driving experience that you come to expect from a Mazda. If you upgrade to the 2.5 liter that is a completely different story. Now you have an engine that is responsive and that provides very smooth acceleration, it is the best engine available in the class. Neither of the engine options are great when it comes to fuel economy however. They are not gas guzzlers by any means but nor can they match the competition for fuel efficiency.
If there is one criticism of the 2011 Mazda 3 that a lot of people have it is that they really don't like the look of the car. It was redesigned last year and it continues the look on this years model. Obviously this is a matter of taste but most people tend towards the opinion that they don't really like the exterior. The interior on the other hand is almost universally liked with refinements and features that you would expect on a grand touring car not a subcompact.
Overall the Mazda 3 is one of the best cars in its class in large part because of the excellent driving performance that it offers. The car handles great and if you get the right engine it is really quite a sporty little car. There are some criticism of course, the cabin could be a little more spacious and the ride could be smoother but at this end of the market all cars are going to have issues. What we can say for sure is that the Mazda 3 sets the benchmark for performance in the class and is well worth looking into if you are in the market for an affordable car that is fun to drive.