2018 Mazda Mazda3 Sport

The 2018 Mazda3 is Mazda's compact car, available as a sedan or hatchback, and it's a natural rival to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Its light, responsive steering and eager chassis make it one of the most fun-to-drive cars in its class, with a ride that's firm but controlled. The cabin feels upscale for the price, with comfortable front seats and a clean, driver-focused layout, though rear legroom is tight for adults. Some owners report the infotainment screen can overheat and shut off in extreme heat, but a software update usually fixes it. The Sport is the trim for shoppers who want the Mazda3's sharp handling and upscale cabin without paying for the Touring's bigger engine. Its 2.0L I4 makes 155 horsepower and returns 31 mpg combined, which is plenty for daily driving and keeps fuel costs low. The Sport comes standard with Mazda's G-Vectoring Control, which subtly adjusts engine torque to help the car turn in more naturally.