Mazda3

The ultimate Civic-killer; Mazda3 simply dominates. It's in the same price division, yet is more attractive, offers greater speed and more responsive handling, and doesn't carry the stigmas that go with said Civic. "Redefining what is possible in the compact car category, the MAZDA3 offers the performance, sophistication, safety, and reliability you would expect from a much more expensive European sport sedan."