The rivals keep getting better, but for those who enjoy driving, the Mazda3 remains at the top of the small-car class—thanks most to its great steering and suspension tuning, but also now to its new fuel-efficient yet responsive powertrains.
The new Ford Focus is probably the closest rival to the Mazda3, but its steering isn't quite as nicely tuned and weighted, and its PowerShift automatic transmission isn't as deft and refined.
The Honda Civic used to be more of a rival, but it's been redesigned for 2012 as a softer and more plainly-styled model.
The Chevrolet Cruze is about as far from the Mazda3 in look, feel, and purpose as you could get; it's only offered as a sedan so far and rides more like a smaller version of a large sedan than a nimble small car.
The Corolla and Elantra are also at the soft end of the scale, but it's the Elantra that's the current class standout; for those who don't value excitement behind the wheel, the Hyundai simply offers the most car for the money.
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 2012 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |
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With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. |
The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and a strong value, but it does lack the nimble, tossable feel that some small-car fans appreciate. |
With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. |
The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch. |
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has officially left the Civic and Corolla in the dust, thanks to a 38-mpg gas mileage rating, a sleek look, and tremendous value for the money. |
For those who want frugal, trouble-free transportation but have no want of excitement, the 2012 Toyota Corolla fits the bill. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $15,200 | $16,800 | $16,500 | $15,755 | $15,345 | $16,130 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 44 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Midsize Car | Compact | Compact | Midsize cars | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV | 4-Door Sedan LS | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Manual DX | 4-Door Sedan Manual GLS (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual L (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 2 Door Coupe | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2012 Ford Focus | 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2012 Honda Civic | 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 vs. 2012 Toyota Corolla | |
