2005 Mazda3 S 5-Door

Ford's global C-1 chassis architecture has birthed some fine machinery: the acclaimed European version of the Focus (crying shame we're stuck with the old one until at least 2007), the Volvo S40/V50, and now, a premium compact four/five-door from Mazda. The Mazda3 offers a fine balance of ride and handling, with a substantial feel and what appears to be significant high quality--enough to warrant a year's look. We spec'd out our Mazda3 S 5-Door in blue with black cloth interior. To keep the price under $20K, we chose just two options: a package bundling anti-lock brakes with side-curtain and front-seat torso side airbags for $800; and the moonroof and six-disc CD package for $890. Add $545 in destination charges, and the total came to $19,340--under our target price, yet nicely equipped.

The logbook is already brimming with commentary about the inherent goodness of the platform architecture. It feels solid and pinned down and is compact without being cramped. Beefy A-pillars and doorsills, no discernable chassis flex, nicely damped ride motions, and minimal wind noise are benefits of this worthwhile package. The 5-Door is more substantial than the Civic (although a new one comes this summer) and more engaging than the Corolla S. It blows the Sentra away, and it's a better piece than the all-new Chevrolet Cobalt. So far, we'd say: "Job well done." We'll see how the Mazda3 5-Door holds up after a year in our midst.