The 2007 Mazdaspeed3 hatchback starts at an attractive $22,835 (base). Billed as a sport compact, the Mazdaspeed3 is, in a word hot. Under the hood a 2.3-liter turbo produces 263 hoursepower allowing the vehicle to make the zero to sixty jump in under six seconds and roar up to 155 mph. Just because you can't afford a high-end sport sedan doesn't mean you have to be cut out of the power and performance game.

Sitting in the driver's seat you may forget you're driving a Mazda, and a compact at that. Black upholstery is complimented with red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. The instrument panel is also black matte and the pedals are aluminum. There's notarguing that the resulting look is sexy and aggressive, aimed at the heart of the driver who has longed for a sports car he could never afford. You still get enough space for five people, there's more than enough room to put the groceries in the back, but there's nothing ordinary or pedestrian about the Mazdasport3 or the way it makes you feel. Add a pocketbook friendly 20 mpg in town and 28 on the road and this one is an all around winner.