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2009 to Present Mazda 3
Mazda
Starting price: $8,500 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Good
Why buy it: The Mazda 3 is one of the most popular and well-liked compact cars on sale today. Models equipped with the company’s SkyActiv engines are some of the most fuel-efficient,non-hybrid cars around. For those looking for more zoom-zoom, Mazda also offers the high-performance Mazdaspeed3.
2012-Present Ford Focus $9,000
Ford
Starting price: $9,000 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Good
Why buy it: Since its inception in 1998, the Focus has been a star performer for Ford. But for year, Ford’s US and European division sold different cars under the “Focus” name — with the European version much better received. For 2012, the third-generation Ford unified the model and finally gave the US Focus customers the European car they’d been waiting for.
Power for Focus comes from a 2.0-liter, 160-horsepower, inline-4 cylinder engine. People looking for higher performance can opt for the critically acclaimed 252 hp Focus ST — though even used examples of the model may be pricey.
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