2008 Mazda Mazda3

You gotta hand it to Mazda: the MazdaSpeed 3 makes good on the "speed" in its name. Not only is this 263-horsepower rocket possibly the fastest front-wheel-drive car in the western world (0-60 in the mid-5 second range), but it also FEELS faster than its only real competitors, the Chevy Cobalt SS and Dodge Caliber SRT4. In this car, stabbing the go pedal is never less than exhilarating.

The MazdaSpeed 3 is also a testament to the sports car engineering talent of its parent company. It makes a good dance partner, feeling light on its feet and keeping up with your lead. It makes good noises. Its only flaw, aside from the constant tugs in the steering resulting from the massive power, is the shifter. Unlike Mazda's other sticks, this one feels a little stuck in the mud, especially when shifting from 4th to 3rd gear.