2008 Mazda MAZDA3 i Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
Good looking, fun-to-drive, low purchase price, and good fuel economy make it hard-to-beat for the $. Much more of a 'driver's car' than the Civic, Corolla or Sentra. MPG is usually 32-35 MPG (combined) after break-in, and already saw 39 MPG, all highway miles. No rotor warp as others have stated: a torque wrench MUST be used when tightening lug nuts! No issues to date, only service has been oil changes.
Value, fun-to-drive, styling (better than latest model), comfortable, much better MPG than expected after break- in. Good suspension: right balance. Good resale value expected. Very reliable to date. It's a Japanese car at a Korean car price point with much of the feel of a German car.
Very little to gripe about; maybe higher quality carpet. Stock steel wheels should be 1/2" wider. No major issues.