Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2007

Wagon Under $20,000

Winner: 2007 Mazda 3

We love the Mazda 3. It has exceptional handling, spirited engines, powerful brakes, upscale styling (inside and out) and excellent build and materials quality. Its performance and composure make for a fun ride, especially for a small wagon. Labeled a "five-door" by Mazda, the 3 offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and a considerable 31 when they're folded. Enthusiasts looking for fun will find it in the tight steering and road grip, yet it's civilized and smooth enough to make for an enjoyable everyday ride. The Mazdaspeed version, new this year, takes small-car fun to a new level with its 263-horsepower turbocharged engine and tighter chassis tuning.

Honorable Mention: 2007 Ford Focus

Although it's getting long in the tooth, the 2007 Ford Focus still has spunk. With its fluid ride, better-than-average handling and responsive steering, the Focus is sure-footed on the road. Priced very well for its class, the Focus is a solid family car: roomy front and back, with a generous 73.7 cubic feet when the seats are folded — more than some small SUVs. Add excellent front crash scores and above-average fuel economy, and the Focus should be on your short list.