2014 Best Overall Compact Sedan Awards

There was a recent comparison done for the overall best Sedan of 2014 that was conducted by Motor Trend. This is an annual thing that is a large amount of road testing that is completed with the best of the best in each class. Typically in North America and Europe the compact car sedans set the standard because of the economic effects given today’s price of ownership and cost of fuel. Parkway Family Mazda is extremely excited to announce that the 2014 Mazda3 did fantastically, taking the overall award. Parkway Family Kia is also pleased that the 2014 Kia Forte also took the number spot, overall. The testing for this award includes everything from a vigorous road test including performance, efficiency, cockpit and cabin, safety, value, and cost of ownership.

Ride & Handling

The 2014 Mazda3's in-town ride quality is a tad sharper-edged than that of the others, but mass-reduction efforts clearly left some sound-deadeners behind, as it seemed to be the loudest freeway cruiser. On the twisties, however, this engine's snarl, the chassis' agility, the best-in-test steering feel, and the well-bolstered seats earn straight A’s and encourage miscreant cornering behavior. Testing director Kim Reynolds was surprised the Mazda felt "nose-heavy, yawing at a noticeably slower natural frequency" on the figure-eight course, but it managed to edge out the much quicker and more powerful Jetta by a precious tenth to win that test. And the spry Mazda3 truly shone on Mulholland Highway, prompting executive editor Ron Kiino to declare it the "best driver here—great steering, nice ride, fun and sporty handling." Most of us agreed.

The zippy little 2014 Kia Forte also acquitted itself well on the curves of Mulholland Highway, with a ride that managed to feel firm and well-buttoned, without jiggling our giblets over the rough stuff. The Forte impressed Reynolds on the figure-eight course, demonstrating "the Forte's solidity and refinement with a slightly nimbler feel and tremendously improved steering."

7th Place: Dodge Dart

A handsome handler, and you'll pay less per pound or per pony, but it costs the most in the long run.

6th Place: Volkswagen Jetta

How many bells and whistles must you trade for big turbo fun? Most of them.

5th Place: Hyundai Elantra

Jack of all compact virtues, master of none -- a solid-C all-around.

4th Place: Toyota Corolla

You could do yoga in the back seat -- and have way more fun than driving the car.

3rd Place: Honda Civic

Great tranny, brakes, and sticker price, but where's that magic Honda driving joy?

2nd Place: KiaForte

A fantastic little car let down by a dodgy safety rating and high ownership costs.

1st Place: Mazda3

The Big Test report card with the most A’s wins.

                The Parkway Family is very pleased with the performances that were accomplished by both brands Mazda and Kia. We stand behind both brands whole heartedly. There is no better time than now to purchase a new 2014 Forte or 2014 Mazda3. If you have any additional questions then feel free to stop in to Parkway Family Mazda or Parkway Family Kia. You can also message us on Facebook for Mazda here, and for Kia here.