My daughter is in the market for a new car. I think she has narrowed it down to 3, all 2012 models.

1 - Kia Soul
2 - Mazda 3
3 - Mazda 2

If someone has a subscription to consumer reports, could you please look these up.

Also, any feedback from personal experience would be helpful.

Much appreciated in advance.

Tim

 

I like the proportions of the Kia Rio 5-door. It looks like a cross between the mazda 2 and the soul...

 

A coworker of mine has a newer 3 and loves it. I friend of mine has an older 3 and loves it as well. He said he's done nearly zero repairs.
My wife drives a Protege5, although they are different they come from the same lineage. Her Protege has had a fairly hard life but still runs very well and it is easy to maintain.

 

Just as a comparison, my friend's parents have an 06 Mazda 3 and they like it but their experience with durability has not been very good...