I test drove them all yesterday.  I'm looking to trade in my truck, gas is too expensive.  Too bad I really want the Magnum with the Hemi.  It drives awesome and is a really good deal since it is 2005.  From what I could tell the MPG is all over the place, people post very different numbers.  But anything averaging over 15.7 is better than my truck.  It drives nice, plenty of power when you need it.  It is very comfortable too. 

The Jeep Compass looks pretty neat.  I think the Dodge Caliber looks nicer though.  The one I drove had nice leather seats, the dash looked like very cheap plastic.  The 2.4 liter engine and CVT are weird.  It's quite slow, (I also drove it after the Magnum)  When I floored it it would go to 6000 rpms, just under redline and stay there until I let my foot up.  Kinda weird.  I can't say I liked driving this car.  But if it gets near 25mpg like advertised, it might not be bad. 

The Mazda3 is a decent car.  I didn't get to drive it far or where I want since I picked it up at almost closing and there was too much traffic.  From what I read that car does not get anywhere near what it is rated for MPG.  It was fun but nothing great. 

It appears my desire for a fun car is over powering my desire for a good MPG car.  And a reasonable cost.  Are there any fun, efficient and decent sized cars out there?