 Edmunds pushed me to buy a Mazda 3.  I had intended to buy a Civic to use as a commuter car.  Honestly, the car is what Edmunds said it was but it is still somewhat disappointing overall.  Basically, the Mazda 3 lacks the zoom- zoom promised by Mazda.  This is just a commuter car with poor fuel mileage.  There are some nice aspects however such as attractive interior and exterior styling.  But overall it is not worth the money.  It's just a Mazda 3 after all.