 After looking at all the other cars in this category (subaru outback, toyota matrix, ford focus), I chose the Mazda Protege 5.  It seemed like the best-made car of my choices.  I also heard Mazda a good reputation for reliability and service.  I enjoyed my car a great deal for the first year, but then I started to experience electrical trouble.  If my car sits for more than 2-3 days, the battery is dead the next time I try to drive it.    