Mazda's reliability has really gone downhill in recent years, most likely
due to Ford's influence.  As well, Civic gets much better gas mileage.
Mazda3 gets mileage that's comparable to an Accord.

You might also look at a Mazda5.  Now that is an interesting car at a
reasonable price if you want some room.

Resale Resale Resale.

Tom

Yes, I test drove a 3 before I bought the Civic.  I also drove a Corolla.

The 3 was a very enthusiastic little car, but the road noise was so loud
I thought maybe the car's trunk wasn't latched, or something.  The
instrumentation struck me as being adolescent, for lack of a better term.

I think the Civic feels more stable, as well.  Less body roll.

I didn't dislike the 3 -- I just felt the Civic was a nicer car, more
fuel efficient and overall a much better value.

I drove a mazda 3 with both engines in a 5 speed manual. both engines had
pretty good "pep" but it was sort of noisey. they do have a longer warranty
than the civic. but resale value on a honda is much better than a mazda.

I would say get the civic.  In a few years if you decide you want something
else, you'll be able to sell a honda for way more then you'd be able to sell
the Ford aka Mazda for.

Or if you like the car and keep it, the Honda will have less maintanence
then the Ford.

Which model of Civic are you considering? Have you checked out Scion
tC? I just bought one few months ago, love it. It's a hatchback too.

I used to have a brand new Civic EX, but sold it after two years. I was
getting back pains from driving it for more than 1 hour.

Civic EX for it's reliability and resale value. Don't get the auto
transmission though. It will be jerky sooner or later. It's a common
problem with Honda cars in general.

I used to have a brand new Civic EX, but sold it after two years. Was
getting back pains from driving it more than 1 hour. This was many
years ago though. I test drove the 06 one and it has improved alot.

I have an '06 Scion tC (also considered: Acura RSX, Civic EX, Hyundai
Tiburon, Corolla). Scion is actually about $2000 less than Civic EX
with comparable features and 20 more horsepower and hatchback (great!).
The downside is lower gas mileage and four doors is not an option.
Check it out in edmunds or yahoo auto.