I tested the Civic, Mazda3,Sentra, and Matrix (automatics)
The Matrix was a miss. I couldn't see over the hood, shoulder checkling was terrible, accelaration was poor ... a definate no!
The Civic was my expected favorite, and it drove well. What I found annoying was how difficult it was to see over the hood. Given the annopyance factor and that there are currently no good deals at Honda, I have scratched it off my list.
Sentra was a very pleasant surprize. Loved everything about it. A very strong contender. The only negative was the interior is not quite as nifty as the civic or the mazda. o% financing for 60 months is a nice draw.
Mazda3 - I tested both the hatchback and the sedan and liked them both. Shoulder check is not as good as the Sentra, but I could get used to it. Love the look inside and out of both models. 0% financing for 60 months
So it is down to the Sentra or the Mazda, and if I go for the Mazda, the sedan or Mazda hatchback
Assumming $$$$$ in not an issue I welcome your opinions as to which is the better car i.e. Winter driving, mileage, durability, performance