I love driving the Mazda3. I can honestly say that the fit and finish are near flawless, almost Lexus like. The power, handling, exterior looks, and interior are top notch.
If you buy a 3s like I'm driving with all the toys like 17" wheels, 4 wheel disc ABS, Side Airbags, Moonroof, 6-disc indash CD, steering wheel audio controls, and the sport package (which does not include a spoiler, thank GOD), you have a damn nice little car. In addition to those things, you get lumber support, speed compansated volume, keyless, a manumatic transaxle that actually works like it should (not like autostick), cruise, a tilt and telescoping wheel that is wrapped in leather, a leather shift knob, a massive glovebox, a two tiered console, folding rear seats, and the coolest nighttime dash display you've probably ever seen in a car.
Did I mention a 4 year 50,000 Bumper to Bumper Warranty and a 5 year 60,000 mile Powertrain warranty.
I'd pick the 3s over a Matrix. I own a Corolla, which is a sedan version of the Matrix, and I can tell you it isn't fun to drive like the Mazda. Also, with the Matrix's extra weight, it has to be slow, as it uses the exact same engine as my Corolla. Thirdly, a Matrix is a bit on the ugly side in my opinion. Forthly, if you're over 5'10" or under 5'7", you won't find the driving position in the Matrix to be comfortable, no matter how you adjust the seat and wheel.
