Ken, everyone here has some really good advice. I can realate to what you are going through because I went through the same dilemma not too long ago. If you were like me, you do not want to regret the car purchase after you have made it. All the cars you metioned are quite different from one another, so you have to decide what you want in a car, and then choose the vehicle which best suits those needs.

If you want all wheel drive then that is an easy one, but the base impreza may not have the options you want, and will cost quite a bit. You really can't go wrong with a Civic especially if you want after market parts, however there are tons of Civics out there and you may not want to look like everyone else. The Nissans are nice, but I also have not heard too many good things about the Spec-V.

What won me over with the P5 was first the styling. The P5 is very unique so do not look like everyone else, it is a nice feeling. The interior is also one of the nicest I have ever seen. I get a lot of compliments about the looks of the car inside and out. Don't let the power fool you, this car is seriously fun to drive, and with more after market parts coming it will be even better. You also get a lot of car for the price, it comes basically loaded. Finally, like others have already mentioned, the financing from Mazda is very good. So if you are not one of those fortunate people that can pay cash for a car, you may want to make this a big consideration.

When I deal on a car, I do not even bother with the final price. I negotiate on the payments, because that is what will be sucked out of your account every month. One car may have a better overall price, but you if you a financing over 5 years the interest can be a killer.

 

Well, when I was looking for a car, out the door price is the bottom line (this includes financing %). I narrowed down to three cars; 1-Nissan Sentra GXE; 2-Honda Civic EX; 3-Mazda Protege LX. These cars were somewhat similar in price, size, toys, etc.. At the time, Nissan was 4.9%, Honda was 9.6%, and Mazda was 0%. Well, a rocket scientist recommended me to go with Mazda. So I did, and I am very happy with my purchase (saved $2000-$4000 in comparison). And the car looks good in very way. 2000 Mazda Protege LX, black, 5-speed, lowered, clear lights, and more, spicey looking.

Btw; whatever cars you get, at the end of 5 years, it ain't worth much from what it was once was.