How did you conclude Mazda3 is bad?

Another recommendation from The New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/automobiles/31ULRICH.html?_r=1&ref=automobiles&oref=slogin

Honestly, Mazda3 is the best you can get among these small cars.

If you don't like any of them, take a look at Mitsubishi Outlander.