Debating on buying a Mazda 3 or Hyundai Sonata?

[Catherine]

I plan to trade in my Jeep Liberty for a smaller, more fuel efficient car sometime this summer. I want something less rugged and a little bit more...refined. I test drove the Hyundai Sonata and absolutely love it. Since I am very indecisive and tend to mull things over until I'm blue in the face, I am now debating the Mazda 3. A good friend of mine just bought one and I really like it. They are a little bit smaller and more sporty, obviously, that's Mazda's brand positioning.

I would like to hear feedback from anyone who has owned either of these cars; what you like, what you don't, reliability, warranty, etc.

This is my first big purchase on my own, so I want to make the most informed decision, even if it takes me months.

Thanks!