My wife drives a 2003 Civic Hybrid and loves it. She came from a larger older Camry, she enjoys the ease of handling and the simple to use and plentiful standard features, and of course 45-50mpg is very nice too.

As for me, I am avid enthusiast and soak up car info like a sponge, I will test drive each of these new to bench mark them and then certified versions in two or three years to see how they have worn. Also this gives me time to save for a good down payment( I ususally like to put 50 or more percent up front) By going about this when I am ready I will already know what I want and how much I can expect to pay.