I am going to buy a new car in the next month or so and I'm very unsure of what to do. My wife has some requirements that are really limiting my options:

Automatic transmission
Engine must take regular gas (87 octane i think)
4-door
Reliable
no more than 25,000

My requirements: Fast and sporty handling

I think the 2009 toyota matrix XRS and the 2008 Mazda 3 grand touring hatchback are good options but what do you guys think? Is there a faster car out there. What should I do??????

p.s. By fast I mean 0-60, top speed doesn't matter to me

Mazda3 the new Matrix looks like ass.

have you considered the Mazda6 sedan or the Saturn Aura? My cousin has had her Aura for just over a year and she loves it. The V6 is smooth and plenty of power and no major reliability issues.

I too hate the looks of the new matrix. It makes me throw up on myself.