Reliable small car

Given your stated preferences, you should only consider a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corrolla. Both cars are incredibly reliable. If you change oil and oil filter every five thousand miles or once a year (whichever comes first) and follow manufacturer's 30,000 mile, 50,000 mile services either car will last a good 250,000 miles or more. Based on real life experience, not educated guesswork or hearsay. Hope this helps and good luck with your search.

You are right on with the Mazda 3, it's a great car. The Honda Fit impressed me too for a little runabout.

The Mazda 3, Civic, and Corolla are great cars. The Corolla is on the boring side, but more comfortable. Mazda's more fun. The Civic is a good balance between sport and comfort. You can't go wrong with any of them so test drive them and pick your favorite. The Honda Fit is a cheaper option that will also feel cheaper. It's a practical car however and is reliable, just less comfortable and nice than the Civic. I have heard that Mazda has slightly higher repair costs than the other Japanese brands, but it's not a big difference.