i have this same problem, i am also deciding on my first car. Personally my favorite of all compact cars is the Mitsubishi Lancer, but that is not one of your options. From your options, it would depend on the year of the car. if they are all new models, your best options are the Mazda, Ford, and the Elantra. The Spectra and Accent do not really compete. In magazines they have always placed the Mazda with other similar compacts, and the Mazda always comes on top. I personally like the Focus more, but if its value, and an overall good car go with the Mazda. The Elantra is a good option too. From the Elantra, Focus and Mazda, the Mazda has the best engine follwed by the Ford, then the Elantra. The new Elantra is a good car, but the old models do not cut it. If i can help, there are other options for you if you are interested, the Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, Mitsu Lancer, Chevy Colbalt, Toyota Corolla, Scion TC, XB, or XD. The new Saturn Astra is also a good option if you want a hatcback and so is the Toyota Matrix. If your first options were your only options, then i would personally go with the Mazda 3, and my second choice without a doubt is the Ford Focus. This two cars are very good options, different yet similar. you can compare them in by going to the links.