Need help: Can't decide on car to buy...

[snowjewel]

Hi everyone,
This is my first time posting here and i created an account because I've read some of the advice and knew I'm at the right place. :)
My husband and I are looking to buy a new car since his '99 escort just died on us. We've done tons of research and narrowed it down to 3 choices. We are planning to start a family soon so getting a baby car seat in the rear seat is a big concern.

Our top 3 choices:
Ford Focus
Ford Fusion
Mazda3

Is it true that the M3 and Focus are a bit too small to fit a car seat at the back? Right now we are leaning towards the Ford Fusion just because of that. Ford has the employee pricing so Fusion fits right into our budget too (mid size car in the same price range as compact).

Please, any input is greatly appreciated.

[LuvBug03]

sorry this went unanswered. My sister had an 03 or 04 Focus and her DD was rearfacing in a snugride, designer22, and marathon in it. It was a tight squeeze, but it worked. The new ones are probably even roomier.

[southpawboston]

i would skip the focus and go for a m3 or fusion. the fusion is the largest of those three, and with the base 2.3L engine (same engine as the focus and m3), gets decent mileage. the fusion is based on the mazda6 platform and has been a pretty reliable car as well. you should be able to get great deals on them since they haven't sold well.

FWIW, we have two small girls and have done fine in a m3. we've had both RFing at some point, but RFing was pretty tight.