Correct. The American Focus (and the first generation Euro Focus) was a different car. European Fords (mostly built in Germany I believe, COULD be wrong there) are regarded as very good and reliable cars. (Volvo S40 is where the platform originated BTW, some car trivia there).
Great cars those 3s, I just bought one (a GT hatch). If the Fusion is similarly priced, it's not bad. They did a bit of tweaking with interior materials, taillights, front end....mostly comfort and appearance things this year, but I definitely see the difference (almost bought an 06 until someone snagged it, and it wasn't as nice)
The thing is, I'd bet you'd be going between a Mazda 3 GT, and a base Fusion. The Fusion is bigger, but it wouldn't be as well equipped. The Fusion is identical to the Mazda 6 platform wise (probably tuned to be a little more comfort than handling). Test drive both in a highway like environment and see how they go at those speeds, whether or not they're comfortable.
The New Altimas I don't know a ton about (even though I also used to be a huge Nissan guy) But a few friends own the previous gen one, and neither of them have a beef with it.
About the Ion, it is mechanically a Cobalt, but costs less, and there are good reasons for it. The interior of the one I was inside once was nothing but plasticky. Not an extremely pleasant place to be. I personally don't like the Cobalt either, so I'd recommend steering away from the Ion, but do test drive it. If you like it, it may be a decent buy, as mechanically, I don't foresee any problems, but with that much plastic inside a GM, something's bound to break and annoy you a few years down the road unless they've improved substantially.
About service, if North Hill Mazda is bothering anybody, try Kramer (if it's not TOO bad a drive...which it likely is). I haven't gotten to my first service yet, but the purchase portion of the deal was top notch.
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