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Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla vs Mazda3

879 messages,  Last post on Nov 25, 2008 at 3:57 PM

You are in the Honda Civic Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda MAZDA3, Sedan

Messages Page 56 of 89

#544 of 879 Re: New Care Dilemma [vincep] by steve333

Mar 10, 2007 (10:40 pm)

Replying to: vincep (Dec 15, 2006 2:50 pm)
Unfortunately you have to drive the thing. I test drove a 2006 Corolla and it was the worst car I have ever driven. The Steering Wheel is at an odd angle, the engine sounded like an angry lawn mower and the engine had no torque, it just lurched until i got in on the Freeway.
I fully expected a smooth nice handling car after reading press reviews and was shocked at how poorly it drove.
I have a feeling that many people don't test drive other cars. They feel that Toyota's are reliable so thats what I'm going to buy.
Luckily I test drove everything out there. The Mazda 3 was my first choice but I couldn't find any to buy (their ship sunk and lost a few thousand cars). I couldn't get over the new Civic's dash, so it came down to the Cobalt.
I gotta say, this little sucker drives like a bigger car. Very good acceleration, quiet, excellent highway ride, and good handling.

#545 of 879 Re: The Cobalt belongs in this comparo [steve333] by thegraduate

Mar 11, 2007 (11:03 am)

Replying to: steve333 (Mar 10, 2007 11:28 pm)
There is an "Economy Sedans $16k-$20k" thread that includes many more sedans than just these three. Some people prefer more narrow discussions, and thus this one exists. If you can't find one to suit you, create your own!

#546 of 879 Re: New Care Dilemma [steve333] by aviboy97

Mar 12, 2007 (12:26 pm)

Replying to: steve333 (Mar 10, 2007 10:40 pm)
The Mazda 3 was my first choice but I couldn't find any to buy (their ship sunk and lost a few thousand cars). I couldn't get over the new Civic's dash, so it came down to the Cobalt.
 
Mazda3's are in slim inventory, depending on where you live. You may want to check out the VW Rabbit, if you have not purchased already. They don't rate as well in reliability, but, I have heard they drive nice and have great fit and finish. Possibly the new Nissan Sentra as well.

#547 of 879 Re: New Care Dilemma [aviboy97] by steve333

Mar 12, 2007 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Mar 12, 2007 12:26 pm)
I decided to get a certified used 2006 Cobalt LT Sedan. So far I am pretty happy with it. Rides well for a compact car and rides nice on the freeway which was important to me.

#548 of 879 New Cars and GM [steve333] by autonomous

Mar 12, 2007 (3:10 pm)

Replying to: steve333 (Mar 12, 2007 12:41 pm)
I have heard good things about the Cobalt also, especially the SS model. If GM produces more of this type of vehicle I think they are well on the way to recovery. Keep us posted on your experience with your used Cobalt.

#549 of 879 Re: New Cars and GM [autonomous] by steve333

Mar 12, 2007 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Mar 12, 2007 3:10 pm)
I agree. My mother has a 2006 Impala and its been a good car overall, although she is getting terrible MPG.
I will keep you posted.

#550 of 879 '05 Civic vs '06 Corolla by colincsl

Mar 17, 2007 (10:59 pm)

Replying to: steve333 (Mar 12, 2007 3:19 pm)
What do you guys think about a last-gen ('04 or '05) Civic versus an '06 Corolla?

#551 of 879 Re: '05 Civic vs '06 Corolla [colincsl] by steve333

Mar 17, 2007 (11:46 pm)

Replying to: colincsl (Mar 17, 2007 10:59 pm)
Go for the Civic. The Corolla is a horrible driving car. I still think the Cobalt is better than the older Civic however. But between the Civic and Corolla, its the Civic easily.

#552 of 879 Re: '05 Civic vs '06 Corolla [steve333] by dchev

Mar 18, 2007 (12:54 am)

Replying to: steve333 (Mar 17, 2007 11:46 pm)
I do not want to offend anybody; however, to call Corolla "a horrible driving car" is a pure non-sense.
Toyota Corolla is much more of a car than Chevy Cobalt. I do not know how you came up with the idea that Chevy Cobalt is such a nice vehicle.... Of course the Cobalt will feel more powerful-it has 2.2l and 2.4l engine. If you want to compare it for its power go ahead and do it with Scion tC.... I bet you that nobody will prefer the Cobalt...
The Corolla is a pretty decent car. The design of the car is 5-6 years old; however, Toyota has made so many improvements on this car since 2005. For example, you can buy a Corolla with side air bags, ABS brakes, Stability Control, auto-dimming mirror, leather seats, moon roof. These options are not standard; however, you can find them in Dealerships. I am pretty sure that 2008 Toyota Corolla (new design) will have many options as standard equipment.
I bought a 2007 Toyota Corolla 2 months ago, and I can say that I am completely satisfied. It depends what you want. If you want full luxury, then you can buy Toyota Camry or even Lexus...
I wanted a car that will give me good gas mileage and will have comfortable ride. It gives me 30MPG in 30/70 hwy/city-this is mileage in the winter. I believe it will go up to 34-35 MPG.
People buy Toyotas because they offer nice comfortable ride for daily commute.
 
I do not say that Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Chevy Cobalt....are bad choices. Go and drive all these models and see what you will like most.
However, Toyota and Honda will last longer in a long run.
Steve333, enjoy your Cobalt!

#553 of 879 Re: '05 Civic vs '06 Corolla [dchev] by steve333

Mar 18, 2007 (12:15 pm)

Replying to: dchev (Mar 18, 2007 12:54 am)
Well, I test drove a 2006 brand new Corolla and this is what I'm basing my opinions on. Either there was something seriously wrong with the car I drove or something else is wrong. Getting it up to freeway speed was a chore with the engine lurking and lurching and sounded like a bad lawn mower. The steering wheel was cantered downward at an angle and made it difficult to find a comfortable driving position. I literally couldn't wait to get out of the car.
Now, what I'm saying is that folks need to test drive every car they are considering. Don't go by what CR says. The Corolla may be reliable but I would rather enjoy driving my car and have a couple more warranty related problems with it then dread driving every day.
The Corolla is indeed an old design and nowhere near the top of the class anymore. In my opinion the car does not deserve the sales numbers it gets. There are far better choices out there, and yes I think the Cobalt LT is one of them.
But you know what they say about opinions........everybodys got 'em!

Messages Page 56 of 89

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