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Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla vs Mazda3

879 messages,  Last post on Nov 25, 2008 at 2:57 PM

You are in the Honda Civic Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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


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#686 of 879
Re: Guys... [riddlermyth] by aviboy97
Sep 20, 2007 (8:31 am)
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Replying to: riddlermyth (Sep 19, 2007 11:29 am)

CR likes the Mazda3, as does most every consumer publication.
 
Like I said, if you don't like the Mazda3, simply scratch it off your list. Only you can determine what vehicle is best for you. The Corolla, Civic, and Mazda3 are all excellent choices.
#687 of 879
Re: Guys... [aviboy97] by thegraduate
Sep 20, 2007 (8:41 am)
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Sep 20, 2007 8:31 am)

As far as reliability, I'd still feel better about the Honda or Toyota, but this is personal bias most likely from having great experiences with my two Hondas.
 
If you prefer ride comfort, go with the Corolla.
If you prefer handling but don't want to compromise economy, get the Civic.
If you prefer the sportiest sedan you can get for $20k or less, and economy is less important, get the 3.
 
Cons to these cars?
 
Corolla: Boring, 6 year old design, numb/slow steering, weak torque.
Civic: Road noise, rear-seat room (both legroom and headroom), styling is love it/hate it.
3: Tire noise/vibration in the cabin, fuel economy, black interior is TOO dark.
 
Just a quick little mini-review of these three from me. My dad has a 2007 Civic EX, my ex gf had a 2004 Corolla, and a close friend of mine has a 2004 Mazda3S. That's where my personal experience comes from.
#688 of 879
Re: Guys... [riddlermyth] by irismg
Sep 25, 2007 (9:18 am)
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Replying to: riddlermyth (Sep 18, 2007 5:32 pm)

You may be surprised at this suggestion, but look at the Cobalt LTZ. It's the same size as the Corolla (MY Corolla, anyway), about the same backseat space at Corolla (although, if you ferry people on a regular basis, I'd look at a Camry-sized vehicle), and depending on the package level, about the same price. And, it comes in a beautiful blue granite color that's to die for.
 
I was lot-surfing on Sunday when all the salesfolk are gone and found an 08 Cobalt LS that was left unlocked. All things being equal, I found the LS interior incredibly cheap, even for Chevrolet. If you're spoiled by the Corolla velour seating, these cheap fabric they used on this model will be very disappointing. It seemed as thin as a bedsheet, my butt seemed to slide around more, and the bucket seat didn't seem very accomodating to my wide hips! Definitely wasn't a woman's car. Also, the steering wheel looked and felt as if it came off a toy. Again, probably spoiled by Corolla's foam-padded wheels.
 
All that being said, it had intelligently-place storage, a power plug-in (haven't figured out what that's for), good looking controls that seem to be in a good place. I'm willing to try out the leather LTZ model. It's all power and has side curtain airbags standard. I haven't found one on anyone's lot yet, but I think it'll be interesting to see if the seat will at least be wider. Even though it's tricked out, it still might be good value for the money, as long as you don't waste your money on OnStar, which is a $700 option even for the top-line Cobalt. And, it's much handsomer than its Ion cousin. The wheels look good, too.
 
Then again, it may be worthwhile just to stick with Corolla and just get an '07 or '08 program car. You know what they say, there some people you date, and some people you marry...
#689 of 879
Re: Guys... [thegraduate] by irismg
Sep 25, 2007 (9:19 am)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Sep 20, 2007 8:41 am)

MMmmmmmmmm...ride comfort...
#690 of 879
Re: Guys... [irismg] by riddlermyth
Sep 25, 2007 (9:32 am)
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Replying to: irismg (Sep 25, 2007 9:18 am)

thanks guys for your input... i really appreciate it... the interior is fairly important to me, so I think I will have to scratch off the Cobalt. That leaves Corolla, Civic, Scion tc, and Mazda3...
 
thegraduate - you mentioned road noise in the Civic - how bad is it (compared to Corolla, since I am very familiar with that car)? and is it noticeable only on highway, or always?
 
also, btw, what car did you go with thegraduate?
 
THANKS!
#691 of 879
Re: Guys... [riddlermyth] by thegraduate
Sep 25, 2007 (11:25 am)
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Replying to: riddlermyth (Sep 25, 2007 9:32 am)

thegraduate - you mentioned road noise in the Civic - how bad is it (compared to Corolla, since I am very familiar with that car)? and is it noticeable only on highway, or always?
  
also, btw, what car did you go with thegraduate?

  
 
I went with an Accord (I'm 6'4"), but it shares traits with the Civic like the Camry does with the Corolla. The Corolla just doesn't fit me because of driving position, it works perfectly for others (like my 5'2" ex-girlfriend whose 2004 LE I did drive a fair amount, rather uncomfortably); that's my big problem with it. My father has a 2007 Civic EX however and that car is a BLAST to drive.
 
The best way I can tell you about the sound is to drive the car and compare yourself. The Corolla had a fair amount of engine noise, but it all-in-all was a softer/quieter car than the Civic. Not a GIANT difference by any means, but noticeable to my little ears.
 
irismg said it best with "mmmmmmm, ride comfort" in the Corolla. If I had to sum it up, I'd have to go "wheeee! handling" in the Civic.
#692 of 879
Re: Guys... [irismg] by steve333
Sep 25, 2007 (9:32 pm)
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Replying to: irismg (Sep 25, 2007 9:18 am)

the LTZ model was discontinued for '08 so you have to get a LT Model and get the leather as an option (you may have to get at least a L2).
I have a '06 LT with the 16 inch wheels which I recommend as an option. The interior in the LT is at least as good as the Corolla, the only small car with a better interior is the Mazda 3 IMO.
Onstar is awesome, I think its worth every penny. It actually emails you engine diagnostics monthly. It will also unlock your car if you lock the keys inside.
I would stay away from the Corolla, personally I find its driving dynamics to be dreadful. If you want comfort at the top of your list I would go with the Elantra. Sporty, the Mazda 3. Combo of the 2-Cobalt. My 2 cents.
#693 of 879
Re: Guys... [thegraduate] by eldaino
Sep 26, 2007 (7:46 am)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Sep 25, 2007 11:25 am)

totally nailed it. The regular civics handling is often over looked, usually by people just focusing on the mileage it gets and what it looks like. It isnt EXACTLY the mazda 3, but in the same manner as the mazda 6 and accord compare, it offers a much better blend of ride and handling. (right inbetween the corolla and 3.)
#694 of 879
Happy Camper by sandman46
Sep 26, 2007 (5:20 pm)
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Glad we have both the Civic and the 3. The 2.3 engine on the Mazda is a real zoomy one that's got ample power...and then some, when the wife needs it. Had to merge onto I-95 last weekend and very glad we took the 3. I nailed the accelerator and was able to get into the needed lane when the bonehead behind me didn't want to let me in. Was able to tap down on the gas pedal and zoom...I was gone. He just gave me a dirty look down the road some as we went on our way. Guess he thought his beemer gave him entitlement to put us in a dangerous situation. What's up with that? The 3 really performed when we needed it. Thanks Mazda!
Day after day, I get more pleasure driving the Civic on my 18 mile daily commute. A straight shot down a divided 6 laner with multiple lights and many drivers. The car moves nicely when I get some open road in front of me and have plenty of low end torque to get the job done. Not as powerful as the 3, but got it for the better mileage figures which have not disappointed with a hair over 10k on the odo. Great all around car for the money.
 
The Sandman
#695 of 879
Civic miles [sandman46] by autonomous
Sep 27, 2007 (11:22 am)
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Replying to: sandman46 (Sep 26, 2007 5:20 pm)

Day after day, I get more pleasure driving the Civic on my 18 mile daily commute ... got it for the better mileage figures which have not disappointed with a hair over 10k on the odo
 
What are you averaging?

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