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Honda Civic vs Mazda3

1338 messages,  Last post on Jun 09, 2010 at 8:42 PM

You are in the Mazda3 Forum.

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

Messages Page 134 of 134

#1329 of 1338 Re: 08 Mazda3 vs. 09 Lancer GTS [backy] by thegraduate

Jun 06, 2008 (7:50 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 06, 2008 7:35 am)
Give me some credit, backy, I know that. I may have been a little tongue-in-cheek with that one.
 
I must admit, I knew the 1.8L had a small power bump, but didn't know it was really "different." It sure sounded similar to the old Corolla when riding in a Scion xD.

#1330 of 1338 Re: 08 Mazda3 vs. 09 Lancer GTS [thegraduate] by backy

Jun 06, 2008 (8:34 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Jun 06, 2008 7:50 am)
Toyota claims the 1.8L is "all new." You can take it up with them if you don't agree.
 
Anyway, back to the topic.... was just in my local Mazda dealer for some service on my MPV. Sat in the 2008 Mazda3i Touring VE. Very sharp car, about $18,150 with AT. A sales rep asked me how I liked it. I told him I'd like it a lot better if it had ESC. (I could have also told him the rear seat is a big tight, but I decided not to get into a lengthy discussion with him.) He said the Mazda3s has ESC. I replied that I liked the 3i for its FE and price, and didn't need the additional power of the 3s. He said, "It's all about choices, isn't it?" Yes, it is. So while I like a lot of things about the Civic and Mazda3, with the Civic having a slight advantage overall because of its exceptional crash test scores for the class, neither is my top choice in this class.

#1331 of 1338 Pure Driving Fun by sandman46

Jun 06, 2008 (5:10 pm)

The Mazda 3s has this nailed, a real blast to drive. Plenty of power when needed while displaying buttoned down road manners in the twisties. I look forward to driving the wife's 3s after getting out of my Civic for the true exhilaration the 3s provides. Love the Civic for my everyday economical driving but when I feel the need for speed, it's the 3s hands down. Planning a trip to Orlando in August to secure housing for my middle girl who will be an intern at Epcot for six months starting in January, and have already told the wife I want to take her Mazda on the drive up. The impeccable road handling coupled with the power of the 2.3 engine make this a car that begs to be driven on the turnpike...fast! Having four wheel disc brakes makes for competent stopping power in all situations.
Glad we have both cars for my driving Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde persona. Haven't really enjoyed driving since my truck accident 3 years ago but am finally getting back my love of driving. It'll be nice to have the three and a half hour drive up to Orlando on the wide open turnpike and the Mazda 3s is just the car to do it in. We tossed around the idea of renting a car but decided it best to just drive the 3 instead. Can spend an extra day there for the same $ we'd have spent on the week rental.
Zoom Zoom!
 
The Sandman

#1332 of 1338 Re: Pure Driving Fun [sandman46] by backy

Jun 06, 2008 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: sandman46 (Jun 06, 2008 5:10 pm)
With gas at $4 per, I'm finding I feel the need for speed a lot less than I used to.
 
Now I would think that a car like the Mazda3 would be at its best in places with hills and twisties, not on the flat turnpikes of Florida. For that, I'd want something with a quiet, smooth ride more than anything. But that's me.

#1333 of 1338 Smooth Ride by sandman46

Jun 06, 2008 (6:37 pm)

Since putting on the Traction T/A's last year, she drives quite smoothly and quietly. Driving with 3 adults and the luggage for the 5 of us, I really want the extra power of the 2.3 engine if needed. The wife and one daughter will be taking the train up a day earlier, as we can't fit all 5 and the needed luggage in either of our cars. Thus, the only drawback for having the econoboxes we both drive. We only need a larger car a few times a year, this being one of those times. but since we haven't taken a full family vacation since 2000, we'll make due.
Once your kids get in their 20's, they tend to shun family vacations. I've made this one mandatory as we all need to reconnect as a family since we went through a real rough patch after my accident. Besides, it'll be fun.
Did price out renting a Camry size car for the week, and we just decided to take the Mazda instead. Besides, it hasn't been on a road trip in almost 18 months...time to blow that engine out a bit!
 
The Sandman

#1334 of 1338 Re: just bought a m3 iTour [riahnna] by sonnyrocker

Jun 09, 2010 (8:49 am)

Replying to: riahnna (Nov 29, 2007 8:50 pm)
It was down to the Civic and Mazda3 for me...and I picked Mazda over Civic for the same reasons you just mentioned. I just don't like the look of the new Civic at all. Honda dealer didn't seem to want my business as bad as Mazda, their loss. This is the 2nd time I wanted a Civic and got the "take it or leave it" from Honda dealer, too bad. And you get more for the money by buying a Mazda3. The 3s also have high resale values.

#1335 of 1338 Re: just bought a m3 iTour [sonnyrocker] by aviboy97

Jun 09, 2010 (9:06 am)

Replying to: sonnyrocker (Jun 09, 2010 8:49 am)
And you get more for the money by buying a Mazda3
 
Good point.
 
I heard that Honda was delaying the announcement or a new Civic to better equip it to compete with the current segment leaders. In recent years, the competition has caught up to and passed the Civic as far as content goes.
 
Message to Honda: When Kia is offering much more of a car at a lower price, you have a problem.

#1336 of 1338 Mazda 3 2010 vs 2007 by ecofun

Jun 09, 2010 (9:32 am)

Have not posted since I got my last 3 in 2007. It was a super car. I should note the my other two cars are Hondas. My 2007 3gt manual cost my $0 to operate except oil and filter for 60,000 miles with the exception of a 30,000 mile routine service and new tires. This car was a joy to drive. I much prefer the seats in this car vs my 2004 Honda EXV6. By the way, these hondas are not the only two I've owned...4 in total. While I love the reliability of the Hondas, they are far from perfect. I have sunk plenty of money into them. But at least for 63,521 miles, my 07 Mazda 3 was flawless.
 
I took it in for an oil change a few weeks ago and walked out with my new 2010...same model with all the bells and whistles. My first impression is that IT IS a significantly better car. It feels more expensive, better insulated, and handles better. And it's quicker. There is nothing more you could ask of this car within reason. I would not hesitate to recommend either my old or new model 3 over the Civic. Reliability should not be an issue. Period. Unless you have owned both, Civic owners should no longer kid themselves that they have the more reliable car. If you have been on the fence about a 3 based on reliability, go buy one now while 0% financing is in effect.

#1337 of 1338 Re: Mazda 3 2010 vs 2007 [ecofun] by aviboy97

Jun 09, 2010 (10:03 am)

Replying to: ecofun (Jun 09, 2010 9:32 am)
It's been years since I owned a Honda, but, my family still has a couple. My brother has a 2004 Accord EX-L V6 with 110,000 on it (inherited from my father at 75,000) and outside if routine maintenance, has been pretty good. I do believe my father had a vapor lock issue when it would not start and there was a tranny issue as well.
 
Civic's are very good cars. I have no reason to talk bad about them other then their lack of sportiness and content offered.

#1338 of 1338 Re: Mazda 3 2010 vs 2007 [ecofun] by roadburner

Jun 09, 2010 (8:42 pm)

Replying to: ecofun (Jun 09, 2010 9:32 am)
My 2007 MS3 has been faultless since it needed a new LF strut and turbo at around 25,000 miles. It now has over 60,000 miles on it and I think I'll fit some Bilsteins, a Hypertech flash, and some track wheels and tires. That should keep me amused for at least a couple of years. That said, I wouldn't consider a new MS3. It's gained weight and it's not available in Grand Touring trim. I'm not saying it's a bad car, but it doesn't make the cut for me.

Messages Page 134 of 134

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