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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 Mazda3 Forum.

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

Messages Page 83 of 89

#814 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [moocow1] by backy

Jun 13, 2008 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jun 13, 2008 12:50 pm)
About the only thing the Corolla tops the Civic and Mazda3 on is that VSC is available as an option on even low-end models like the LE. Not available on the Civic DX/LX/EX at all, and not available on the Mazda3i. That is supposed to change for 2009, with the Civic rumored to get VSC at least as an option.
 
And also the Corolla gets exemplary FE with the 1.8L engine (32 mpg overall on CR's recent tests), but that's not all that much better than the Civic or Mazda3i.
 
Other than that, I don't see any big plus for the Corolla over the Civic or Mazda3i. The Corolla probably has a smoother/quieter ride than those cars, but at the expense of handling, and as you said, if you want a non-sporty small car the Elantra is a less expensive alternative.
 
I'd like the Corolla more if it had a higher-quality interior with a more comfortable driving position, less vague steering, and a bit more rear seat room. Standard VSC (ala the Elantra SE) would be nice too, but VSC does seem pretty easy to get on the LE trim.

#815 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [backy] by moocow1

Jun 13, 2008 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jun 13, 2008 1:11 pm)
I never really noticed this economy sedan comparison but it brings home the reason I have to say this rule. Friends don't let friends buy corollas. Please follow it everyone Gotta drop that ridiculous 50k per month corolla purchasing streak. Get everyone into those Mazda3, Civics, Rabbits, Elantras, etc!
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=126610

#816 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [moocow1] by backy

Jun 13, 2008 (2:00 pm)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jun 13, 2008 1:38 pm)
LOL. Someone could do a lot worse than a Corolla (Forenza, maybe?). It's not that it's a bad car, right? But it just doesn't stand out in the crowd any more, IMO, and especially not at its asking price. If you hadn't noticed, Civics and Elantras are selling like hotcakes too. And some others. All are benefitting from the shift to smaller, more economical cars.

#817 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [backy] by moocow1

Jun 13, 2008 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jun 13, 2008 2:00 pm)
I just think everyone benefits if toyota doesn't collect massive sales from selling mediocre cars.

#818 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [moocow1] by backy

Jun 13, 2008 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jun 13, 2008 2:27 pm)
Have you looked at Focus sales lately? It's not just Toyota getting away with selling mediocre cars...

#819 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [moocow1] by thegraduate

Jun 13, 2008 (4:00 pm)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jun 13, 2008 1:00 pm)
Acura doesn't offer a 6-speed auto either, by the way, not that its on topic. Honda isn't leading the way across the board! Just clearing that up.
 
Have a great weekend everyone!

#820 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [moocow1] by aviboy97

Jun 14, 2008 (7:23 am)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jun 13, 2008 1:00 pm)
I've heard at the Mazda "water cooler" that the 2009 Mazda3 will put a 5-speed auto in the next gen Mazda3i (thank god, it needs one!!!) Also, possibly a 6-speed manual for the s model.

#821 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [backy] by cz75

Jun 14, 2008 (10:26 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 13, 2008 2:30 pm)
At least you expect a mediocre car when you buy a Ford.

#822 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [cz75] by backy

Jun 14, 2008 (3:34 pm)

Replying to: cz75 (Jun 14, 2008 10:26 am)
Don't forget that the Mazda3 is, in effect, a "Ford." But hardly mediocre.

#823 of 879 Re: Civic MPG's [backy] by moocow1

Jun 15, 2008 (1:26 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 13, 2008 2:30 pm)
Focus is still only 1/3 the sales of a Corolla. And honestly, the car isn't that much worse than a corolla. The interior is about even, the technology with sync is better, and the driving dynamics are basically 2000 sporty vs 2009 mushy. Not exactly a huge advantage for toyota. And most people with any information would know it's not a good driving car these days, it's for the silly features and the mpg.
And while Ford owns a chunk of Mazda, mazda still does whatever they want with the cars...their engineering for driving dynamics is just plain better. Also only the european focus uses the same platform until redesign.

Messages Page 83 of 89

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