Ask the Car People.SM


Mazda3 vs Honda Accord

99 messages,  Last post on Jan 24, 2008 at 1:01 AM

You are in the Honda Accord Forum.

What is this discussion about? Honda Accord, Mazda MAZDA3, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 9 of 10

#80 of 99 Re: Accord is too big [chickenlips] by divewreck

Oct 14, 2007 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: chickenlips (Aug 30, 2007 5:20 pm)
I also looked at an accord. While it has everything I want, I can't justify its big size for 1, maybe 2 adults. Mazda3 (and the 6)has everything too. I had a 323 wagon for 7 years, one of the best cars I ever had. Why does the 3 gets higher ratings than the 6? I thought they were built on the same platform, even if there is only a 10 inch difference in length

#81 of 99 Re: Accord is too big [divewreck] by thegraduate

Oct 14, 2007 (10:24 pm)

Replying to: divewreck (Oct 14, 2007 6:26 pm)
The 3 shares a platform with the Gen2 (in Europe) Ford Focus, and Volvo S40. The 6 does not share this platform, I believe.

#82 of 99 Re: Accord is too big [thegraduate] by aviboy97

Oct 15, 2007 (10:58 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Oct 14, 2007 10:24 pm)
The current Mazda3 is on Fords Global C1 Platform, which was devoloped by Volvo.
 
The Mazda6 sits on Mazda's GG/GY platform, Ford uses it for their midsized global partner vehicles, and calls it the CD3 platform.
 
The next gen Mazda6 is going to sit on the EUCD platform, devoloped by Volvo as well, and is currently used in the new European Ford Mondeo.
 
On a side note, I wish Ford would bring the Euro Mondeo over here. It's a hot car, and puts the Fusion to shame...acutally, most of Ford products in Europe are hot, and they would do really well over here.
 
In all honesty, a platform does not really mean too much. What really matters is what is placed on top of the platform.

#83 of 99 Re: Accord is too big [chickenlips] by chickenlips

Oct 16, 2007 (6:07 pm)

Replying to: chickenlips (Aug 30, 2007 5:20 pm)
I decided on the Mazda3 over the Accord and TSX. Just bought a 2008 sTouring manual, aurora mica blue, leather, and sunroof. So far, I'm pleased with it. I love the turning circle.
 
Coincidentally, after owning it for one day, I went to Oregon on vacation where my rental car was a Mazda6! Same engine (2.3). It didn't feel any bigger. Had nice handling, but I like the 3's handling and acceleration better (granted, I have a manual and the rental was automatic, but I could feel the difference with the 3's lighter body).

#84 of 99 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT by bfyerxa

Nov 30, 2007 (10:46 am)

This thread is interesting because I am debating this exact comparison. Currently have an 02 Accord SE 4 cyl MT. Reliable as a claw hammer but I am getting sleepy just thinking about driving it. Have test driven the Mazda3 and wife drives a Mazda5. I really enjoy the dynamics of the 3 and even the 5.
 
So yesterday I test drove an 08 Accord EX 4cyl MT. I was somewhat underwhelmed. Way better driving than my 02 but typical Accord in that nothing is wrong or annoying, but nothing exciting. And it has become a large car. If it had a bit more "wow" in the test drive there would be no contest for me. But...
 
The Mazda3 is much more exciting to drive but the overall seat comfort and driving position (center console way too wide and interferes with my right leg/foot) bugs me. Typical Mazda - fun to drive but has some warts. The options combinations are interesting as well. The Accord has VSA, better crash safety, and overall should be the more trouble-free car. For 90% of my driving (commuting) it will be the better car. The 3 gives me heated seats (a big deal to me here in balmy Canada), hatchback option, yet the Canadian 3s do not get VSA! Price-wise Honda is provding rebates here in Canada with the whole dollar thing while Mazda has not yet done so (to my knowledge) so pricing ends up being similar.
 
So I am still not sure what to get!

#85 of 99 Re: 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT [bfyerxa] by autonomous

Nov 30, 2007 (11:00 am)

Replying to: bfyerxa (Nov 30, 2007 10:46 am)
The Accord For 90% of my driving (commuting) it will be the better car. ... Price-wise Honda is provding rebates ...Mazda has not ...pricing ends up being similar. So I am still not sure what to get!
 
Sounds like 10% is all you need to make your decision. Alternatively, you could try the dealership games and see what kind of competitive offers can be had.
 
p.s. Mazda needs to review their pricing.

#86 of 99 Re: 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT [autonomous] by bfyerxa

Nov 30, 2007 (9:24 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Nov 30, 2007 11:00 am)
Sounds like 10% is all you need to make your decision. Alternatively, you could try the dealership games and see what kind of competitive offers can be had.
  
p.s. Mazda needs to review their pricing.
 
It's definitely a tough choice. Will have to test drive them back to back. I am not ready to pull the trigger yet - I think here in Canada they are still going to have to go lower. I talked to a Mazda dealer and he was genuinely POd about Mazda's lack of movement to this point.

#87 of 99 Re: 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT [bfyerxa] by tallman1

Dec 01, 2007 (10:02 pm)

Replying to: bfyerxa (Nov 30, 2007 10:46 am)
The 3 gives me heated seats (a big deal to me here in balmy Canada)
 
You could always spend the extra bucks and get the EX-L for the heated seats in the Accord.

#88 of 99 Re: 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT [tallman1] by bfyerxa

Dec 02, 2007 (8:06 am)

Replying to: tallman1 (Dec 01, 2007 10:02 pm)
You could always spend the extra bucks and get the EX-L for the heated seats in the Accord.
 
I might consider that if the pricing gets more aggressive. However at this point the EX-L is edging out of my price range. The Accord as a whole was more than I want to spend but the rebates are starting to come in. With the rebates on the Honda the EX currently would work out to the same as a loaded 3.

#89 of 99 Re: 08 Accord EX 4 MT vs. Mazda3 2.3L MT [bfyerxa] by thegraduate

Dec 02, 2007 (1:28 pm)

Replying to: bfyerxa (Dec 02, 2007 8:06 am)
There are no rebates on the Honda Accord right now, not the 2008 anyway.

Messages Page 9 of 10

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement