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Sedans Toyota Corolla Honda Civic vs. Toyota Corolla
198 messages, Last post on Oct 21, 2007 at 5:54 PM
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My daughter graduates college in May and she's looking to buy her first car - either a 2004 Honda Civic LX or a 2004 Toyota Corola LE. Both cars come highly rated so I don't think there is a "wrong" choice! I've researched prices and actually received some internet bids. What I would appreciate is any comments, suggestions or recommendations from members. She is looking to buy early to mid-May. Thanks.
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While I do highly regard Corollas, I think the Civic is an overall better choice for the following reasons: 1. The fuel economy is better. 2. You don't need a tune-up until you reach 110,000 miles (ask a dealer to verify this). 3. From what I have been told, you don't need to change the oil until every 10,000 miles (again, ask a dealer to verify). 4. It has a lower depreciation rate. 5. It has a higher resale value. Obviously, the Civic is a worry-free car. It can save your daughter a lot of money (she will need to pay off those university-related expenses). It should be pointed out, however, that Corollas are also excellent cars; they have a 130-horsepower engine. Some advice: steer clear of popular domestic cars like the Ford Focus (trust me on this). Stay away from Kia too. Also, stay away from Hyundai (they may offer a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty but believe me, you will probably need it). By the way, I too was considering either a Civic or a Corolla after my car was totalled in a car accident in February. After test driving both, I settled on the Civic because of the worry-free features. Since your daughter is also about my age, I think it is only fair to warn you that insurance costs may be slightly higher on a Civic. Bear in mind that both Civics and Corollas rank high as the most stolen vehicles in America, thought not nearly as high as the Accord or Camry. But either way, you really can't go wrong. I hope this is helpful. Keep us posted on your car shopping.
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I'm leaning towards a honda also, can you tell me what model/options and price you paid? Thanks, SRocks |
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Both cars are good choices for a first time buyer. It all comes down to what your daughter likes best. Have her test drive both cars, and I'm not talking about a short drive around the block. Take the cars on the highway, across railroad tracks, through city streets, and girdlock traffic. Have her parallel park the car and back it out of a driveway. Find out what she likes about the cars and what she dislikes. There are many pros and cons to both cars: Why Civic is better: Comes equipped with an anti-theft immobilizer (can't start the car without the coded key). Aftermarket parts more readily available Long term financing is cheaper No real options (makes it harder for dealer to dicker with the price) Higher resale value No daytime running lamps Dashboard gauges stays lit while driving (very beautiful. Not bland like the Corolla's gauges) More comfortable seats (subjective) Why Corolla is better: 130 hp engine Short term financing is cheaper Can order ABS (if you want ABS in a Civic, you'll have to get the EX model) Options galore Cheaper price comprably equipped Low trunk lid makes it easier to see out the back. What made me choose the Civic over the Corolla was that the Civic felt more comfortable to me. The seat, steering wheel, and pedals were in the perfect position for me. The Corolla had uncomfortable seats. Also, I heard of horror stories about a sewer like smell coming from Corollas and problems with awful gas mileage. This made me think twice about the Corolla. My 2003 Civic LX sedan (which I bought new on 12/29/02 for $15,100. $0 down, 1.9% financing for 5 years!) regularly gets 34-37 mpg with my weekly commute. My commute is 70% freeway and 30% stop and go. The only problem with my Civic is that the paint scratches and chips easily. I don't think it would be so visible if I had not chosen dark navy blue. White, beige, or silver should hide scratches and swirl marks better. Other than the paint, I have no complaints with the Civic. |
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I will jump into this discussion since it is near and dear to my heart. Keep in mind that the Civic is Canada's most popular car and the Corolla is near the top as well. Both models are built in plants that are about a one hour's drive from Toronto, although many US models also come from plants in Ohio and California. I faced this dilemma about two years ago and ended up getting one of each since we needed to replace both of our cars. I have owned our 2002 Corolla for more than 2 years while our 2003 Civic for 1 1/2 years. Many of my neighbours also have this combination in their driveways. Both of our cars have been flawless, with superb fuel economy and low maintenance. Dealer service locally is comparable as well - both excellent. Insurance costs are identical for my two cars (my wife and I are in our late thirties and live in the Toronto area). Here is what I have experienced as differences. The Toyota is more solid and feels heavier, although the two vehicles are comparable in curb weight. The Corolla has a softer more comfortable ride but this makes its handling less crisp than the Civic. The Civic fells lighter, despite being slightly larger inside. The Civic is the largest compact in its class for real-world usable space thanks to the flat floor in the rear. This latter feature allows you to put three people in the back seat more comfortably then in the Corolla. Keep in mind my Corolla is the older body style - the new one is slightly larger. The Civic would be my choice if you are choosing a stick shift while the Corolla is my choice for automatic. Despite being slightly underpowered, the Civic is more fun to drive while the Corolla feels like a baby Lexus. The switch gear and interior quality for both vehicles are industry benchmarks, although in LE form the Corolla with wood and leather is prettier. Like everyone has said, you cannot go wrong with either car. In Canada, the new Mazda3 is giving the Civic a run for its money. For a younger person, the Mazda should be on their list, although our local dealer is not very good and Mazda's quality has not been as consistent as Toyota's and Honda's. Still Mazda's are great cars and it is pretty hard to go wrong with most Japanese cars. |
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Hey there, SRocks! How is the whether up in 'Frisco? It's a little on the warmer end of cool here in LA, but not hot enough for me. Anyway, to answer your question, I have yet to buy my Civic LX. I am waiting for Mercury Insurance Company to pay off the lessor for my totalled car(my accident was on Feb. 24, and Mercury is taking their time). I did, however, get a price quote for a Civic LX at about $14,400, which is a little below invoice. I also test drove several cars, including the Civic and Corolla. I prefer the Civic because I like the idea of waiting until I reach 10,000 miles to change the oil. Also, I want a coupe and Corollas only come as a sedan. The weird thing is that the Civic looks better as a two-door and a Corolla looks better as a four-door. I must say Corollas look great. They have a hint of Jetta with Lexus reliability. And they are pretty fast, thus causing the fuel economy to suffer a bit. One thing about Corollas is that the higher-end models - the LE and S - can cost as much, or perhaps even more, than the Civic EX. A well-equipped S is well over $18,000 MSRP; it just depends on the options you want on your car. As crazygrrrl suggested, since the Civic has a set amount of options per trim level, the dealer cannot rip you off (well they can, but it may be tougher if you are prepared). Overall, you cannot go wrong. Both will last. I do, however, prefer the Civic. Though it would be great to have a Civic and a Corolla like dunworth! Shop wisely! |
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I like both cars but choose the Civic EX. I felt the manual transmission was smoother and I liked having a set group of options per trim level. Also, I liked the styling a bit more (the corolla looks better to most people though). Some other minor things that set the civic apart were: 1. Better mileage 2. Slightly better resale (honda does not sell fleet cars - perhaps this is why). 3. The steering wheel in the corolla is a bit far from the driver and the front leg room is cramped. 4. The civic feels roomier 5. Very good crash results 6. Some people have been reporting a sulfer smell problem 7. And most of all, I don't like the look of fake wood trim in an economy car. Both are great. I am sure the corolla has many advantages over the civic. Look at the mazda3 also. Another great car and sportier. Marc |
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What exactly are the EPA figures on the Civic LX auto? I was under the impression that the Corolla actually had the advantage in fuel economy for the automatics. The Corolla also offers more hp and torque, and in my opinion, a better ride. The Civic handles more nimbly, no doubt (but not the DX or VP models). Lack of ABS on the Civic LX is a big detriment, IMO. Around here, the Corolla LE is on lots with a few option packages that include ABS and Side Airbags for about $17,000 (certainly negotiable). To see how Corollas in your area are typcially equipped, go to www.buyatoyota.com. In terms of crast tests, the Civic and Corolla score almost identically- both have a double 5 star in the frontal NHTSA, a double 4 star in the side NHTSA (which is a poorly designed test with many deficiencies, if youre interested in my opion), and both are Good-Best Picks by the IIHS in the frontal offset (though the Corolla is ranked slightly higher within that designation). Resale value is in favor of the Civic, but not by as much as many people may think. Check the December 2003 issue of Kiplingers Personal Finance for exact figures (from ALG). dunworth- are you basing your Corolla comments on your 2002 or the the newer generation that is in question? If it were the Civic EX we were talking about, Id probably give the nod to that vehicle because Im more impressed by the Civics handling than the Corollas creamy ride. But- we're not. The LX's lack of power, torque, no ABS are bigger detriments for me. ~alpha |
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I agree. However, perhaps this individual should actually compare the EX to the corolla. You can get an EX for about 17. I paid a little over 16 for a 5 spd. Marc |
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The EPA figures on my 2003 Civic LX sedan (automatic) is 29 city, 39 highway. I have never gotten less than 32 mpg, even during the break in period. The highest mileage I've gotten was 42 mpg on a long trip from Oakland to Rancho Cordova CA and back. My average is 34-37 mpg depending on how bad traffic is, or how leadfooted I get during my commute. |
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