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Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda3 vs. Volkswagen Jetta vs. Chevrolet Cobalt

50 messages,  Last post on Jul 26, 2010 at 8:20 PM

You are in the Toyota Corolla Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Corolla, Mazda MAZDA3, Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cobalt, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 50 Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt by tpulak

Dec 18, 2007 (6:59 pm)

I am looking for a replacement for a 1997 Toyota Camry. Though people say Toyota Camry's use less gas, mine is giving horrific numbers(20 miles per gallon in highway, and less in the city). Also, the Camry was a kind of bland looking car, with a very mushy ride. Also, for the money, it doesn't have much features: this car was $20,500 new, and didn't even have a CD player.(who plays cassettes anymore?!!) So know I lowered my choices to Toyota Corolla , Mazda 3 , Volkswaggen Jetta, and Chevrolet Cobalt. I want the best choice of these 3 cars, that give me good fuel economy, decent power, some style, features for the money, a good amount of interior room, and reliability. Any suggestions?

#2 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [tpulak] by dchev

Dec 18, 2007 (9:54 pm)

Replying to: tpulak (Dec 18, 2007 6:59 pm)
Hello tpulak,
If you can wait until February 11, 2007, I would recommend 2009 Toyota Corolla.
It will be new generation Corolla with good fuel economy and many standard options. Unless, you want the 9th generation Corolla, which is also good (I have it and love it, so far).
If you can not wait, Mazda 3, Honda Civic, or Hyundai Elantra are good choices.
Or maybe Scion xD.......I like Mazda 3, but many people say that it has low fuel economy.
Go test drive them and see for yourself, but Honda and Scion (Toyota Corolla) will have the best fuel economy, style and reliability.
Also check www.fitzmall.com, and you can find excellent prices for any of these cars.
Good Luck

#3 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [dchev] by aviboy97

Dec 19, 2007 (8:22 am)

Replying to: dchev (Dec 18, 2007 9:54 pm)
I like Mazda 3, but many people say that it has low fuel economy.
 
The Mazda3 i has good fuel economy, only a couple MPG's behind Honda and Toyota, but, it has more power. Mazda3 s has lower fuel economy, but, by far the most power.
 
Honda and Scion (Toyota Corolla) will have the best fuel economy, style and reliability.
 
All are very reliable. Will not go wrong with any. Style is totally subjective.
 
Go test drive them and see for yourself
 
Best advise. Need to drive them to see what fits you best.

#4 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt by jtk152

Dec 19, 2007 (12:28 pm)

Replying to: tpulak (Dec 18, 2007 6:59 pm)
It depends what features you need to have. IMO, you can't beat a Cobalt LS for most bang for the buck. A basic Cobalt will be your least expensive, followed by the Corolla. The Mazda 3 and Jetta are a step up as far as features, sportiness, looks, etc.. The Corolla will feel the least powerful, but will yield the best fuel economy, The Cobalt has more power than the Corolla and a few less MPGs The 5cyl engine in the Jetta is a whole different class of engine IMO and not that great economy wise. The Mazda 3 and Jetta will be thousands of dollars more than a Cobalt or Corolla.
 
Joel

#5 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [tpulak] by autonomous

Dec 19, 2007 (3:41 pm)

Replying to: tpulak (Dec 18, 2007 6:59 pm)
I lowered my choices to Toyota Corolla , Mazda 3 , Volkswaggen Jetta, and Chevrolet Cobalt.
I would not say that this is lowering your choices but rather checking a segment segment than the Toyota Camry. Some of us think small is beautiful. On the other hand, you may find these cars are too small for your needs. The good news is that the new Toyota Camry is fuel efficient and no longer bland.
 
cars, that give me good fuel economy, decent power, some style, features for the money, a good amount of interior room, and reliability.
You may want to use the extensive research of Consumer Reports that compiles information from millions of drivers annually. CR rates the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Honda Civic highly in terms of features, price and reliability. The VW and the Cobalt are another story. Test drive the ones that seem interesting to see which is best for you. Best of luck.

#6 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [dchev] by lostwrench

Dec 19, 2007 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: dchev (Dec 18, 2007 9:54 pm)
Feb. 11, 2008.

#7 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [autonomous] by backy

Dec 19, 2007 (4:40 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Dec 19, 2007 3:41 pm)
CR doesn't rate the price of cars. So the fact that, for example, one compact costs $2000 less than another doesn't factor into its rankings. As for features, CR does rate the Civic (EX and Hybrid specifically) and Mazda3 highly, but it actually ranks the Jetta (also the previous-gen Focus and the Elantra) above the Corolla. The Cobalt is above only the Ion and Forenza in CR's rankings. As far as reliability, it ranks the Civic Hybrid and Corolla highest in this class in reliability, with the Civic EX, Mazda3, and Impreza above-average in reliability also. (As of last October CR didn't have enough data to rate the Elantra, Lancer, Sentra, and Forenza in reliability.)

#8 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [aviboy97] by dchev

Dec 19, 2007 (5:37 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Dec 19, 2007 8:22 am)
I am not sure about Mazda 3 fuel economy
I have read about 20-24 MPG fuel economy with 2.3 litter engine.
Now, this is very low fuel economy!!!!! V6 engines even top this fuel economy. For example, I used to have 2005 Toyota Solara SLE with 3.3l engine, and I usually could get 26MPG average fuel economy.
Now, If Mazda 3 could get on average 30MPG, wow it will be the perfect car for me.
I love Mazda 3 design; I believe Mazda 3 HB is the best looking vehicle, but fuel economy is poor for me!!! This is only my opinion. It depends what you want!
However, if we talk about fuel economy at 20-26 MPG, there are good choices in Mazda 3 price range. You can buy Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima.....and all these cars have fuel economy in 25-28 MPG!!!
It is a personal choice, and it is a good idea to go and test drive all vehicles you like, and then choose the best one that fits your budget!
Personally, I made my choice with 2007 Toyota Corolla, and I like it. I know it is not a Lexus, but it gives me comfortable ride and good fuel economy - average 30-32MPG.
Good luck!

#9 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [dchev] by lostwrench

Dec 19, 2007 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: dchev (Dec 19, 2007 5:37 pm)
2008 Mazda 3
Manual 5 speed - 2L engine - 24/32 mpg
Automatic 4 speed - 2L engine - 23/31 mpg
Manual 5 speed - 2.3L engine - 22/29 mpg
Automatic 5 speed - 2.3L engine - 22/29 mpg

#10 of 50 Re: Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3 vs. Volkswaggen Jetta vs. Chevrolet CObalt [backy] by autonomous

Dec 20, 2007 (4:05 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 19, 2007 4:40 pm)
CR doesn't rate the price of cars. So the fact that, for example, one compact costs $2000 less than another doesn't factor into its rankings.
True.
 
CR ... ranks the Jetta ... above the Corolla.
Hmmm, let's check that Oct. 2007 issue of CR again. CR makes clear that in addition to the ranking score, the vehicle's reliability is key to getting a recommendation. Only vehicles with good reliability are recommended. Since the Jetta has only "fair" reliability, CR does not recommend it. This is not new, the Jetta has a long history of poor reliability and has not been recommended by CR for quite a while. CR does recommend the Corolla as well as the Mazda3, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza.
 
The Cobalt is above only the Ion and Forenza in CR's rankings.
Same here, the Cobalt is not a recommended vehicle.

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