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Mazda3 vs Honda Civic

12 messages,  Last post on Sep 07, 2009 at 9:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA3, Honda Civic, Car Buying, Car Comparisons

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#3 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [shipo] by crowheart Apr 26, 2009 (8:34 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Apr 26, 2009 3:48 pm) I shopped both vehicles as well. I went with the 2009 Mazda 3 s touring Hatch Back. The car handles and looks better than the Civic. The Mazda 3 is built in Japan if that matters to you. If you want a deal go with the 2009 Mazda 3. Another plus is you can get Electronic Stability Control(ESC) on the Touring models, with the Civic you can get ESC only with the EX-L(more expensive). I believe there is a real good factory rebate on the 09's now.
#4 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [hnmccu01] by steve2know Apr 26, 2009 (9:00 pm)
Replying to: hnmccu01 (Apr 26, 2009 3:03 pm) I thought about that also.....how the American meltdown might affect Mazda. Shipo is right...Ford, in an attempt to raise money, has sold off its controlling interest in Mazda (34% was not outright ownership, but enough to control the company.) However, Mazda is simply not a big enough player to survive on its own in a world economy, so other buyers have stepped in...the latest unconfirmed rumor is that Tata Motors of India is very interested in Mazda. Yes...Tata. When I read this, I couldn't help but wonder if that kid in the commercials will be saying "Tata" instead of "zoom zoom." Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Apr 27, 2009 9:00 am) crowheart (Apr 27, 2009 10:09 am)
#5 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [steve2know] by aviboy97 Apr 27, 2009 (9:00 am)
Replying to: steve2know (Apr 26, 2009 9:00 pm) However, Mazda is simply not a big enough player to survive on its own in a world economy, so other buyers have stepped in...the latest unconfirmed rumor is that Tata Motors of India is very interested in Mazda. Yes...Tata. When I read this, I couldn't help but wonder if that kid in the commercials will be saying "Tata" instead of "zoom zoom."   Their size is actually an advantage in todays market. In this troublesome economic climate, Mazda has actually increased their U.S market share in 2009.   As for Tata having interest in buying Mazda, I would sure like to know where you heard that. All reputable sources I have, which are a few, have mentioned nothing of sorts. Replies to this message: crowheart (Apr 27, 2009 10:09 am)
#6 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [aviboy97] by crowheart Apr 27, 2009 (10:09 am)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Apr 27, 2009 9:00 am) Yes, I agree with you. I am not sure of the fellows sources claiming about Tata wanting to buy into Mazda.   In this economic climate lean and mean is the best remedy in my opinion. Mazda will survive. A very smart man recently said "If a company is to big to fail, then it is to big to exist."
#7 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [hnmccu01] by autonomous Apr 27, 2009 (1:47 pm)
Replying to: hnmccu01 (Apr 26, 2009 3:03 pm) I am looking to buy a new car within the next month... having a hard time deciding between the honda civic ex coupe and the 2010 mazda3. These are two excellent vehicles. Both are recommended by Consumer Reports. Keep an open mind and try to get the best deal you can. You may also want to consider the dealership involved to see who would provide the best service after your purchase. Below are some pluses for each vehicle (credit: CR 2009 Annual Auto issue). Honda Civic EX automatic: reliable, high resale, striking design, fuel efficient (28 mpg), bugs worked out (i.e. this model has been around for a while); refined powertrain; good fit and finish; good crash test results   Mazda3 sedan automatic: reliable, good resale, fuel efficient (27 mpg), price negotiable especially for 2009, well equipped with good interior quality, good handling   Let us know what you've picked!
#8 of 12 Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [hnmccu01] by jaesee75edmund Jun 29, 2009 (3:54 pm)
Replying to: hnmccu01 (Apr 26, 2009 3:03 pm) I have an 05 Mazda 3 2.3, 4spd auto. when I test drove the civic and mazdas (both 2.0 and 2.3) I knew right away that I'd have to get the mazda 2.3. Honda doesn't offer an engine larger than the 1.8 unless you get the rather expensive for a commuter compact civic SI. Even the 2 liter in the base mazda has more power than the civic. The current 2.5 with 5 spd auto is also more efficient and faster than my 2.3.   If you're looking to save on fuel, then get the civic. you can't lose either way. they're both great cars for commuting with a little bit of fun tossed in.   If you're looking for a bit more fun than the Civic Ex, then the Mazda is it. You can't go wrong with the larger engine. I'm averaging 27mpg with mostly hw driving and a lead foot. you should be able to do better with the newer model. City driving with lead foot yielded only 22-23 mpg. again, you could do better with the newer model. I've taken corners faster than I ever thought I would and barely hear a screech out of my standard 17inch rims and tires (summer tires?). I've ridden in my friend's Mustang GT and he can't do better in the corners. I've done hw round abouts at nearly 50. He's done 50 and all I hear is the tires roaring.   The way I figure, I'm they're both great cars. But, I'm using a little more gas and getting more fun out of it. good luck.
#9 of 12 Love my 3.. by dc_driver Jul 04, 2009 (12:17 pm)
I really went back and forth between the 3 and the Civic back in July 2006 and ended up buying the Mazda 3. I thought it handled better and I preferred the styling and interior to the Civic. I was not a fan of the Civic dash, and roofline and the Mazda dealer was willing to deal and the Honda dealers were not (but they did on an Odyssey minivan I bought that same year).   My 3 has been flawless. Not one issue. Just normal maintenance. I have about 32K miles on it and average about 38mpg in 80/20 (highway/city) driving. I normally buy a new car every 3 years or so and have zero inclination to buy a new car right now. The 3 is fun to drive, is quick, has all the amenities, and gets great gas mileage.   I really like the look of the 2010 3's as well. I would drive the Civic and 3 back to back, but I think you would be hardpressed to find a better car for the money than the 3. Honda makes great cars too, but I have found that most Honda dealers do not offer the incentives and deals that Mazda dealers do. I bought my car new for well under invoice pricing. And I got the exact color I wanted (Grey) with the exact features I wanted. Replies to this message: backy (Jul 04, 2009 3:28 pm) igozoomzoom (Jul 06, 2009 9:16 pm)
#10 of 12 Re: Love my 3.. [dc_driver] by backy Jul 04, 2009 (3:28 pm)
Replying to: dc_driver (Jul 04, 2009 12:17 pm) ...but I have found that most Honda dealers do not offer the incentives and deals that Mazda dealers do.   That may have been true in the past, but now Honda dealers are dealing on the Civic, e.g Civic LX with AT for under $16k before T&L per reports in the Civic Prices Paid discussion. Something about a recession I guess...
#11 of 12 Re: Love my 3.. [dc_driver] by igozoomzoom Jul 06, 2009 (9:16 pm)
Replying to: dc_driver (Jul 04, 2009 12:17 pm) I really went back and forth between the 3 and the Civic back in July 2006 and ended up buying the Mazda 3. I thought it handled better and I preferred the styling and interior to the Civic. I was not a fan of the Civic dash, and roofline and the Mazda dealer was willing to deal and the Honda dealers were not (but they did on an Odyssey minivan I bought that same year).   I went thru the same debate back in December 2005. Trying to decide between the 'new' 2006 Civic and the 2006 Mazda3. The handling and interior design (dash/instruments and the cool black/red checked seat fabric) of the Mazda3 were major factors in my decision. I didn't like the Civic's freaky dash, boring gray or beige interior color choices and the exterior design was also not at all appealing to me.   I originally was comparing the Civic EX 4-door to the MZ3 s Touring 4-door, but when I saw/drove the MZ3 5-door- that was it! I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to a car with a conventional trunk again...it's like a mini-SUV when the seats are folded! And a lot more fun to drive!
#12 of 12 I've mostly owned Honda's by goose Sep 07, 2009 (9:07 am)
I've owned 4 Honda's and 2 Acura's. I currently have a 2008 Civic EX coupe and its reliable, w/nice exterior lines. My cousin just graduated from the university and asked to buy my car. I agreed and started my search. The Civic dash is one my favorite and its as close as I'll get to space travel instrumentation. For my new ride I decided to upgrade but not to Lexus prices. Attempting to find a car that I can enjoy daily with some practicality and fuel efficiency is very difficult. The Honda Fit feels "practical". Acura has gone all sedan. The Matrix is not to my liking. The VW GTI is amazing but they are expensive to maintain and reliability is not good. I was disappointed until I decided to physically see a Mazda3. The smiley face is not that bad in person and with the correct color it can be diminished. The rest of the outside looks good. I test drove the GT version and I was hooked. The engine (2.5) doesn't have to be pushed and the 6 speed was smooth. It immediately brought a smile to my face. Again I was comparing it to my 2008 Civic. The seats were comfortable and the cabin felt familiar quickly. The inside tech is nice and the stereo upgrade (option) is welcomed. The inside has some additional features not found on the Civic. The interior lighting/dash looks good. Although the dash is more traditional than my Civic the hole package comes across as an upgrade. The outside lighting is also impressive with swiveling HID head lights and rear LED lights. Its a little quieter than my Civic on coarse roads. The Mazda3 hatchback GT costs more but is an upgrade from a EX Civic. If the Civic had most of the features found on the Mazda3 it probably cost similarly but there not even options. Lastly the Mazda3 has the practicality (hatch) I'm looking for. Good job Mazda.

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