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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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#1 of 12
Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? by hnmccu01
Apr 26, 2009 (3:03 pm)
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Honda civic vs. mazda3?
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. I really like the styling of the new mazdas, but because ford owns about half of the company, I am a little worried about the quality. I currently own a 2002 ford focus and have had nothing but problems with it after it hit 75,000 miles. My other family members with ford cars have also had major issues. I don't really want to buy a mazda if ford parts are in it.
I like the honda because of it's low depreciation and reliability, but I would have to get a coupe because I enjoy the sportier appearance (which would be impractical in the long run). I also noticed that a lot fewer incentives and deals are available on the hondas (I'm assuming because everyone is now wanting reliable foreign cars). Any advice on the issue?
#2 of 12
Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [hnmccu01] by shipo
Apr 26, 2009 (3:48 pm)
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Replying to: hnmccu01 (Apr 26, 2009 3:03 pm)

A few points:
 
1) Ford does not now (nor has it ever) own(ed) anywhere near 50% of Mazda.
2) Last time I checked, Ford owned 13.4% of Mazda (down from 33.4% last year).
3) The Mazda3 is built in Japan in a Mazda factory that has nothing to do with Ford.
4) The Honda Civic is built in Canada and has had more than its share of quality control problems (that most likely have nothing to do with the Canadians that build the car)
5) In back to back drives, there is no comparison, the Mazda3 is way-way more sporty than the Civic.
6) The 2010 Mazda3 is in its first year of production, and like pretty much any car in its first year, it will most likely have some teething issues.
 
From my perspective (having compared the 2009 Mazda3 vs. the 2009 Civic), the Mazda wins hand down, errr, if you can tolerate the styling of the 2010 (which I cannot).
 
Best regards,
Shipo
#3 of 12
Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [shipo] by crowheart
Apr 26, 2009 (8:34 pm)
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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)
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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."
#5 of 12
Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [steve2know] by aviboy97
Apr 27, 2009 (9:00 am)
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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.
#6 of 12
Re: Thinking about a 2010 Mazda3? [aviboy97] by crowheart
Apr 27, 2009 (10:09 am)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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.
#10 of 12
Re: Love my 3.. [dc_driver] by backy
Jul 04, 2009 (3:28 pm)
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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...

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