Need Car #2: Honda Civic Sedan or Mazda 3 Sport

Ilac91 · 04-17-2006, 03:40 AM

My wife would like to get another car for her to use since I need mine's for work. We definitely don't want to spend too much money however I would want to at least pick a good, well-built small sized sedan/hatchback. We've narrowed it down to either the Honda Civic Sedan

or the Mazda 3 Sport

The good thing about the Civic is that it's a new model and so the body styling should be around for another 4-5 yrs. On the otherhand I'm not too keen on the styling and especially the placement of the speedometer and the fact it's digital. Reminds me a lot of the older GM cars when they were going through that "computerize" everything phase. Good points are that its got good fuel economy, is well built, has good handling and good resale value. Besides that its also a Honda.

I like the Mazda 3 Sport (hatchback) styling however not too sure if the Mazda will be coming out with a new body styling. I've heard fuel economy and handling is good as well. What I also heard is that the Mazda has more mechanical problems (compared to Civic), esp when getting over the age of 3 yrs. Have any of you heard anything about this?

Anyways let me know if any of you have had any personal experience or objective opinion about these two. Make me a recommendation.

Nikki · 04-17-2006, 10:08 AM

Both are very nice. I've never driven the new Civic but I have driven the Mazda3 a couple years ago and it felt kind of boring, and the manual drove like an automatic.

vladinecko · 04-17-2006, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikki

the manual drove like an automatic.

what do you mean by that? was it that smooth? isn't that a good thing?

vladinecko · 04-17-2006, 10:20 AM

that's a tough decision. i'd probably go for Honda though. if it's going to be your wife's and she doesn't care what she drives as long as it's reliable, Civic is a really good choice.

KL2DC · 04-17-2006, 10:37 AM

Oh the Mazda3 is quite a nippy handler, I testdrove an automatic one and is pretty decent and sporty. Also the 5 door is practical and cool looking. It has a bigger engine than the Civic but consumes slightly more gas.

I am actually partial to the Civic. Great interior packaging, cutting edge styling, great resale, set trim levels mean not having to sort out options and easier to research pricing, good equipment levels and safety features and quite fun to drive as well....

I am guessing you are comparing the EX AT to the Mazda 3S 5dr AT...I believe the 3 is more (comparable equipment) but it has a bigger engine 2.3 vs 1.8.

StewtheBassman · 04-17-2006, 10:42 AM

I tried both cars recently. My nod goes to the Honda for sheer value. It has airbags everywhere, and Mazda doesn't even offer side/head curtains as options. Both seats are excellent. Both manual gearboxes and clutches are excellent. The Mazda has more road noise. The Civic is quiet and has a great suspension and handling. Torque steer is almost non existent on the Honda. The Mazda GT has better usable space since it is also a hatchback. The Honda gets much better mileage. I "hear" the Mazda isn't as bulletproof reliable as the Mazda. The Honda extended warrantee is awesome, I didn't look at the Mazda. I like the Honda's styling, it remonds me of a 3 series a bit in the back! The Honda interior is almost identical to the 3 series in terms of leg room, etc.

If it were me I'd get the LX, it is the best balance of cheap and cool. No seat heaters at all in the Civic, and the Mazda offers them in the Luxo package.

BMW F22 · 04-17-2006, 02:36 PM

sport-wise I would go with Mazda. Other than that, The civic gets my vote.

ed328ci · 04-17-2006, 03:35 PM

I would go with the Honda for expected reliability and resale value.

Ed

Nikki · 04-17-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vladinecko

what do you mean by that? was it that smooth? isn't that a good thing?

Bad, it felt like it was driving itself. It was smooth, but really boring. It'd probably be a nice car to get in an auto.

r3amir · 04-17-2006, 08:32 PM

I will vote for Civic, Honda has a better quality than Mazda. Go test drive both

beauderek · 04-17-2006, 10:45 PM

The front of the Honda could be the ugliest front end I've ever seen. I know Honda's are supposed to run for ever, though. If you're going for looks, then I'd go with the Mazda. It's actually a pretty cool looking car.

StewtheBassman · 04-18-2006, 11:19 AM

Yeah, but the Honda front end grows on you (much like the E90

). Both cars need major tinting.

I don't like the shadow line on the honda, it's really not necessary (ugly) to me. The Mazda is "just right" for what it its.

THe Honda coupe looks a lot better.

Oh, and the higher trim level Hondas have an MP3 plug too.

ALPINE6SPD · 04-21-2006, 05:50 PM

3

sblument · 04-21-2006, 07:43 PM

I drove a civic for 8 years and it was inexpensive to buy, fuel efficient, and had good ride and handling for a small car. It was decently built but not any better than average, I think. I maintained it well but it was actually not cheap to maintain, as many think. As an example, the heat failed after about 5 years and the dealer wanted $1200 to replace the heater core. I had an independent shop repair it for $350. My rear taillights leaked and that had to be repaired. I had constant wheel/tire problems including tracking and vibration at speed. The car started to rust after about 7 years.

sblument · 04-21-2006, 07:45 PM

also if you get a manual, honda makes some of the world's best manual transmissions...the civics was quite good

NaTuReB0Y · 04-21-2006, 08:35 PM

buy the Honda.......mazda has Ford attached to it......

E90-4life · 04-21-2006, 11:10 PM

Honda Civic "isacool"

StewtheBassman · 04-21-2006, 11:22 PM

The original poster never came back.

Ilac91 · 04-22-2006, 02:36 AM

...sorry for no recent replies as I've been busy with work...anyways my spouse drove my car the other day and she pulled to the side to park and ssssscraaapppppeee!!....my poor rims =(. Big reason to get another car....SOON! Anyways she hasn't been driving for awhile and so I've been trying to teach her.

The other day I test drove the Honda Civic sedan and the Honda Fit. The Fit had the sports package on it and I have to admit that this car was very peppy. I liked the idea that the seats could be folded in many configurations to provide space for moving and hauling. The car's ergonomics were well placed and practical. Price would be only about $2000 cheaper than the Civic. Any opinions on the Fit?

For the Civic I wasn't too impressed with the acceleration and this is probably because I'm so used to my BMW. The car felt cheap to me but don't get me wrong it was still a good drive. I honestly don't really like the dashboard layout but in time I guess one could get used to it.

My aim is to try the Mazda3 and the Toyota Yaris hatchback.
Any opinions on the Mazda3 speed? Also could anyone tell me what are the problems on the Mazda3 that make it less reliable than the Civic? Many thanks for all the replies.

ALPINE6SPD · 04-22-2006, 08:30 AM

The fit is a cool little car go for it. Also check out the Toyota Yaris.

06330i · 04-22-2006, 12:25 PM

i'd go for the honda but id get the si version lol.

aljlin · 04-22-2006, 03:38 PM

Well my friend just recently bought a Mazda3, he loves his car, when we both drove both cars right after each other, while the Honda Civic would do the job, I personally preferred the Mazda3, because it just seemed peppier. It always has no problem accelerating right off the block. (mind you we were also testing the 2.0L one not the 2.3L that comes in the mazda3 s and the hatchback) I enjoyed the handling of the Mazda better than the civic, and the Mazda IMO was much quieter than the civic. While the exterier is growing on me for the civic, I like the interior of the mazda. while the mazda interior is a lil cheap, i have to admit the layout for me was much better. When my friend corners and i'm in the back seat, and he's doing these turns at like 45-50 mph, i'm not thrown to the side,i feel comfortable. anyways. The civic will do its job, but for me the Mazda is much more fun to drive. don't know i guess it's personal choice.

04-17-2006, 03:40 AM	#1
Ilac91 New Member 29 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Need Car #2: Honda Civic Sedan or Mazda 3 Sport My wife would like to get another car for her to use since I need mine's for work. We definitely don't want to spend too much money however I would want to at least pick a good, well-built small sized sedan/hatchback. We've narrowed it down to either the Honda Civic Sedan or the Mazda 3 Sport The good thing about the Civic is that it's a new model and so the body styling should be around for another 4-5 yrs. On the otherhand I'm not too keen on the styling and especially the placement of the speedometer and the fact it's digital. Reminds me a lot of the older GM cars when they were going through that "computerize" everything phase. Good points are that its got good fuel economy, is well built, has good handling and good resale value. Besides that its also a Honda. I like the Mazda 3 Sport (hatchback) styling however not too sure if the Mazda will be coming out with a new body styling. I've heard fuel economy and handling is good as well. What I also heard is that the Mazda has more mechanical problems (compared to Civic), esp when getting over the age of 3 yrs. Have any of you heard anything about this? Anyways let me know if any of you have had any personal experience or objective opinion about these two. Make me a recommendation. __________________ [/SIGPIC]GO CANUCKS GO!
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04-17-2006, 10:08 AM	#2
Nikki Major General 1045 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Both are very nice. I've never driven the new Civic but I have driven the Mazda3 a couple years ago and it felt kind of boring, and the manual drove like an automatic. __________________ Nikki
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04-17-2006, 10:20 AM	#4
vladinecko Brigadier General 299 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	that's a tough decision. i'd probably go for Honda though. if it's going to be your wife's and she doesn't care what she drives as long as it's reliable, Civic is a really good choice. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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04-17-2006, 10:37 AM	#5
KL2DC Moderator 326 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Oh the Mazda3 is quite a nippy handler, I testdrove an automatic one and is pretty decent and sporty. Also the 5 door is practical and cool looking. It has a bigger engine than the Civic but consumes slightly more gas. I am actually partial to the Civic. Great interior packaging, cutting edge styling, great resale, set trim levels mean not having to sort out options and easier to research pricing, good equipment levels and safety features and quite fun to drive as well.... I am guessing you are comparing the EX AT to the Mazda 3S 5dr AT...I believe the 3 is more (comparable equipment) but it has a bigger engine 2.3 vs 1.8. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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04-17-2006, 10:42 AM	#6
StewtheBassman Major General 210 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	I tried both cars recently. My nod goes to the Honda for sheer value. It has airbags everywhere, and Mazda doesn't even offer side/head curtains as options. Both seats are excellent. Both manual gearboxes and clutches are excellent. The Mazda has more road noise. The Civic is quiet and has a great suspension and handling. Torque steer is almost non existent on the Honda. The Mazda GT has better usable space since it is also a hatchback. The Honda gets much better mileage. I "hear" the Mazda isn't as bulletproof reliable as the Mazda. The Honda extended warrantee is awesome, I didn't look at the Mazda. I like the Honda's styling, it remonds me of a 3 series a bit in the back! The Honda interior is almost identical to the 3 series in terms of leg room, etc. If it were me I'd get the LX, it is the best balance of cheap and cool. No seat heaters at all in the Civic, and the Mazda offers them in the Luxo package. __________________
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04-17-2006, 02:36 PM	#7
BMW F22 Major General 3659 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	sport-wise I would go with Mazda. Other than that, The civic gets my vote.
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04-17-2006, 03:35 PM	#8
ed328ci Grumpy 12 Rep 168 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I would go with the Honda for expected reliability and resale value. Ed __________________ Agh. Construction everywhere. Good for the economy, I guess.
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04-17-2006, 08:32 PM	#10
r3amir Lieutenant 91 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2023 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	I will vote for Civic, Honda has a better quality than Mazda. Go test drive both __________________ 2018 540i Mineral White/ Cognac 2015 435i GC Midnight Blue Metallic, Saddle Brown 2011 535i Alpine White, Oyster/Black leather 2006 325i Arctic Metallic
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04-17-2006, 10:45 PM	#11
beauderek Client Advisor/Radio DJ 176 Rep 1,293 Posts Drives: 2006 bmw 330xi/2019 bmw 230i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Detroit iTrader: (5) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	The front of the Honda could be the ugliest front end I've ever seen. I know Honda's are supposed to run for ever, though. If you're going for looks, then I'd go with the Mazda. It's actually a pretty cool looking car. __________________ f22 230i delivered 12/27/18/Seaside Blue/Oyster Sensatec/Manual/Heated front seats, Track & Handling package/CF mirrors and rear spoiler/M Sport front bumper/Shadowline trim/M Performance shift knob/1 Series (f21) M Sport steering wheel
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04-18-2006, 11:19 AM	#12
StewtheBassman Major General 210 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	Yeah, but the Honda front end grows on you (much like the E90 ). Both cars need major tinting. I don't like the shadow line on the honda, it's really not necessary (ugly) to me. The Mazda is "just right" for what it its. THe Honda coupe looks a lot better. Oh, and the higher trim level Hondas have an MP3 plug too. __________________
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04-21-2006, 05:50 PM	#13
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 161 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	3 __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
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04-21-2006, 07:43 PM	#14
sblument Lieutenant 13 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Champaign, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I drove a civic for 8 years and it was inexpensive to buy, fuel efficient, and had good ride and handling for a small car. It was decently built but not any better than average, I think. I maintained it well but it was actually not cheap to maintain, as many think. As an example, the heat failed after about 5 years and the dealer wanted $1200 to replace the heater core. I had an independent shop repair it for $350. My rear taillights leaked and that had to be repaired. I had constant wheel/tire problems including tracking and vibration at speed. The car started to rust after about 7 years. __________________ 2006 330i, SP, PP, fold down rear seats, sparkling graphite, black leather, metallic trim.
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04-21-2006, 07:45 PM	#15
sblument Lieutenant 13 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Champaign, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	also if you get a manual, honda makes some of the world's best manual transmissions...the civics was quite good __________________ 2006 330i, SP, PP, fold down rear seats, sparkling graphite, black leather, metallic trim.
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04-21-2006, 08:35 PM	#16
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 366 Rep 7,369 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	buy the Honda.......mazda has Ford attached to it...... __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
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04-21-2006, 11:10 PM	#17
E90-4life auto pilot 279 Rep 822 Posts Drives: E60 M5 chilln on slicks Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Honda Civic "isacool"
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04-21-2006, 11:22 PM	#18
StewtheBassman Major General 210 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: 2011 X5d 421,000kms Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hudson, Quebec iTrader: (1)	The original poster never came back. __________________
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04-22-2006, 02:36 AM	#19
Ilac91 New Member 29 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	Im back ...sorry for no recent replies as I've been busy with work...anyways my spouse drove my car the other day and she pulled to the side to park and ssssscraaapppppeee!!....my poor rims =(. Big reason to get another car....SOON! Anyways she hasn't been driving for awhile and so I've been trying to teach her. The other day I test drove the Honda Civic sedan and the Honda Fit. The Fit had the sports package on it and I have to admit that this car was very peppy. I liked the idea that the seats could be folded in many configurations to provide space for moving and hauling. The car's ergonomics were well placed and practical. Price would be only about $2000 cheaper than the Civic. Any opinions on the Fit? For the Civic I wasn't too impressed with the acceleration and this is probably because I'm so used to my BMW. The car felt cheap to me but don't get me wrong it was still a good drive. I honestly don't really like the dashboard layout but in time I guess one could get used to it. My aim is to try the Mazda3 and the Toyota Yaris hatchback. Any opinions on the Mazda3 speed? Also could anyone tell me what are the problems on the Mazda3 that make it less reliable than the Civic? Many thanks for all the replies. __________________ [/SIGPIC]GO CANUCKS GO!
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04-22-2006, 08:30 AM	#20
ALPINE6SPD Lieutenant General 161 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 328i Sport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Highland Lakes NJ iTrader: (2)	The fit is a cool little car go for it. Also check out the Toyota Yaris. __________________ 2010 AW e90 328i: 6 speed, Black Leather, Dark Wood trim, ZPP, ZCW, ZVP,ZSP, Nav, Xenon BMW Performance CF Rear spolier and Gloss black grills 2008 Candy White MKV GTI 2.0T 6 Speed Manul Gone 2008 AW X3 3.0si: 6 speed Returned 2006 AW e90 330i: 6 speed Dinan Stage 1 Returned
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04-22-2006, 12:25 PM	#21
06330i fresher den you 36 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 2004 x3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: the shores, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90, 330i [0.00]	i'd go for the honda but id get the si version lol.
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04-22-2006, 03:38 PM	#22
aljlin Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 293 Posts Drives: 2011 335d e90 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Well my friend just recently bought a Mazda3, he loves his car, when we both drove both cars right after each other, while the Honda Civic would do the job, I personally preferred the Mazda3, because it just seemed peppier. It always has no problem accelerating right off the block. (mind you we were also testing the 2.0L one not the 2.3L that comes in the mazda3 s and the hatchback) I enjoyed the handling of the Mazda better than the civic, and the Mazda IMO was much quieter than the civic. While the exterier is growing on me for the civic, I like the interior of the mazda. while the mazda interior is a lil cheap, i have to admit the layout for me was much better. When my friend corners and i'm in the back seat, and he's doing these turns at like 45-50 mph, i'm not thrown to the side,i feel comfortable. anyways. The civic will do its job, but for me the Mazda is much more fun to drive. don't know i guess it's personal choice.
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