Civic vs Corolla vs Mazda 3 - Which one is the best?

[CCCPres]

I get asked this question every day.

3 very popular small cars. Please vote in the poll above.

Feel free to post your reasons why.:lol:

Cheers,
CCCPres

[coriolis]

Civic/Mazda3, then the Corolla.

All are pretty much reliable and maintenance isn't expensive.

[gherikill]

Ford Focus:lol:

[hotweiss]

If you are going to upgrade any of them up to $20,000, then the Subaru Impreza is the best.

[chenwaa123]

The trim kinda matters don't you think?

[notanexpert]

Best for whom?

For a young guy/girl getting a car in which they aren't embarassed to be seen, probably the Mazda 3.

For longevity, Corolla. Just checked some records, right now 13% of 1987 Corollas are still on the road today, 9% of Civics and only 6% of Mazda 323's.

For resale value, Corolla is still king, mostly due to the longevity record mentioned above.

[mangoman]

Ford Fiesta/Mazda 2 because those are actually the type/size of car with the engine that I actually want since none of the "reliable" manufacturers are bringing clean diesels over!

I'm not a sedan guy but if forced then the Honda Civic (Mazda 3 now has weird front grill, people still smash the driver's door trying to break in even though it's been fixed and it isn't as fuel efficient as it should be). Corolla looks better now but still a bit bland for me.

[DeadMau5]

I'll be in the market for a new car within the next month and am seriously leaning towards the Mazda 3 Sport GS. Seems like the best deal for the price..

[macnut]

Even though these cars are in the same category, they are so different that it is not possible to say which is "best".

For someone who just has to have a "driver's car", no question, the Mazda 3.

For someone who demands enlightened cockpit design and is happy keeping the revs up while driving, the Honda Civic.

For someone who is definitely not a driving enthusiast and cherishes conservatism, the Toyota Corolla.

But then you have to factor in individual preferences for standard equipment, available options, sound equipment, resale value, local dealership reputation, etc., etc.

The CCC Pres. knows all this, surely?

[mrfrostyman]

Since i bought a mazda 3 and i compared it against the other 2 i am going to go with whatever is best for you. As stated above they all have their strengths and weakness's. I have an 09gt 5spd btw for reference.

[Nyte]

As some have already mentioned, best for what?

[CCCPres]

As some have already mentioned, best for what?

This isn't for me its to help other RFD mebers who may be looking for advice but are too shy to ask.

Best is clearly very subjective, but that's ok. Getting different opinions is what this forum is all about.:cheesygri

Cheers,
CCCPres

[Carzzz]

best of what?
value? driving dynamic? ride comfort? roomiest?

[angel_wing0]

The trim kinda matters don't you think?

+1.

Lets say highest trim, i would say civic si, mazda speed3 then corolla xrs

[JAGpilot]

The Mazda3 has many problems or so I have heard from TorontoMazda3. Suspension issues, airbags deploying for no reason, hard to change oil filters. Stay away from them

[weedb0y]

The Mazda3 has many problems or so I have heard from TorontoMazda3. Suspension issues, airbags deploying for no reason, hard to change oil filters. Stay away from them

+1

My buddy's 2004 Mazda 3 is already rusting and has been in the shop alot lately as well.

Poor Poor choice of his..

[mrfrostyman]

You cant compare the SI and XRS vs the speed 3. The speed is in a different league. The SI is a league above the XRS. The XRS is more comparable to the GT

[TT333]

Civic ftw

IMO:

Civic- good on gas, fairly fun to drive, reliable as hell, practical enough, looks pretty good
Corolla- good on gas, boring, practical, also reliable, looks alright
Mazda- worse on gas, fun to drive, looks decent, questionable reliability and durability.

I don't think it's fair to compare the Si, MS3 and XRS though :o

[new_vr]

My vote is same as TT333. Pretty much for the same reasons...
Except add that the Civic is built in Aliston

[tonychau]

The best laugh must be Mazda!

http://img18.picoodle.com/img/img18/3/2/22/f_2010mazda30m_09e749f.jpg
Credit - ShadowVlican

[shocker]

Corolla is out of the question lol

Civic- economy, reliablity, resale
Mazda3-everything else lol

I say Mazda 3 nicer then the civic, the looks really grown on me. Just unsure of reliability.

[Nyte]

This isn't for me its to help other RFD mebers who may be looking for advice but are too shy to ask.

Best is clearly very subjective, but that's ok. Getting different opinions is what this forum is all about.:cheesygri


Right, but regardless of who it's for, it still depends on what they want in a car.
Even if its the same person - I compared exactly these 3 cars 5 years ago and bought one of them as they met my needs perfectly. Today, I wouldn't consider any of them for my next car (which I just bought recently).

[tr!xxy]

Best for whom?

For a young guy/girl getting a car in which they aren't embarassed to be seen, probably the Mazda 3.

For longevity, Corolla. Just checked some records, right now 13% of 1987 Corollas are still on the road today, 9% of Civics and only 6% of Mazda 323's.

For resale value, Corolla is still king, mostly due to the longevity record mentioned above.

Nah, for resale value? Civic beats a corolla. Mainly, because it attracts younger generations. Check auto trader and it's apparent.

[i-o_o-i]

I'll be in the market for a new car within the next month and am seriously leaning towards the Mazda 3 Sport GS. Seems like the best deal for the price..
I was looking for a new car, tried out a bunch of them and I like the Mazda 3 the best, the only one I didn't try was the Corolla because just looking at it I know its something I don't want. I ended up buying a 2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS because it handles and drives the best, I also like the interior the most and it comes packed with a lot of features for its price. The Civic is alright, but really does not drive as good as the Mazda 3, plus the style would probably be changing soon.Corolla is good for reliability and thats about it, the style isn't that great and neither is the interior. Mazda 3 looks good, has a great interior and drives great but reliability I'm not so sure about, so I guess Civic is a good balance of both but still my pick would be the Mazda 3.

[win-star]

Toyota Corolla got my vote.

The Corolla is the best car I have ever driven!! saves me gas, insurance and so far low on maintenance.

[THINKPADT61]

Mazda 3 > Civic > Corolla

[TheCheez]

Civic or Mazda are both great and come down to buyer preference. Civic is cheaper on gas but higher insurance. Obviously different styling and power under the hood.


Corolla is another story.

[evanx]

Mazda 3 for the fun factor!

[q1w2e3r4]

Zoom Zoom just becasue the Mazda 3 is more fun to drive.
This comes after owning a honda civic for the last 10 years.