Civic v Corolla v Mazda 3 | Consumer Comparison Test | Edmunds.com

[@genomekender8471]

I've driven all of these cars. -Civic : Has the most legroom but a short headroom, responsive steering (Though feedback isn't that impressive.), excellent plastic quality for its price, smoothest engine of the three. -Mazda 3 : Most fun to drive of the three, smallest car here (And feels the lightest as well), interior quality is average (Not as good as the Civic, but still ok for a car at this class), -Corolla : Slow steering response, wide, light steering (Lacking of feedback), best fuel economy, tall headroom, scratchy interior plastic (Though, some parts have high quality materials.) , bad ergonomics (Especially the arm rest.), sensitive throttle response (I find it over-sensitive). Well, those are just my personal opinions. Goodluck choosing :)

[@airpolska]

I am going to be somewhat subjective here as I own a Mazda 3 but it wins this race hands down. There is not an uglier car on the road than the civic with its unconventional styling and its handling and performance forget it. The mazda 3 handles almost like a Miata, I have the 17 inch wheel option and you can take turns at 30 MPH with no problem at all, the quality of materials for such an inexpensive car is absolutely stunning. The Corolla, I believe was judged fairly in this competition.

[@alareco]

I drive a mazda. And I just love it. I find any excuses to drive it through curves, downhills or uphills, the car handles it just fine.

[@TemporarySpastic93]

I have an 06 Mazda 3, 2.3L manual (got it about a year and a half ago) I like it a lot. fun to drive especially on curvy roads. haven't done any performance mods but maybe an exhaust some day. I have upgraded the audio system so it sounds pretty good. Gets about 28.7 mpg average. I would definitely pick the Mazda

[@MrPunkmemike]

Mazda all day everyday !

[@danigil8050]

2009 Mazda 3 my first car, bought it myself, loved it so much im getting my 2016 in the summer.

[@caantu95]

how it was going? What about mpg?I was de 2.3 o 2.0?

[@Pelllaw26]

same! the car looks great. i haven't driven it yet but i can't wait XD.

[@bradym762]

Mazda all the way!!!

[@isaacg2404]

Dang looks like Mazda is popular on this feed, understandably. I have a 2008 Mazda 3, it is the best car I’ve owned. Great mpg, great looks too, as well as good pricing. The handling is excellent on it. The only draw back is a little road noise on the freeway, which I really don’t hear anymore due to straight piping the exhaust haha.

[@64DrPeppers]

mazda should have won

[@upontherooftops]

MAZDA 3 :] best car for the money, fun for dad but has plenty of cargo space for mom/kids. Hands down, most worth it and least amount of money. Mine loves me :]

[@MyerShift7]

I've driven the 8th Gen Civic, this Mazda3, and the PREVIOUS Gen 9 Corolla and following Gen 11 Corolla. The Mazda was the most joyous to drive, but its road noise was just awful. Even worse than the Civic if you can imagine that. The Corolla for me is the most honest, straight forward and quietest car although the new 11th Gen Corolla IS noisier and stiffer, particularly in S guise. For sheer efficiency, comfort, and refinement, I preferred my Gen 9 Corolla (5-speed) to ANY of these. Honda may offer excellent engineering and an engaging drive but Toyota offers impeccable engineering and refinement even if it is a bit crude/simple (torsion bar back end, anyone?). Out of the cars HERE, the 8th Gen Civic is the only one that makes sense: great efficiency, relatively good reliability, very nice interior quality for the price point, an engaging drive, and futuristic styling. Did I mention a body that wasn't going to rust out within five or six years a la Mazda3?

[@johnnybbad2nite]

I bought a mazda 3 (well my boss did but i got to choose which car). The civic probably has a better engine but when i went for the test drive they only had automatic. But I also test drove the acura tsx. The tsx shifts much smoother than the mazda 3. Over all I am very pleased with the mazda, it is good value too (105 clicks on it and no maintenance other than oil changes) and i drive about 50K per year. I wouldn't consider the corolla...poor styling. Hope my opinion helps potential buyers.

[@hallangell12]

Agree Corolla is the safest in the bunch, 6 airbags standard and Traction control and Stablity Control for $250. (FOR BOTH

[@surfandsand2]

I test drove these cars too (along with several others) and choose the Mazda 3 with a 5 speed stick. It's by far the most fun to drive. The only thing that comes close is the Mini Cooper turbo for 6 thousand dollars more. It's also the most car for the money. The Civic is also a great car...my 81 year old grandma drives one and loves it.

[@dtjlc]

i choose mazda 3. simply because i just got 1 3months ago. its fun to drive and has a supercool aircon- totoy cruise

[@DoEverythingDerek]

this video was a waste of time, I wanted to see the mazda3, and you barely showed or talked about it

[@jaybird321]

I bought the corolla. I could have bought the Civic but this is my 3rd toyota and I never had a problem with the previous two. All I care about is getting to work and not paying too much for gas, I could give a crap about its looks.

[@kai_00123]

I like the Mazda3 better. It just feels more sporty and the interior takes the win for me. Great handling, peppy, plenty of features, 2.3L engine. Although the look isn't for everyone, it will always be my favorite car. :)

[@em613]

I find this test is a bit unfair, since the mazda3 can also be bought in a hatchback version (increasing its practicality)...as can the corolla in a Matrix version...Honda doesn't offer that! I own an 06 mazda 3 gs sport (wagon), 5 spd...and I would NEVER trade it for my dad's Corolla Matrix or my friends 08 civic. The quality of the fit on everything inside, smooth tranny, peppy 2.3 litre engine. (it may not have Honda/toyota gas mileage, but when I need to change lanes or pass....it's there).

[@2010mazda3gte]

Mazda 3-GTE all the way...handling is so much fun...a real looker on the roads..new body style..I have had alot of compliments and power oh yeh!!!-Feel young again drive a Mazda

[@mafiand]

One very important thing to remember is that the Mazda3 has been out for over 5 years and is near the end of it's model life. Whereas the Civic and Corolla are at the start of their life. Not bad for a car that is about to be replaced with a new model next year. I am sure the new model 3 would give the Civic a run for it's money or a serious nose bleed.

[@knowallcity]

@tubegangsta I have a silver "s" and it has a smooth ride-people notice,the sears are comfortable,it gets the best MPG of its class. And if you like Mazda,and Hundai and American...look at the newspaper and see how much the devalue over just two years...off a cliff with some. And I like the sunroof-its cool. Downside-the radio tuner is a bit weak,and the interior is all you need-it just looks all functional not really swoopy. A real positive is that engine..it revs like crazy,

[@2Kriss2Kross]

I love Honda and Mazda both. The only thing the Mazda3 lacks is the fuel economy the Civic has, other than that I think it's on par or even a bit better. At least those two beat that overrated appliance Crapolla.

[@knowallcity]

@zjumps33 I'm getting older-and a sharp looking silver Corolla S beats a hard sporty ride. And btw,those propblems with steering were cured by late 2010 models..no problems with highway tracking at all.

[@Giardintek]

In Europe, you can get the Toyota Corolla Hatchback which is not avail for us, in NA and that car is fun! Out of these three, I'd take the Mazda3

[@Artemetra]

When buying a car, make sure you pick a car that's fun to drive, imo. One word - Mazda. Hands down most fun - that's what they all said. A 2.3L with stick is waaay fun. A Mazdaspeed3 has gott be a pure blast - top 10 Car&Driver favorite.

[@WHVN3S]

Mazda 3 hands down. I was going to buy my second civic but I sat in the driver's seat and I was turned off this by alone. I didn't even test drive it because of this. The gauge layout is terrible i.m.o. I felt like I was in a toy car. So, I test drove a Mazda 3 and I've been loving it ever since. Oh, the gauge layout on the 3 is better than anything I've seen in this price range and better than some cars thousands more.

[@xtacized]

Yes it's quiet, especially after i switched out the OEM Goodyear RS-A tires. But the OEM tires doesn't really bother me. As far as interior noise. there's not much.

[@okcap58]

hey dude there is a leather interior option it comes with the 2.3L GT. You are later off without them because they look good, but in summer they are hell! In the winter they are brilliant with seat warmers.

[@surfandsand2]

I did this test on my own and along with the nissan sentra. I bought the 2009 mazda 3 because I wanted a driver's car and it is by far the most athletic car in its class hands down. I love the zoom zoom instead of the honda putt putt.

[@0oz]

Thanks to this video and the well thought out comments below. I will get a Mazda3i as my first car.

[@mazdazoomzoom1]

it is very reliable consumer reports gave it the top rating for reliability. i have a 2009 Mazda 3 s and i love it

[@jakeman165]

GottfriedvonCramm mazdas are rated very high in reliability. Ive had a Grey 2006 Mazda3 GT Hatchback since 2006, and ive never had any problems with it. My favourate car! :D

[@tightlaces]

The 2009 Mazda 3 only has a lower grill change for the most part, the 2010 has redesigned headlights and tail lights yet for the most part is the same shape.

[@TorontoBoi]

It's a little biased. Did they test only the lower end 1.8/2.0L's) engines of each car, then the higher end engines (2.4L+)? Or just the lower end base level cars? This makes a HUGE difference in making a decision, because straight off the bat, the Corolla's base 1.8L engine (132hp) is the weakest, so obviously it'll do the worst.

[@mazdazoomzoom1]

i have a mazda 3 and its a great value and real fun to drive and the engine is not built by ford it is a mazda mzr engine on all engine choices go with the 3

[@iLovethemToo]

Mazda 3 is best I have no regrets for my skyactiv, 2.0. For price, performance, looks and power

[@youmils03swagger]

Environmentally, Corolla gets the same as Civic - 29 miles per gallon (about 25 city for both cars, about 35 highway for both cars), but the Mazda 3 falls a little behind at about 26 miles per gallon. All three get good to really good gas mileage. Personally, I like the Mazda. Civic doesn't fall too much behind. Corolla I'm disappointed with. It's like Mercedes-Benz (Mazda), Audi (Civic), and BMW (Corolla).

[@lrod1887]

i drove a 1998 toyota corolla for a while, i bought it used with around 175k, and i recently crashed it at 250k miles. i just bought a used 2006 mazda3 with 55k miles. i did a lot of research and found mazda3 had the highest rating (civic, corolla, sentra) according to consumers. i hope i drive this car for many years!!!

[@alialaddin3803]

Did you drove it for many years? :)

[@lrod1887]

@@alialaddin3803 no lol only like 2 years . thankfully it was in an accident and got a total loss and got a 2009 prius lol

[@alialaddin3803]

@@lrod1887 ahhh, hopefully you are fine! I'm a student at the moment saving up to either Mazda 3, civic or corolla - 2003-06 versions.

[@mmabagain]

My 2006 Mazda3 was totaled 2 weeks after I paid it off. I liked it so much, I replaced it with an '07 model. Great acceleration and handling. And I love the ability to shift manually or use the automatic mode if I choose to. I looked at and drove the '07 Civic but it cost more with less features.

[@oshsye]

Good comparison. Although I am really not a fan of the Mazda 3- don't get me wrong, I like the NEW style mazda, but the previous generation really looks outdated considering they were still produced in 09'. In my opinion, the honda looks awesome. Even if it's been basically carried over with minor touches each year, it still looks better than the rest. Even tho the toyota has been redesigned, I really don't think the average person could tell - still looks a lot like the previous generation...

[@knowallcity]

@zjumps33 I'm getting older-and a sharp looking silver Corolla S beats a hard sporty ride. And btw,those problems with steering were cured by late 2010 models..no problems with highway tracking at all. It turned out Toyota swapped out the electric driver with a better computer module.

[@sex14]

you know, cars are not rated of how fast it goes. Its about the durability, comfort, and reliability

[@TheBrittanyPhantom]

@Shenkoa360 and that car is a beast, complete beast. i've seen many older mazda's on the road than I have civics. I've seen many 90's model civics,but that's about it. Speed counts yea, and I could careless if my car is economically efficient. I love speed & that's what a car should be about, cars are for thrills, to give you goose bumps and make your heart race. i'm sry if i'm not some mini van/hybrid loving person. but i'm into cars because of speed. I don't know a ton about cars,but i've been

[@devster117]

we put a mazdaspeed exaust and cold air intake on our mazda GT. how much horse do u think it would increase by. plz reply.

[@beatusmongous]

It's interesting how there is never a car that is for everyone. Each person likes different attributes to a car. However, it is also interesting that not one person liked the Corolla. I'm not much of a Corolla fan, but that's pretty sad.

[@sandhilldiva]

i drove a corolla 10 years never had 1 problem

[@lubemnky]

my sister just bought a 04 civic SI and compared to my 01 Protege gt the civic is a total let down ;( now she's bummed too but I won't say I told her so.

[@ericeng91]

that's good. I have a Civic coupe. A few things to know, the mazda is the one with the most power and the best handling if that means anything. If you plan to keep your car for many years to come, you may really want to consider the 4 door sedan because of convinience. the coupe thing is definatly cool looking, but not the most practicle. I don't know if you are a girl or boy, but if you are girl, you may have to throw your purse in the back all the times (if someone is sitting with you)

[@fishinginkayak01]

I test drove all 3 yesterday. Civic was a uniquely different experience. Everything feels high quality and futuristic. Mazda3 feels like a cheap Chevrolet. It's $2000 +/- less than the others, low quality plastic everywhere. It does have a peppy engine. Corolla has a traditional Toyota solid quality feel. Civic handles best and has the smoothest ride but lacks pick up. Corolla handles responsively with more peppiness than Civic. Mazda 3's ride lacks a solid feel. My overall pick: Corolla.

[@Mark5053]

I recently bought Honda civic 07 it feels like luxery car as well I drove BMW 2006 5 series before its insane but I like civic better may be its simple to drive... I like interior metal look. Mazda 3 is good as well I tested too but you will definetly feel deffirence when u drive civic. Civic like a luxery car Mazda as sporty. Thanks

[@sleeksilver]

No, you aren't biased or anything... All one has to do is read your handle. This is a very GOOD review, free of bias. The Corolla is great for people who couldn't care lessa about cars. It isn't possible to buy a vehicle more boring than the Corolla. It is slow, boring, and all the major automotive publications have had negative reviews of the newest iteration which pretty much reenforces this review here. Sorry.

[@ZerobladeEX]

When I was looking for a 4 cylinder car, I looked at any brand in the US that had one back in 2009. To this day, I refuse to recommend anything other than 2006-2009 Mazda 3. The Civic I think is good also, but the 3 gets its point across faster, more features and cheaper. Yea the Civic gets slightly better comfort/MPG but its outweighed by the 3 does well over the Civic. The 3 does have split seats, higher quality materials, more power, handling, it goes on. BTW 2006+ models are the 3's to watch

[@deeptracy23]

The last good corolla was the ae111. The only thing better with the new ones are the ones (as they should be0.

[@lukekvas]

i have the Mazda 3 shown here and i love it. it's my first car and it beats the civic by so much. i tested both out when picking a car and the Mazda is a drivers car. Zoom-zoom is not just a slogan and with manual transmission it is fun to drive. my only complaints are the lack of a leather interior option and the cheap plastic back bumper. everything else is quality. i've had it for a year and a half now with no issues or problems

[@MyNameIsJeff-W]

I was going to get a Honda but then in the long run I decided to go with a Mazda3 GS because I found steering was smoother and easier. Mazda also is very reasonable when it came to price. The interior and exterior appealed to me way more on the 08 Mazda3 then the Civic. As for MPG civic may be better...but it wasn't enough to be a deciding factor when I chose a car. I drove a gas guzzler previous and ANYTHING would be better. Toyota...never really appealed or caught my interest.

[@JoshLoschner]

I had mazda 3i 2006 it had no abs no traction control WORST POS EVER, almost killed myself I dunno how many times, but I do have to give it, it handled pretty good, and the braking as long as it wasnt panic locking it up was good, but still, my overall opinion of it is "GoKart" not worth the money, not saying anything about a new one, but the one I had was garbage. Get a Subaru WRX, amazing car, have one now and I love it, safe as anything.

[@aids0610]

i drive a civic and love it and am pretty sure it could last 200,000 miles with the right care. It is a little boring on the drive and power but it definitely gets the job done smoothly. If Mazda could up its reliability and mass appeal, the whole "drivers choice" marketing could take off

[@discod]

I have the Mazda 3 model shown here, and I love it! I read that the Mazda 3 quality is actually superior to the Mazda 6. The Mazda 3 is still made in Japan, the Mazda 6 is made in the US at the Ford plant.

[@applepoop10]

@Victor Martinez The engine is from Ford.

[@juusbox]

@@applepoop10 the 2.3 engine is made by mazda not ford

[@parsley0120]

I think if the Corolla got a 5 speed auto in every version it could better compete with these two cars. The "S" verison of the Corolla is my favorite!

[@tightlaces]

2009 models have a $2,000 reduction in price yet the 2008 and 2008.5 models are currently getting a $3,100 rebate.

[@JourneymanVan]

I have driven protege 1.6. I used to deliver pizzas and driving 150kms everyday with just $15 gas. Amazing. Mazda3 is d improved model of protege n m very much sure that mazda3 is better then protege. Eager to own mazda3. Mazda b best

[@coolerdude44]

the mazda has a very cheap interior though. it's got the chassis from a european ford focus, which is great (best handling hatch out there) but it's also cheapened down, with a cheaper rear suspension. the car was designed by the accountants, and frankly, mazda makes a great car that didn't cost much more... the mazda 6.

[@LTF85199]

InsideLines please do an updated video comparing the newest of these cars along with the new players just entered into the market like the new fiesta, focus, cruze, aveo etc... also test the 2012 Civic

[@alareco]

My car mazda 3 hatchback 6 years ago and still strong and fun to drive it. No complains!

[@Drummerguy2009]

a scope stearing wheel that lets it move up and down as well as closer and futher away. making the driver as comfortable as possible. I may be biast (?) but it looks the best to me lol. also to note that it has a MASSIVE trunk, had two friends in it (one 300LBS lol) highly recomend this car and if you test drive one, floor it.. you get butterflys lol.. Hope this helps.

[@mazdazoomzoom1]

i have a 2009 Mazda 3 s 2.3 touring and i love it it is fun to drive its quick and is very reliable

[@knowallcity]

My only real complaint with the Corolla is that the trans' highest gear is still too low. I'm getting 33mpg mixed,but I'm sure I could push some electric car's mpg had the Corolla had a better roll.

[@byronelloco]

your right, mazda 3 is in other segment, or not?

[@bontymonty1330]

Mazda 3 2009 Dark Blue my fav... past 3yrs using it .. superb mileage good looks

[@zjumps33]

@knowallcity not everyone likes the floaty suspension most toyotas have. hondas feel more planted to the ground rather than disconnected

[@mazda6tuner99]

my 6 isn't really a luxury. when ur driving u see a killer red gauges. solid black leather every thing.

[@t5e2]

ZOOM ZOOM is the most fun to drive. That is no surprise.

[@YelloPhase]

@Shrukit i bought a brand new 08 mazda3 for $16k fully loaded. so i dont know what you're talking about. maybe it just requires a little more bargaining?

[@danielmendez6280]

MAZDA 3 THE BEST AND CIVIC

[@lukepakseresht5701]

Why all the hate on the toyota it will last the longest

[@Liist]

I would love to get the Mazda. How reliable is it?

[@Drummerguy2009]

Let you know i currently own, and Absolutely love the mazda 3. I am more for fun driving than practicality. I can point out that the mazda 3 is extramly fun to drive. Fast, good to handel, sounds like a race car (on the interior) it had a red line of nearly 7kRPM, Amazing.. im a tall guy as well 6'3" and the mazda is still roomy fo me. IDk what they were talkin about in this vid. for the driver and front passanger you are able to "pump" the seat up and down, slide back and forth as well as

[@alinjohn1960]

i used to had honda civic 01 and last month i bought 09 honda same shown in video and it really deserves the no#1..its amazing

[@amrick888]

JBrowneyez, I have the exact Mazda 3 in this video and its amazing. Im only 20, but i have driven lots of nice cars. For the price of the mazda 3 its just an awesome drive. The stereo is mind blowing for stock and you will just love it. However, I hear they are coming out with a new design next year. You might want to wait

[@RazzoClimhazzard]

I love the Mazda3, definitely the winner of the bunch in terms of design, handling, and bang for your buck.

[@reivax518]

I don't care about Hondas or Corollas because I love Mazdas. I don't have one yet, but in a few months I will 😊☺😃😄 I will get met a 6 or a 3 whichever one is great, I love the power of the 6 and the style of the 3.

[@agkusumo]

In Indonesia, apple to apple comparison 1.8 litre, Altis equipped with DOHC DUAL VVT-i electronic valve control both for fuel-air and exhaust at dual cam shaft maximise combustion breath; plus ACIS (auto anti over back pressure muffler); plus Super CVTi (7 gear tronics), plus Altis engine could prevent you to exceed 120 km/h at automatic/eco gear mode, but at tronic mode its lets you to have fun, and 10 hp more than the Civic. While Civic remain SOHC, 5 gear regular gear, regular muffler, any other feature are more or less similar, and yet Civic is around 1500usd more expensive than Altis. At the big picture, Japanese are good in identifying consumer behavior and managing their product diffrentiation among their Companies.

[@FloMonKish]

Mazda 3, better driving experience, and by far the nicest interior design, and I also prefer its exterior.

[@YelloPhase]

@samalia101 nah the base model mz3 was never 10k, the msrp of my loaded 2008 sedan was around $19k. you just gotta know how much lower u can get it down. it always helps to go to certain dealerships with much more inventory than smaller ones.

[@flatblackstrat]

I dont know about that, check out some of those econoline work vans I know carpenters who have over 300,000 miles on them without an overhaul.

[@JBrowneyez]

I'm thinking of buying a Mazda3...we'll see but so far all I've seen is good reviews

[@859JDMCTR]

I own a 2005 Mazda 3 sp2.3 hatch and I love it! The only thing that I would change is the 4speed automatic transmission. But in 2007 they came with a 5speed automatic transmission. And the guy down there in the comments who is trying to compare the Mazda 3 against a civic si is such looking for easy win for honda...compare a si against our top Mazda 3...the mazdaspeed 3. Wouldn't stand a chance....

[@Sunshone7311]

I picked the Corolla because it is the hands down easiest to work on and has electric steering. I despise hydraulic steering on these little 4 cylinder engines because the system gets dirty, makes noise, and makes you idle rough over time. I commute 30k + a year and will stay with a proven powertrain and a 1.8, 4 speed. I hate to tell people 6 speed autos are not well suited for low torque 4 cylinder engines and will be constantly hunting for gears when driving on hilly terrain like I do.

[@cs925]

Personally I think any of these cars are a safe bet. So naturally it comes down to which one you like to drive. I got my License over 20 years ago and back then, and into the 90's, you had to consider reliability and build quality on top of everything else. But now-a-days cars are made so well it really is just a simple matter of which one U like to drive. I applaud these tests: they're real world test that real people can relate to. if I was buyin 1 this would have made it 10x's easier 4 me.

[@FrothyOmen]

What? I'm looking at buying a Mazda 3 Hatch with just an Automatic Transmission, and out the door pricing (with S-Plan) is $20,200 for an '08, and $200 more for an '09. You're saying that there's a $2,000 discount in price on the 2009? So, if I'm reading this correctly, I should actually be paying $18,400 for an '09 Mazda 3 Hatch? Anyone who can answer this, send me a message back via my profile OR comment my profile :)

[@Gold815108]

One thing to know about the Corolla S it dose not do so well in winter . the sporty front bumper tends to catch in large snow drifts and the electronic stability control tends to get in the way in icy conditions

[@mazda6tuner99]

i love mazda.but my 6 would eat all three of those cars.the mazda was the best.

[@Liberaltedjo]

i'm agree about this, lancer is hard rival of all this car,

[@sofunkyfrsh]

I use to drive a 5 spd civic and loved it until someone hit me. Now I have a 5 spd Mazda 3 and i love it. It is so fun to drive and it looks nice. But hondas are reliable cars. I love both Mazdas and Hondas

[@Marathon13240]

Wonder how much the 2.3 4cyl was as an option

[@pooljunkie85]

I've got a 2.0 litre mazda3...had a 2" cat-back exhaust put on it so the engine breathes a little better but maybe that's where the better gas mileage came from.

[@Awelch1204]

mazdas goal isnt to make boring eco cars, their goal is to make a fun to drive car that still gets decent gas mpg and that handle amazingly

[@psmTARDCORE]

If Laura wants to test out the back seats of each car, I'm game :P

[@niraga89]

Mazda 3.. is a all rounder and fun to drive

[@hondamanvtec2894]

Niranga Jayakody no.. 3 shit cars

[@Kraziiboi]

Yeah Hondas are really awesome. We had an old civic for 12 years before we bought a new car and we got a 2000 accord top model. We still have it and it still runs great.