Overhaulin'

New Car: Mazda3 or Civic?

I'll be purchasing my first new car in about 1-2 months and have narrowed it down to the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic. Due to my extensive amount of car travel (about 20,000 miles per year), I won't be able to lease and will have to buy the car, which I plan on having for about 5-7 years. Due to this, things like reliability are pretty important. Here is how I see the cars right now: Reliability - Both rated well, but I have to give the edge to the Civic, though I have to note that the Mazda can have traction control at a lower price. Enjoyable to Drive - Both nice, but edge goes to the Mazda. When driving my father's Civic I find myself wanting some more oomph. Look/feel (interior) - Mazda. Don't think I like the Civic's 2-tier display. Mazda has more headroom. Look/feel (exterior) - Mazda. Color choices are more exciting. Storage - Civic's trunk is bigger. Basically I like the Mazda a bit more, but worry about reliability vs. the Civic over 100k miles. Suggestions? Experiences?

Public Comments

1. i think the mazda3 speed has more hp if you want speed. there is the si which is way faster than the lx. i think i would get the mazda 3
2. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0805_civic_mazda3_impreza_corolla_comparison/index.html this might help, there are more reviews out there, little more reaserch will help u get what u need. Id go for the mazda, i find civics a bit too vanilla (a little plain/boring), except Si but that is more expensive as is the mazdaspeed3 too
3. I own a 08 mazda3 isport sedan and I must admit, after buying it I have had no regrets whatsoever. The engine is amazing for the price value, if you are looking for something fun to drive. My trunk is pretty large and the back seats fold down for extra space too. So far it seems reliable, but then again I havent had it for a long time obviously