Honda Civic VS. Mazda 3
Thread Starter
Video Game & Movie Whore!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: Fontana, California, US
Rep Power: 295 
Honda Civic VS. Mazda 3 I've been looking and comparing the new Mazda 3 to our Civic's. And straight out am thinking about trading the Vic infor a 5 door hatchback. They have better options, look nice in and out, more power for the same price as a Civic. Available Navigation, tire pressure monitor,Electronic brakeforce distribution, Leather interior, H.I.D.'s, 17 inch wheels, all disc brakes. Check it out what do you think! Mazda 3 Honda Civic
Last edited by SlvrLx26; Dec 21, 2003 at 04:12 PM.
Search and Learn
iTrader: (34)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 14,004
Likes: 0
From: 909, Socal
Rep Power: 433 I like mazda3 more than civic. 5 door wagon looks nice. Interior is alot better than civics. Test drive first though, see if you like it or not. Thats the best way to decide. Mazda is offering good interest rates on all mazda cars now.
i love the mazda 3, it looks really good. but if i was you i would do some more reaserch about it, escpecially in the reliablity section. after all it is a ford, that is my only beef with mazda
Registered!!
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona, US
Rep Power: 0 it may be owned by ford, but mazda is still japanese and the mazda 3 has its final assembly in japan. The engine is a mazda engine and one that has had a year of testing in the mazda 6.
Ford really doesn't control too much, they wanted to cut the rotary development, but mazda kept it going to release the rx-8. As for reliability, it's quite well. Resale value is the only issue. As for styling, i'd buy it today and get rid of the vic if i had the money.
frontierboy
Ford really doesn't control too much, they wanted to cut the rotary development, but mazda kept it going to release the rx-8. As for reliability, it's quite well. Resale value is the only issue. As for styling, i'd buy it today and get rid of the vic if i had the money.
frontierboy
Registered!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
Rep Power: 0 the mazda 3 looks really cool. i'm just afraid of mazdas now, we used to have a 626, like a '93 or something, and it totally crapped out on us big time. but of course the 626 was american made...
160 hp sounds nice to me!
you wont see many if any at all in world challege touring car racing though, the mazda 6 will be there though, to boost sales. i doubt the 3 will have much trouble selling, considering they have 160 horsies, only 10 less than the turbocharged mazda speed protege or last year.
i give it a thumbs up, but i'll stick to my civic for reliability and aftermarket.
160 hp sounds nice to me!
you wont see many if any at all in world challege touring car racing though, the mazda 6 will be there though, to boost sales. i doubt the 3 will have much trouble selling, considering they have 160 horsies, only 10 less than the turbocharged mazda speed protege or last year.
i give it a thumbs up, but i'll stick to my civic for reliability and aftermarket.
RESIDENT ROTOR HEAD
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 329 Originally posted by username03
mazdaspeed is owned by ford
honda > ford
coupe > station wagon
need i say more?
mazdaspeed is owned by ford
honda > ford
coupe > station wagon
need i say more?
As for Ford, well Ford owns 33% of Mazda's stock. In Japan, this makes them the controlling share holder, but Ford has declared that Mazda will remain independent from Ford's R&D, and that Mazda vehicles will remain "distinctly Mazda." This did not stop Ford from borrowing parts from Mazda however. Hence the Ford Probe, Escape, and late model Escorts borrowing Mazda engineering. But this also gave Mazda access to Ford parts at their own discression as well. Hence the Mazda 3 which is heavily based off the Ford Focus platform. Rest assured however, that this was entirely Mazda's decision, and nobody can deny that the Focus has an extremely rigid chassis. The Mazda 3's engine design, suspension, and transmission, to my knowledge is all Mazda developed. Ford is actually the best thing that's ever happened to Mazda. Ford has given Mazda the financial backing it needs to engineer the top notch vehicles that they've been turning out the past couple of years. Before Ford, Mazda was at a financial loss, because they placed so much faith in the sports car market with the Miata and RX-7. And we all know what happened with that, especially with the SUV craze.
BTW GM is Subaru's largest shareholder. Still want a WRX?
Mazda has a rich history in road racing, auto x, and racing in general. Mazdas have been praised for their rigid chassis and world class suspensions. If you want me to post some stats let me know. Go down to any local auto x, and I guarantee that the so-called "girly" miata is held in higher regard than most Hondas, and there will probably be other Mazdas that hold their own in the same department. Mazda is also the only Japanese Manufacturer to ever win the 24 hour Le Mans Endurance Championship.
Just to let you know, my car was 97% Japanese manufactured and 3% US manufactured (ECU) with the final assembly point being Hiroshima, Hofu, Japan. I can't say that for my civic, if I remember correctly it was assembled in Canada, with the manufacturing plant somewhere here in the states. We all know Japanese work ethic vs American work ethic, but that's a different topic all together.
If you guys wanna bag on Mazda for Ford partnerships, then you better do the same to Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Range Rover. I can't say I'm crazy about Range Rovers or Jags, but come on guys, Aston Martin? Ford has become a conglomerate and has invested in better vehicles because quite frankly, Ford's line up is less than exciting.
On a reliablity note, my father owns a 1993 blue RX-7 turbo, and we have never had a single problem with it. The RX-7's have been known to be the least reliable of the Mazda family, so just because you might have owned a Mazda that crapped out doesn't say much, because I had an Accord that crapped out as well. Who's keeping score?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, wake up from your closed minded Honda world and realize that there are other cars out there that are just as good, if not better. I'm not trying to be a fanboy either, because I own both a Mazda and a Honda.
Explain to me how the Mazdaspeed Protege just knocked the Integra Type R off the top of the mountain as the best handling FWD car ever produced, if Mazda cars are so terrible?
That's not my car btw, but it's identical to it. Mine's here: http://www.pbase.com/nookiemonster/inbox
Last edited by nookiemonster; Dec 22, 2003 at 05:12 AM.
Originally posted by nookiemonster
Dude what are you smoking? I own a Mazdaspeed Protege. Mazdaspeed is an entity that began in the late 60's tuning Mazdas classic roadsters. It was opened on a small street corner in Japan and their expertise in the tuning department eventually led to Mazda hiring them and incorporating them into their R&D and mainly into their competition racing department. As of late Mazda has given Mazdaspeed engineers the go ahead to develop cars such as the Mazdaspeed Protege, the AWD Mazdaspeed 6, and the upcoming Mazdaspeed Miata.
As for Ford, well Ford owns 33% of Mazda's stock. In Japan, this makes them the controlling share holder, but Ford has declared that Mazda will remain independent from Ford's R&D, and that Mazda vehicles will remain "distinctly Mazda." This did not stop Ford from borrowing parts from Mazda however. Hence the Ford Probe, Escape, and late model Escorts borrowing Mazda engineering. But this also gave Mazda access to Ford parts at their own discression as well. Hence the Mazda 3 which is heavily based off the Ford Focus platform. Rest assured however, that this was entirely Mazda's decision, and nobody can deny that the Focus has an extremely rigid chassis. The Mazda 3's engine design, suspension, and transmission, to my knowledge is all Mazda developed. Ford is actually the best thing that's ever happened to Mazda. Ford has given Mazda the financial backing it needs to engineer the top notch vehicles that they've been turning out the past couple of years. Before Ford, Mazda was at a financial loss, because they placed so much faith in the sports car market with the Miata and RX-7. And we all know what happened with that, especially with the SUV craze.
BTW GM is Subaru's largest shareholder. Still want a WRX?
Mazda has a rich history in road racing, auto x, and racing in general. Mazdas have been praised for their rigid chassis and world class suspensions. If you want me to post some stats let me know. Go down to any local auto x, and I guarantee that the so-called "girly" miata is held in higher regard than most Hondas, and there will probably be other Mazdas that hold their own in the same department. Mazda is also the only Japanese Manufacturer to ever win the Le Mans Championship.
Just to let you know, my car was 97% Japanese manufactured and 3% US manufactured (ECU) with the final assembly point being Hiroshima, Hofu, Japan. I can't say that for my civic, if I remember correctly it was assembled in Canada, with the manufacturing plant somewhere here in the states. We all know Japanese work ethic vs American work ethic, but that's a different topic all together.
If you guys wanna bag on Mazda for Ford partnerships, then you better do the same to Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Range Rover. I can't say I'm crazy about Range Rovers or Jags, but come on guys, Aston Martin? Ford has become a conglomerate and has invested in better vehicles because quite frankly, Ford's line up is less than exciting.
On a reliablity note, my father owns a 1993 blue RX-7 turbo, and we have never had a single problem with it. The RX-7's have been known to be the least reliable of the Mazda family, so just because you might have owned a Mazda that crapped out doesn't say much, because I had an Accord that crapped out as well. Who's keeping score?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, wake up from your closed minded Honda world and realize that there are other cars out there that are just as good, if not better. I'm not trying to be a fanboy either, because I own both a Mazda and a Honda.
Explain to me how the Mazdaspeed Protege just knocked the Integra Type R off the top of the mountain as the best handling FWD car ever produced, if Mazda cars are so terrible?
That's not my car btw, but it's identical to it. Mine's here: http://www.pbase.com/nookiemonster/inbox
Dude what are you smoking? I own a Mazdaspeed Protege. Mazdaspeed is an entity that began in the late 60's tuning Mazdas classic roadsters. It was opened on a small street corner in Japan and their expertise in the tuning department eventually led to Mazda hiring them and incorporating them into their R&D and mainly into their competition racing department. As of late Mazda has given Mazdaspeed engineers the go ahead to develop cars such as the Mazdaspeed Protege, the AWD Mazdaspeed 6, and the upcoming Mazdaspeed Miata.
As for Ford, well Ford owns 33% of Mazda's stock. In Japan, this makes them the controlling share holder, but Ford has declared that Mazda will remain independent from Ford's R&D, and that Mazda vehicles will remain "distinctly Mazda." This did not stop Ford from borrowing parts from Mazda however. Hence the Ford Probe, Escape, and late model Escorts borrowing Mazda engineering. But this also gave Mazda access to Ford parts at their own discression as well. Hence the Mazda 3 which is heavily based off the Ford Focus platform. Rest assured however, that this was entirely Mazda's decision, and nobody can deny that the Focus has an extremely rigid chassis. The Mazda 3's engine design, suspension, and transmission, to my knowledge is all Mazda developed. Ford is actually the best thing that's ever happened to Mazda. Ford has given Mazda the financial backing it needs to engineer the top notch vehicles that they've been turning out the past couple of years. Before Ford, Mazda was at a financial loss, because they placed so much faith in the sports car market with the Miata and RX-7. And we all know what happened with that, especially with the SUV craze.
BTW GM is Subaru's largest shareholder. Still want a WRX?
Mazda has a rich history in road racing, auto x, and racing in general. Mazdas have been praised for their rigid chassis and world class suspensions. If you want me to post some stats let me know. Go down to any local auto x, and I guarantee that the so-called "girly" miata is held in higher regard than most Hondas, and there will probably be other Mazdas that hold their own in the same department. Mazda is also the only Japanese Manufacturer to ever win the Le Mans Championship.
Just to let you know, my car was 97% Japanese manufactured and 3% US manufactured (ECU) with the final assembly point being Hiroshima, Hofu, Japan. I can't say that for my civic, if I remember correctly it was assembled in Canada, with the manufacturing plant somewhere here in the states. We all know Japanese work ethic vs American work ethic, but that's a different topic all together.
If you guys wanna bag on Mazda for Ford partnerships, then you better do the same to Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Range Rover. I can't say I'm crazy about Range Rovers or Jags, but come on guys, Aston Martin? Ford has become a conglomerate and has invested in better vehicles because quite frankly, Ford's line up is less than exciting.
On a reliablity note, my father owns a 1993 blue RX-7 turbo, and we have never had a single problem with it. The RX-7's have been known to be the least reliable of the Mazda family, so just because you might have owned a Mazda that crapped out doesn't say much, because I had an Accord that crapped out as well. Who's keeping score?
I've said it before and I'll say it again, wake up from your closed minded Honda world and realize that there are other cars out there that are just as good, if not better. I'm not trying to be a fanboy either, because I own both a Mazda and a Honda.
Explain to me how the Mazdaspeed Protege just knocked the Integra Type R off the top of the mountain as the best handling FWD car ever produced, if Mazda cars are so terrible?
That's not my car btw, but it's identical to it. Mine's here: http://www.pbase.com/nookiemonster/inbox
i am not saying all mazdaspeeds are horrible, crappy cars that i would like to **** on.
i never stated i wanted a WRX, IMO wrx's are overrated, and i am not a fan of the body style or the new craze in wanting them. my name is not on the want list for them at all.
I dont like station wagons. a 5 door is a station wagon. as compared to a civic, its JMO to choose a civic when compared to a 5 door protege.
i did not go in depth with my explanation, like you, i simply stated a very broad fact that i guess pissed you off. i like mazdaspeed, i dont like ford. since it is 33% by ford, it puts a damper on my liking for them, but it doesnt mean i dont like them at all and i wish they would just go away, it just simply means that IN MY OPINION i like hondas more than ford/mazdaspeed.
i like the 4 door protege's, theya re a very nice car, i was actually in the market for one when buying my civic. as i stated before, i do not like the station wagon protege.
my very broad statement apparently made you upset and make generalizations, as i did in my statement.
so, now that i have thoroughly explained my generalized comment, i hope you understand my reasoning behind it.
i like mazdaspeed, just not as much as honda.
i like coupes, i dislike station wagons
RESIDENT ROTOR HEAD
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 329 Hey I'm not pissed just correcting some common misconceptions 
Figured that it might help Slvrlx26 to better understand Mazda as a company. Just thought you'd like to know that Mazdaspeed is not a car manufacturer, but an in house Mazda tuner. Comparible to Nismo, TRD, and BMW's M series.
Figured that it might help Slvrlx26 to better understand Mazda as a company. Just thought you'd like to know that Mazdaspeed is not a car manufacturer, but an in house Mazda tuner. Comparible to Nismo, TRD, and BMW's M series. Last edited by nookiemonster; Dec 22, 2003 at 05:27 AM.
Pimp Juice Distributor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx but now Virginia Beach, VA 'cause of job...
Rep Power: 0 IMO the Mazda is hot, fu8kin honda!!! Why dont we get all of those options. The civic would kick EVERYONES *** if we just had more options and a better engine. It makes me mad everytime I see a new compact that just outdoes Honda in the options and interior design catagories. My next car will not be a Honda guaranteed. BMW 300 series coupe all the way...well, i dunno, I'm REALLY feelin the TSX so maybe.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 51,241
Likes: 20
From: NV
Rep Power: 812 
Mazda 3 does look nice. If I had to pick, I would get the mazdaspeed over it. Still, Mazda has come a long way with designing cars that look nice and last a long time.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 51,241
Likes: 20
From: NV
Rep Power: 812 I don't know about Honda being better cars. From what I've seen, Honda cars are in the shop much more frequently.
I've had problems with my vic already, and my mom's 92 accord has had some major repairs as well (master brake cylinder, tranny about to die, leaky axle, and more). My dad's 92 miata has had nothing go wrong except recently the clutch, but that was from wear and tear.
I've had problems with my vic already, and my mom's 92 accord has had some major repairs as well (master brake cylinder, tranny about to die, leaky axle, and more). My dad's 92 miata has had nothing go wrong except recently the clutch, but that was from wear and tear.
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
Rep Power: 0 The motor wasn't lifted right off of the Ford Focus, the Mazda6 is where the duratec motor originated in the Ford/Mazda lines. The suspension however is taken right from the Focus.
The Mazda3 so far looks very promising and if I didn't already have so much money into my car, I'd part mine out and pick up a Mazda3.
As far as Mazda reliability goes, my 87 Mazda 323 is at 174k miles and still runs great for it's age.
The Mazda3 so far looks very promising and if I didn't already have so much money into my car, I'd part mine out and pick up a Mazda3.
As far as Mazda reliability goes, my 87 Mazda 323 is at 174k miles and still runs great for it's age.
Registered!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Rep Power: 0 I am pretty sure that the focus motor is used in the 3 as well notice the 2 motors on is a 2.0l like the focus and the other available motor is a 2.3l like the focus. I am not sure if it is definately the same motor though. But from what I've read in different articles about the Mazda3 they're the same.
RESIDENT ROTOR HEAD
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,207
Likes: 0
From: , Other, ZEBRA
Rep Power: 329 Nope, the mazda 3 comes with a Japanese Mazda designed 2.3 L vvt which is loosely based on the focus block, but the focus does not include vvt. Similar to vvti in toyota and vtec in honda. The focus version of this motor also comes with PZEV hardware (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) which makes it very hard to tune, where as the Mazda does not. Mazda isn't really too into the whole LEV, ULEV thing. But overall, the motors are similar in many aspects.
Like I've said before, Mazda's decision to use the Focus block and hardware, was their decision and Ford's Focus is probably one of their only cars that have shown any type of value. Hence the Focus rally car. So I trust Mazda's decision to use the resources available to them when they chose to borrow some of the Focus engineering.
Like I said, do you guys hate Aston Martin? It borrows Ford engineering. Subaru's largest investor is GM, yet the Impreza is an outstanding car.
Like I've said before, Mazda's decision to use the Focus block and hardware, was their decision and Ford's Focus is probably one of their only cars that have shown any type of value. Hence the Focus rally car. So I trust Mazda's decision to use the resources available to them when they chose to borrow some of the Focus engineering.
Like I said, do you guys hate Aston Martin? It borrows Ford engineering. Subaru's largest investor is GM, yet the Impreza is an outstanding car.
Last edited by nookiemonster; Dec 22, 2003 at 01:28 PM.
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by ojjr22
I am pretty sure that the focus motor is used in the 3 as well notice the 2 motors on is a 2.0l like the focus and the other available motor is a 2.3l like the focus. I am not sure if it is definately the same motor though. But from what I've read in different articles about the Mazda3 they're the same.
I am pretty sure that the focus motor is used in the 3 as well notice the 2 motors on is a 2.0l like the focus and the other available motor is a 2.3l like the focus. I am not sure if it is definately the same motor though. But from what I've read in different articles about the Mazda3 they're the same.
Before you open your mouth and be a dumbass in every thread, you need to do some research. Sure they someone look the same. When you break it down, they're on the same chassis and have the same suspension.
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by nookiemonster
The focus version of this motor also comes with PZEV hardware (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) which makes it very hard to tune, where as the Mazda does not. Mazda isn't really too into the whole LEV, ULEV thing. But overall, the motors are similar in many aspects.
The focus version of this motor also comes with PZEV hardware (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) which makes it very hard to tune, where as the Mazda does not. Mazda isn't really too into the whole LEV, ULEV thing. But overall, the motors are similar in many aspects.
