2009 Mazda3 vs. 2009 Honda Civic

The 2009 Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a practical and economical like a Japanese car. And in a more American fashion, it is available with a long list comfort and luxury features.  This car was developed by a team of different manufacturers. Volvo developed the Mazda3's body. Ford itself contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan. The interior is comfortable and the seats are supportive.  This is a suitable vehicle for long road trips.  The interior is enhanced by a standard folding 60/40 split back seat, which enables you to increase trunk room for large loads.  There is plenty of practical storage space in the Mazda3, notably a cavernous glove box. Rear-seat armrests have integrated cup holders.The Mazda3 sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback is a different option, and it offers a premium driving experience.

In a 2007 makeover, reinforcements to the body shell improved overall chassis rigidity.  Mazda3 comes in a broad array of body styles, engines, and trim levels. This includes: Mazda3i Sport sedan; Mazda3i Touring sedan; Mazda3s Sport sedan; Mazda3s Touring sedan; Mazda3s Grand Touring sedan; Mazda3s Sport hatchback; Mazda3s Touring hatchback; Mazda3s Grand Touring hatchback; Mazdaspeed3 Sport; and the Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring.

The Mazda3 engines include a 148-horsepower, and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; a 156-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter is a good choice if you're concerned largely about fuel economy. The 2.3-liter engine delivers substantial power over a wide range of rpm.   A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models; a four-speed automatic is optional on the 3i, and the 3s offers a five-speed automatic.  Options that are offered for the Mazda3 are a power glass sunroof bundled with a 6 CD changer, a Bose sound system, and navigation bundled with Sirius Satellite Radio.  Safety features that come on all Mazda3 models include front airbags, an energy-absorbing brake pedal, and a tire-pressure monitor.  Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are standard on some models, as are side airbags and head-protection curtain airbags. Electronic stability control and traction control are optional.  The Mazda3 comes in a wider than usual variety of colors, the exterior has a tough look to it, and big 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels present it as a high-performance car. The steering with its electro-hydraulic power assist responds crisply and accurately to your command, and the tires afford plenty of gripping in the corners.


The 2009 Honda Civic

 The Civic is comfortable and its style gives the driver outstanding outward visibility. The 2009 lineup includes many variations, including a new leather-upholstered EX-L model and Mugen Si sedan, with high-performance suspension, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling, and a sport-tuned exhaust.  The other models are Honda Civic DX Coupe, Civic LX Coupe, Civic EX Coupe, Civic Si Coupe, Civic DX Sedan, Civic LX Sedan, Civic EX Sedan, Civic EX-L Sedan, Civic Si Sedan, Civic Hybrid Sedan, and the Civic GX Sedan.

Standard equipment included is power windows, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and fold-down rear seatback. The coupe gets a rear decklid spoiler. Brakes are disc in front, drum in rear.  Some models add air conditioning; cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls; power door locks with keyless entry; center console with sliding armrest; overhead map lights; and express up/down for the driver's power window.  The EX offers a power moonroof; variable-speed windshield wipers; a second 12-volt power outlet; a 60/40 split folding rear seatback; and outside temperature indicator. The EX also is upgraded with four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, and a seven-speaker, 350-watt, XM-ready premium stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls.  The Civic EX-L  adds on heated leather seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and armrest, and heated mirrors. 

The Honda Civic sedans and coupes don't share any body panels and are unique to each other. The coupe's styling includes an acute angle with the horizontal deck surface, which emphasizes the two-door body style; while the sedan's styling curves down over the rear door's trailing edge, pulling off a higher roofline.  The coupe has a sloping trunk lid that goes deep into the rear bumper, and the license plate is placed in another equally deep recess.  The base seats in the Honda Civic are comfortable, but they are certianly not plush. The height adjustment on the driver's seat, which is manual, is awkward, as it forces drivers to choose between seat height and legroom.  The Civic has a modern suspension on the front and rear, and this aids in fine handling and control.

Summary

While the Honda Civic may be a better known vehicle, the Mazda3 offers 94.3 cubic feet of passenger space, which compares to the Civic sedan's 90.9 cubic feet.  The Mazda does have a bit less leg room in the front, but it is wider. In the rear seat the Mazda is significantly larger, most notably in leg room and shoulder room. The Civic and Mazda3 are also close in trunk volume, with the Mazda rated at 11.5 cubic feet, the Honda 12.0.   The 2009 Mazda3 is considered a driver's car that is practical. It is useful, space-efficient, economical and pleasant for an everyday car.   It also has the style and features for it to be used as a sports car.   It may not be as refined as the Civic, but you get more car for your money.  The Honda Civic has set the standard for compact cars for many years. The Civic LX trim sedan is the best choice for a smooth, practical, and quick vehicle.  The 2009 Honda Civic has an MSRP of $15,205 to $25,090.  Its fuel economy is 34 mpg Hwy, and 26 mpg City. The Mazda3 has an MSRP of  $14,490 to $20,595.  It has a fuel economy range of 32 mpg Hwy and 24 mpg City.