2016 Honda Civic vs Mazda3 Sedan Comparison

kirkhilles

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Yeah big difference between starting to fail gracefully and failing causing unburnt fuel to head into your cats ruining them. Also big diff between failing at 200k+ and at 100k
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Ethan

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Yeah big difference between starting to fail gracefully and failing causing unburnt fuel to head into your cats ruining them. Also big diff between failing at 200k+ and at 100k
Again, it can happen to all cars. My parents used to have a 1st gen Toyota Sienna and the ignition coils failed on the way to a funeral with just over 100,000 miles on the OD. They still kept that vehicle for over 200,000 miles. I guess Toyota must suck, lol. It is not a Protege, Miata or Mazda specific issue.

The family has a 2011 Odyssey that needed a short block replacement at 16,000 miles due to a manufactures defect. They had a 2nd gen Odyssey that had transmission problems. Honda has a warranty extension out for 10 years unlimited miles on 8th gen Civics for cracked engine blocks. 8th gen Accord 4 cylinders sometimes suffer oil consumption (there is a warranty extension) and the V6 VCM models often suffer the same along with fouled spark plugs.

I could go on.... no car manufacture is perfect. In my household we have 2 Mazdas and 3 Hondas. A new Mazda 3 will easily be as reliable as a new Civic.
 
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kirkhilles

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Again, it can happen to all cars. My parents used to have a 1st gen Toyota Sienna and the ignition coils failed on the way to a funeral with just over 100,000 miles on the OD. They still kept that vehicle for over 200,000 miles. I guess Toyota must suck, lol. It is not a Protege, Miata or Mazda specific issue.

The family has a 2011 Odyssey that needed a short block replacement at 16,000 miles due to a manufactures defect. They had a 2nd gen Odyssey that had transmission problems. Honda has a warranty extension out for 10 years unlimited miles on 8th gen Civics for cracked engine blocks. 8th gen Accord 4 cylinders sometimes suffer oil consumption (there is a warranty extension) and the V6 VCM models often suffer the same along with fouled spark plugs.

I could go on.... no car manufacture is perfect. In my household we have 2 Mazdas and 3 Hondas. A new Mazda 3 will easily be as reliable as a new Civic.
Agreed. My 16 year old Miata has been great. That's one of only a handful of critical issues (lots of small stuff) its had and I believe CR has the Mazda 3 reliability has very good... in fact the 2016 Civic is only rated currently at "Average" (probably due to the entertainment system issues plus recalls and TSB on surging).

I've always considered Honda and Toyota at the top in terms of reliability, Mazda down a bit (consistent, but occasional unreliable cars) with Nissan being all over the place (some good, some very poor) and Mitsubishi being... well, you don't want to drive a Mirage anyway :).
 

benjaminh

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AutoGuide likes the Civic better than the Mazda3....

http://www.autoguide.com/car-comparisons/2016-mazda3-vs-honda-civic

"....On an identical run that included mixed city and interstate driving, we averaged 28.7 mpg in the Mazda and 36.2 mpg in the Civic, which is a huge difference. The CVT and smaller engine are to thank, but also the Civic’s lighter weight.

One of the first things you notice after driving both cars back to back is how much more refined the Civic feels. It drives smoother, it is a lot quieter inside, and it absorbs rough roads with much more grace. The Mazda, on the other hand, feels a bit rougher around the edges, and although it feels so much more connected to the road, comfort matters to a lot more people than performance.

I chauffeured around a lot of people with the Civic, and one thing all my passengers said was “This is a Civic?” My passengers were all shocked by how luxurious and mature the Civic looked and felt. If I told them it was an Accord, they wouldn’t have known the difference. And this is one of the biggest reasons the Civic comes out on top. It feels like it’s a class above the Mazda3, which is saying a lot because the Mazda is still one of the best in its segment for this.

The Verdict: 2016 Mazda3 vs Honda Civic

Honda Civic 10th gen 2016 Honda Civic vs Mazda3 Sedan Comparison {filename}


If driving pleasure is what matters to you the most, get the Mazda3. Its engaging drive and the way it performs and just can’t be beat in its segment. The Mazda3 is also not the obvious choice, so if you like going against the grain, a Mazda will stand out, because I guarantee that you will see Civics everywhere.

But for everything else, the Honda Civic is the better all-around car. The Civic is a bit more expensive than the Mazda, but you get more features, better fuel economy, it’s more practical, and just feels more mature and refined, which really justifies the price premium."
 

Dranakin

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Any thoughts on a comparison of the base models (LX vs Sport) for in the U.S.? A lot of these "versus" articles and videos are comparing the top trim models. Which is a better value at the base model end?
 


kirkhilles

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Any thoughts on a comparison of the base models (LX vs Sport) for in the U.S.? A lot of these "versus" articles and videos are comparing the top trim models. Which is a better value at the base model end?
Here's my opinion at least (although I have driven neither, LOL)

It depends on what you value I think. The Mazda3 wins in the Manual Transmission factor with someone that values highly "fun" and lower in terms of rear seat utility. Mazda3 wins in terms of reliability (currently) since the Civic is dramatically new and Honda is still working through a number of issues. As you move from Manual to Automatic/CVT and value practicality more, I think the Civic starts pulling away. The $1,000 Sensing package turns the Civic into something that the Mazda can't come close to matching, especially at that level, although the Mazda3 does have the Rear Blind Spot monitoring when you move up.

To me, personally, once you start moving up the models in the Civic is where it starts pulling ahead. The EX adds SO SO much (alloys, moonroof, AA/Car Play, etc) and the EX-T polishes it off with the Turbo engine.

Of course, price may be the deciding factor at the base level. I'd say that you'll probably want to drive both and see which you value more.
 

RobbJK88

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Here's my opinion at least (although I have driven neither, LOL)

It depends on what you value I think. The Mazda3 wins in the Manual Transmission factor with someone that values highly "fun" and lower in terms of rear seat utility. Mazda3 wins in terms of reliability (currently) since the Civic is dramatically new and Honda is still working through a number of issues. As you move from Manual to Automatic/CVT and value practicality more, I think the Civic starts pulling away. The $1,000 Sensing package turns the Civic into something that the Mazda can't come close to matching, especially at that level, although the Mazda3 does have the Rear Blind Spot monitoring when you move up.

To me, personally, once you start moving up the models in the Civic is where it starts pulling ahead. The EX adds SO SO much (alloys, moonroof, AA/Car Play, etc) and the EX-T polishes it off with the Turbo engine.

Of course, price may be the deciding factor at the base level. I'd say that you'll probably want to drive both and see which you value more.
Agreed. It's alot of personal preference. It has alot to do with how honda and mazda package their lower trims. One may have more standard features that matter to one person, but the other might have better packaging for another persons taste. It's best to compare them both side by side and see which has more standard features you care about and whether or not the driving dynamics effect those pros and cons in packaging differences. Price is negotiable, i think the mazda might start a bit lower, but not by much. You also take into account those who would choose the coupe over the sedan, which mazda doesn't offer at all.
 

kirkhilles

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Also, Mazda is better or worse in that they have more package options. This can work to your advantage or disadvantage depending on what you want (or don't want) and what the dealers have. Personally, I like fewer options and more inventory (although the Sensing package kills that for me). For instance, for $1k you can add the "Preferred" package and get the Alloy Wheels, Rain Sensing Wipers (blah!) and those rear alerts. BUT, of course, if you want those "sensing" technologies, it's only available as an option on the Touring and adds an extra $2,600 (!) on top of that (Standard on Civic Touring). Want remote start, no problem, add an extra $550 (standard on EX+). Want the Soul Red color, extra $300. At the high end, you're at over $30k MSRP.
 

RobbJK88

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Also, Mazda is better or worse in that they have more package options. This can work to your advantage or disadvantage depending on what you want (or don't want) and what the dealers have. Personally, I like fewer options and more inventory (although the Sensing package kills that for me). For instance, for $1k you can add the "Preferred" package and get the Alloy Wheels, Rain Sensing Wipers (blah!) and those rear alerts. BUT, of course, if you want those "sensing" technologies, it's only available as an option on the Touring and adds an extra $2,600 (!) on top of that (Standard on Civic Touring). Want remote start, no problem, add an extra $550 (standard on EX+). Want the Soul Red color, extra $300. At the high end, you're at over $30k MSRP.
Exactly, honda's packaging of it's trim levels and very very few additional options are what keep their production costs down and make it easier to find the model you're looking for on the lots. The Mazda3 might start out cheaper but from what i found, to get the same features on the 3 as what the comparable civic trim has on it ends up sending the price way over that of the civic, especially because certain packages only exist on certain trims, unlike the civic which has pretty much all available options on all trims across the board (i.e. sensing suite). I can get an EXT civic that literally has everything i want and nothing i don't for 22-23k, but to get a mazda3 with the same features that are important to me, i jump into the 25-26k or more area.
 

soichirohonda

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Hello everyone,

I have found this thread very useful. I am in love with the new Civic 2016. The other day I went to a car exhibition and the Mazda 3 also catched my eye. Days after that I went to both dealers, Honda and Mazda to watch closer both cars. I have test driven any car yet.
In my opinion the Mazda 3 is nicer outside but I dont like the interior at all, the Civic is quite nice in outside and have much nicer interior even I read a website with the top-10 best car interior and the Civic 2016 was there among luxury cars.
Where I live the importation taxes of cars are huge so the cars here are much more expensive compared to the U.S. Mazda dealer offered me their top model (2.0L, automatic transmission, leather seats, sunroof, sensors, 18´´ wheels, 2017 model -???-) for $3.5K less than the top Honda Civic EXT-L, I think it is a trim-level for this region and is close to the U.S. EX-T. Even Mazda offered me for $3k less the same car but 2016 model. This 2016 Mazda 3 has the same price of a Civic LX automatic transmission.
It seems to me that Mazda 3 is offering me much more for the same price than this Civic LX, I do not know what to do, because I still want the Honda but the difference is big. The only thing that keeps me from choosing the Mazda is that horrible tablet in the dashboard, I really hate it, and they do not even have Android Auto!.
 


DX2000

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I almost bought the Mazda 3. I couldn't get past the fact their color selection sucks. And the fake leather.
 
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Drove both several times a month ago. Went with the Mazda 3. Have had it for a few weeks, and it's been awesome.

Issues with the first new generation of the Civic were a big turn off. None of the standard features Honda offers makes a difference to my driving, and Mazda had 0.0% APR this month for 63 months. Too hard to turn down.

Zero regrets. Only thing I liked better about the Civic was the exterior. But that'd be a dumb reason to buy a car, for me anyways. I find that the Mazda is way more enjoyable to drive, too.
 

David Harper

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Anyone who thinks the Mazda 3 is more fun to drive hasn't driven the civic coupe with the 6 speed stick. It rocks.
 

regularguy

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I bought my civic (2.0 EX with sensing) in December and so far have about 8000 miles on it. I'm out of town for work and was given a '16 Mazda 3 to drive for a month, so I'm having the unique opportunity to compare these two head to head. Here are my thoughts:
The first thing that I really missed driving the Mazda was the Sensing package. I never thought it would make such a big difference, but getting on the highway and having the LKAS and adaptive cruise for trips longer than 5 miles REALLY helps reduce driving fatigue. I know a lot of people on this forum despise these driver assist features because they are imperfect and you can become dependent on them, but IMO, any car without these features is going to seem really out of place on the roads in a few years.

Mazda pros:
-Radio/nav: my car doesn't have navigation, but the big dial and volume knob under the shifter are a LOT more intuitive and easier to use than the horrible Honda touchscreen. Also a lot more responsive: in particular I noticed how the backup camera comes on immediately when I shift into reverse, whereas the Honda system takes a couple seconds.
-Blind spot monitoring: I agree with the statements so far about the little light on the mirror being much more practical than Lanewatch. It's actually kind of annoying on the Honda having the camera come on and losing my display every time I signal right. The little delay until my display comes back on is also irritating. I'm starting to get tempted to just turn it off.
-Handling: the Mazda does seem to corner a touch better, though I suspect this may have something to do with the Yokohama rubber.
-Horn: not as nice as my old Accord, but much better sounding than the Civic's.
-Seats: my model doesn't have lumbar support, but the driver's seat is a bit longer and feels just a touch more comfortable than the Civic's. I'm fairly short (5'7"), and I can sit a bit higher than in the Civic.

Honda pros:
-Sensing
-CVT: this is my first CVT, but I like it more than the 6-speed auto. No shifts and smooth power delivery.
-Noise: the Civic is definitely quieter, both in regard to engine and road noise. Not sure how much the ride-oriented tires contribute, but this is a big one for me.
-Space: definitely roomier all around than the Mazda, especially with regards to rear legroom.
-Brake hold: I actually never realized how much I use this in city driving until I got in the Mazda. Just another driver assistance feature that reduces driving fatigue.

Overall I strongly prefer the Civic. The interior feels more premium, it's well insulated and quiet, and I don't feel that it's any less fun to drive than the Mazda. The availability of driver assistance features make it no contest in my mind.



Honda Civic 10th gen 2016 Honda Civic vs Mazda3 Sedan Comparison 2016-05-22 18.22.42
 

orangejuice

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Last weekend I test drove both the Honda Civic Touring and the Mazda3 S Touring. I came in expecting that the Mazda would blow the Civic out of the water in terms of acceleration, handling, and overall fun factor. While I didn't get to drive both cars for very long, I actually came away more impressed with the Civic in pretty much all aspects (except for a few).

Interior feel:
I felt a like I had a lot more room in the Civic as opposed to the Mazda3. Even though the Civic is not much larger I felt as though it was much more spacious, and I felt like I had much more breathing room as opposed to the Mazda3 which wasn't bad but I definitely felt like I was in a small car. The overall look of the interior and the materials felt much more premium than the Mazda as well. The two things I found to be better in the Mazda's interior was the volume and menu knob in the center which was really convenient to use, and the active driving display speedometer that was really cool and made it really easy to see my speed without really having to look down.

Driving feel:
This is the part that surprised me the most. When driving the Mazda I felt that I had to press the gas down harder to get a response from the engine, and there was a very slight delay. With the Civic however, the pedal felt much more responsive and zippy, and I felt like I was getting power instantly. Also, the Civic just felt lighter (because it is), mainly because of its steering wheel which was easy to turn compared to the Mazda's steering wheel which felt heavy in comparison. Also, the Mazda was noisier and bumpier in the cabin than the Civic, so it was definitely not as comfortable as a ride. The one thing that made the Mazda really fun was when I activated the sport mode. Man is that acceleration good. But I can't really say that it beats in Civic in that respect because I didn't turn on sport mode in the Civic or drive it as aggressively as I did the Mazda.

Overall, I feel like the Civic beat the Mazda in pretty much every way except for a few things. The only things I liked better about the Mazda than the Civic were the digital active speedometer and the volume/menu knob, but besides that I felt everything was much more refined and comfortable in the Civic, and I felt much more confident driving it than I did in the Mazda. One last thing, the auto stop in the Civic was SO nice, not having to keep your foot on the brake during red lights felt so liberating and I feel like this is something other car manufacturers should do.
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