What can beat a Civic?

[The Critic]

I've looked long and hard, but I've yet to find a better vehicle than the 8th gen Civic to deliver comparable fuel efficiency, power, interior quality, value, refinement, innovation, low cost of maintenance, and styling, for a compact vehicle priced under $20k.

If you know of a vehicle which is better than the Civic in all or nearly all of those categories, list it, and state how it beats the Civic in those areas. I understand that some of these areas may be quite subjective, but I'm still interested in hearing your opinion.

TIA.

 

[Tosh]

KBB trade-in value on a 'Good' condition 2003 Accord LX automatic with 53k miles is $11500.
Buying new is for lazy rich people who can't be bothered to search out a decent value from a motivated seller.

 

[The Critic]

True, but I'm not in the market for used. Only new, subcompact.

PS: For $12k, I'd be looking at a CL-S if I was buying used.

 

[Cutehumor]

I have never owned a honda. but I would buy a honda accord sedan VP for invoice $17k instead of the honda civic. standard power windows, locks, cruise, auto.

 

[T-Keith]

My car gets worse mileage, but maintenance is less and I saved more then $19K on the purchase price. I think it will take a while for gas cost to make that difference back.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

Corolla. Cheaper and easier to maintain and probably more reliable and long living. Well built too.
Roger

 

[toneloc12345]

How is the corolla easier to maintain?

 

[javacontour]

The oil filter is certainly easier to reach on my Geo Prizm (a Chevy Corolla) than it was on my former MIL's CR-V. I believe the civic oil filter is probably similar, a pain in the backside.

 

[RogerKlugerAus05]

Easier in that every part is easy to get at, very few special tools are required, and of course being that there are so many Corollas on the road, far more than Hondas, means that there will be more mechanics with knowledge of how to service/repair them and a better availability of parts. In my opinion of course.
Roger

 

[CharBaby]

Honda Civics are hard to beat and alot of MFG's are trying, or at least come close. Most MFG's will often hit on 1 or 2 areas on their vehicle and maybe excede in those 1 or 2 areas but not on the whole car. I recently compared the new for '06 Civic and a new but on the market since '03(I think) Mazda 3. They were both fine cars and the Mazda was better in a couple of areas but not in as many areas that it needed to be to call it better. It was a little nicer to drive and a bit quieter on the highway with more powerful engine. I would buy the Mazda 3 for those reasons alone. But the Mazda didn't get the MPG that the Civic does nor does it have Hondas resale value. Resale value only means something if you onlh keep a vehicle a short time. I keep my cars into their teens. The Mazda 3(according to Edmunds.com) beats the Civic in every catigory that consists of moving and stopping. But Consumer Reports rates the Civic their top rated compact even over the Mazda 3. Test all of the cars that appeal to your tasts and make the decision for yourself. The cometition is still very tight. Corolla, Elantra, Sentra etc.

 

[12glocks]

I've had 2 Civics and they are hard to beat from a reliability standpoint. I was always wishing my Civics had a little more power. They work hard climing the steep mountain grades where I live.

You can still get a Subaru Impreza for under 20 grand. They are much more fun to drive, have more power, and handle way better (I've had 2 of these as well). They do not meet your gas mileage parameter though. These have the power to climb mtn grades much better than a Civic.

Mitibishi Lancers are pretty fun to drive and sporty and meet your parameters. I think the "experts" would say they are not as refined as a Civic.

 

[mshu7]

If you're being open to suggestions, then the Mazda3 must be considered. Fuel effeciency would be better on the Honda, but I think the 3 is probably even or better in some of the other categories you listed. Power is better in the 3. Interior quality is fantastic in the 3, value is outstanding in a 3, refinement I'd say is pretty good in the 3, low cost of maintenance is definitely a benefit of the 3, styling is subjective but for me the 3 way more attractive.

Couple you didn't mention...Options & fun to drive factor. I think the 3 beats the Civic in these categories. With options like NAV, manual leveling projector HID's, clear LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, auto climate, TPMS, available 5-door, 17" wheels, etc. The fun to drive factor definitely goes to the 3. I've driven both Civic & Mazda3. The 3 is a lot of fun to drive, especially with the 5spd. manual.

Being an owner of an '05 Mazda3, I'm a bit biased, but I have driven both cars. For me & my wife, there was nothing better for the price than the 3.

BTW, I just posted a great UOA from my 3. Check it out: http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=0#Post736913

Mazda3 Specs:
Fuel Efficiency: 2.0L - Manual 28/35 | 5spd. Auto 26/33
2.3L - Manual 26/34 | 5spd. Auto 25/31
Power: 2.0L - 148hp/135ft. | 2.3L - 156hp/150ft.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsAllMZ3

Obviously, Civic is the sales leader, but there are a number of reviews out there that have the 3 beating the Civic in a head-to-head comparison.

Just my .02

 

[mshu7]

Here's my 3 all clean: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=597

 

[CharBaby]

mshu7,
I agree! Fun to drive...OH BOY!

 

[brianl703]

The Civic's instrument panel is...rather polarizing.

 

[ccs v2.0]

Polarizing indeed. I'm on the "can the 2.5 inch tall digital speedo be removed?" crowd.

I was passed by one doing 80 last weekend. I could see his speed 15 feet away for the split second he was alongside me.

 

[mdv]

The Corolla beats the Civic in MPG, especially with a 5 speed, power is about the same and they're both boring to drive if you're an enthusiast. I would have to give the edge to the Civic for the fun factor and styling. I've owned 2 Corolla's and 2 Civic's in the past. Right now, my vote would go to the Civic if I were to buy something now.

 

[Jim 5]

Mazda 3 is a very nice car. The interior and ride feels german. My brother's wife has one of these. They are very pleased with the car, but have been disappointed in the fuel economy.

For my money, I'd buy the CL-S. A little less fuel economy, twice as fast...and you'll have nearly 10 grand left over for gas and repairs you likely won't have to make (provided your trans warranty has miles left on it).

 

[rjundi]

To me a Mazda3 esp Hatchback version since its actually fun to drive. Civic's are very driving appliance like.

However a recent generation used Honda Accord 4cylinder despite slightly lower fuel mileage delivers so much more especially in comfort/ride quality.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Sort of off-topic........
The 2008 will beat the 2007. Why? It will be the 2nd model year.
I have this opinion because I own a 2001. It certainly has some fit and finish issues that I bet were fixed in the later years.
Not a reliability issue, but simply a cosmetic/rattle issue.