Hello guys, I'm planning to buy a new first car on late April. After some research I've narrowed it down to three economy cars: Mazda3, Civic or Matrix. Basically, I need a car that is under $20K, fuel efficient but strong engine that will last and relatively safe car. I initially chose the Matrix but it is essentially a Corolla engine with a different body. Can anyone make a suggetion? Thanks
2007-02-16 05:30:23 · 7 answers · asked by Paul M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mazda
I forgot to add, I live in Chicago, IL and I encounter city driving and drive mostly in the North.
2007-02-16 05:31:54 · update #1
The Matrix is a great choice for the gas mileage and the storage room. The Mazda3 is similar but the Civic is out in left field compared to the two hatchbacks. Unless you were looking at the Mazda3 sedan. The Civic will have noticeable power and people often complain about the lack of power in the Matrix. But if you want fuel efficiency, you're going to give up power. The Matrix is not going to be discontinued and will have a slight redesign for the 2008 model. There are a lot of Matrixes sold in Northern California and no slowdown in sales.
2007-02-19 03:52:11 · answer #1 · answered by tamman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Matrix is very roomy and practical, and gets the best gas mileage. It's an excellent car, but not very exciting. Something your mother would drive. The Civic Si is fast and beautiful at the expense of some gas mileage. Still, 30 mpg isn't bad for a 200hp engine. The Mazda 3 is both stylish and efficient, but I think I would still go with the Civic. Depending on how its equipped, you can make it whatever car you want to be, from a basic econobox all the way up to a high performance, sporty coupe.
2007-02-17 10:57:36 · answer #2 · answered by carguy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well your picks r good but if you do alot of northern driving the toyota matrix is ur best pick because of the awd system and it has close to 40 mpg. the model only comes with the corolla motor but that has enough power to travel in chicago. the madza3 is a gas guzzler and the honda civic is a good car for a fwd but in winter and the long run the matrix is the best choice
2007-02-16 22:32:45 · answer #3 · answered by Breaker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would choose the Mazda 3. In fact, Motor Trend did a road test comparing the same cars you are deciding on and their choice was the Mazda as well. The Matrix will soon be discontinued and demand for them is low, so that will have an impact on its value. Of course the real answer is the car that you like best because you have to look at it and pay for it!
2007-02-16 20:08:06 · answer #4 · answered by kondapoga 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All three of those cars have been on the market for a while, you can get a really good deal on ones 1-2 years old, but because they have been on the market for a while, each one of those cars will have a lower resale value. Honda Civic is probably the best bet. You won't have any trouble in cold weather with any of these cars.
2007-02-16 13:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by chaseunchase 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the madzda 3 is a great driving car and very fuel efficient. i have an older mazda 626 and i love it but would like to trade it in for the mazda 3. i as well live in il 2 hrs from u in lasalle/peru
2007-02-17 22:35:32 · answer #6 · answered by stoner42069x2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Mazda and Honda are great choices, the Matrix is a little weak but has great interior space.
2007-02-18 08:47:34 · answer #7 · answered by wheeler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋