2007: Mazda3, Honda Civic/SI, or Toyota Matrix?

Question

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 suggestion? Thanks
I forgot to add, I live in Chicago, IL and I encounter city driving and drive mostly in the North.

Answer 1

The Matrix is a good car, you might save more buying a Vibe since it is a Matrix built by Toyota for Pontiac and Pontiac probably has more discounts. As far as the Civic goes, it is probably the most reliable of the three and you cannot go wrong with Honda! The three is my personal favorite for a few reasons. If you are looking for the s model it is a great engine, and has a timing chain so it's first tune up is not until 105k miles like the civic. Either the civic or the 3 are great choices but i found the three to have a more quiet ride.Definatley the 3s has a much better stereo. The extra .5 litres will help your fuel economy in city driving. Too small of an engine means that you have to over compensate in acceleration which blows the gas mileage. Bigger engine the less you have to push the engine in traffic. Less push means lower rpms which equates to better fuel economy. The three is the one you are going to get the best deal on. As far as fun to drive I think you will find that in the 3s! The SI is fun but not under 20k! For the same price as a SI you can get os s grand touring with bose leather and moonroof! For the price of the Civic SI just spend another 1k and get a speed3 that car is AMAZING! I hope this helps

Answer 2

Well for the best bang for your buck, you should go with the Honda Civic Si. Very powerful, although sadly not as peppy as the old 1989-92 CRX Si. Hondas, if taken care of and not modified with junk will hold their value far better than any other car on the market. The Toyota will too, but the Matrix is not that popular, and as your've already surmised, its not meant to be a sports car as opposed to a regular Carolla type machine.

Answer 3

all three cars are pretty much the same level of performance, expandability, reliability, fuel economic and stance. I am a Honda fan i definitely opt for the civic since its radical. The engine is great, the chassis is stronger than its previous years, plenty of interior and cargo room and the visual stance is unparalleled. My friend has a Mazda3 fastback wagon and its cute and nimble. Honda and Toyota are hands down more reliable and prone to have less safety recalls than Mazda since its merger with Ford.

Matrix (also the Pontiac Vibe) are essentially the same cars with the same amount of performance and with the 5 door version being the 'coolest'. amongst the three contenders that you chose, civic stands out the best due to its radical design and pleasing curves.

Hope that helps you.

Answer 4

I would go Honda Civic SI hands down. Its the best bang for your buck 6spd 197 hp. This is a tough and awesome engine. It will hold its value and people love honda...they are reliable and look good. You won't be like everyone else b/c you have the si version. If you want to go Mazda3 then I would say the Mazda3Speed...or you'll be disappointed, especially compared to the SI. As far as the Matrix...maybe reliable, especially as a Toyota, NO, you'll be disappointed!

Answer 5

Honda Civic

Answer 6

A chreapo ford

Answer 7

it you are a street racer like me. 07 civic couple Si MT is your choose, and i have one, 225HP. with HKS super charger. FU*K YEAH 100mph in 7.4 sec.