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

Answer 1

NIETHER. Get a Saturn Aura. It costs around 18,000, has a standard 225 HP V6 that gets comparable feul economy to Japanese 4 cylinders, scored top marks in reliability by consumers and professionals, my dads SL2 is 15 years old and still runs like new, has steel body panels instead of plastic, and is possibly the biggest headturner and best looking new car. I just wrote a huge answer but my computer froze so i'll have to write it all again. for now let these reviews do the talking http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/saturn/aura/100715082/ratings_consumer.html

Answer 2

Go to the Chicago auto show, I did twice. I would go with the Civic, he has won many awards. Has great re-sale. Reliabilty and most than aynthing, very nice inside. By the way, I have a Corolla so having a Corolla engine ia good thing. The Matrix is kinda generic inside. Mazda is a struggling company. Would you consider a Scion, they are real nice. People love that car. All of thse cars are fuel efficient. The Mazda is a nice looker. Also when buying a car consider things people over look. like do you have a dealer near by? Remember the scheduled repairs that need to be done. You said North , is it northside or North of Chicago? You might consider the 4 wheel drive Matrix, the only one that has it.. Comes in handy with Chicago snowstorms, we just had one last week,

Answer 3

Get the Civic! You'll be disappointed otherwise. The Matrix is sluggish and tends to be ''tinny." The Civic is a good, solid car and you will have much better re-sale value than any Toyota. They are going into the rental car business and saturating the market with your product makes the value go WAY down. Toyota also offers rebates, Honda does not. This also drives the re-sale value of a car down. Why should the car company give you a "bribe", which is what a rebate is, to buy their car if they stand behind it completely?

Answer 4

i think you should go for the honda civic si
i used to have a honda prelude, then i had a honda accord
and then honda civic ex, and all of then were pretty good
if you want a reliable car that is gonna last you forever
honda civic is the car, toyota it'd be my second choice
good luck.

Answer 5

Why dont you just try the following link and look at great pics of a car that will really fall into anybodys price range

http://images.google.co.uk/images?svnum=10&hl=en&q=skyline+concept+car

There you go

Answer 6

You can get more bang for your buck and also get it reasonably priced if you buy a Ford Fusion. I can feel the thumbs down approaching as I submit.