Mazda3 or Toyota Corolla?

Question

I want an attractive, dependable, fast car in a resonable price range.
I've narrowed my options down to (in order of favoritism):
1.) 2004 Mazda3
2.) 2003/4 Toyota Corolla
and possibly...
3.) 2004 Honda Civic (maybe a hybrid?)
And lastly 4.) a Saturn Ion.

I'm liking the Mazda3, but is the Corolla better? I'd like to hear from Mazda3 and Corolla owners... what do you like about your car? what don't you?

Answer 1

i own a repair shop,and i kind of like the Toyota corolla because its been around for a while and is a pretty good vehicle,but really there's one here you didn't mention at all and that's the Nissan sentra ,those are some of the best cars on the road,they look good drive real good,and are stylish,and very cheap to operate also,i own one ,so i can tell you from experience that they do not tear up much,and there priced better than most of the ones you mentioned here also ,but that's just my opinion,but the corolla or a Nissan would be what id be looking at right now,good luck i hope this helps.

Answer 2

Consumer Reports - Reliable Used Cars
- 2004 Mazda 3 ($14-16K)
- 2004 Toyota Corolla ($12-14K)
- 2003 Toyota Corolla ($10-12K)
- 2004 Honda Civic ($14-16K)

Consumer Reports - Used Cars to Avoid
- 2003 Saturn Ion
- 2005 Saturn Ion

I've heard nothing but good things from Toyota Corolla owners I know.

Honda owners swear by their Civics, but I find they are a bit more expensive for what you get and so maybe you are paying for the name.

Right now I am driving a 2001 Saturn SC with no major problems so far and 85,000 miles on it. Next car will probably either be another Saturn or a Toyota. Depends on what class I decide to go to (Saturn Aura or Toyota Camry) or smaller class to the Corolla.

Answer 3

The Mazda 3 is sportier, better looking, more powerful, and faster than the Corolla.
They have the same gas mileage and nearly the same reliability.
The Mazda 3 is Mazda's most reliable car. The Mazda 3 also comes with more options and has the same resale value as the Corolla.
Car and driver magazine tested the Mazda 3 in a comparison test against the Civic, Corolla, Kia Spectra, Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cobalt, and Ford Focus.
The mazda 3 won the test.
The Civic was in 2nd place and the corolla was in 3rd place.

Answer 4

Toyota = sturdy for effective. This, like everybody else has already said, relies upon on your desires from the vehicle. surely though, the mazda3 isn't that much better relaxing tochronic than the corolla, i have pushed both. My own opinion is that the Toyota is the better functional determination, i have never beloved Mazda very a lot. Get the Toyota

Answer 5

Why a hybrid? It all depends on your driving habits. I would suggest some indepth research before you even consider one.

The Mazda is MUCH more fun to drive than the others, although I would have to give the Civic credit because I respect Honda's engineers a lot. But the Mazda's chassis is fabulous. If you value a fun-to-drive quotient, be sure to check out this car first. But what about the Mini Cooper?

Forget the Saturn, although their new minicar will be good. I just don't think it's out yet. It's got the same name as the Opel in Germany, but I don't remember if it's the Corsa or another one. Skip the Ion entirely . . . oh, now I see you mean used cars. I can't remember how the Mazda is from back then, but if it's anything like its current iteration, you'll enjoy it. If you want ho-hum performance - a toaster on wheels - the Toyota will be fine. I still prefer the Honda over the Toy.

Answer 6

.What do you like? Your the one that will drive whatever you pick. You might find 2004's or 5's coming of lease. The cars off lease are low miles and a good value And some will still have factory warranty left. The Certified cars are usually over priced Drive them , they are good cars and the first 3 will be very dependable.

Answer 7

i got a friend that owns a 04 Mazda 3....its a nice car but awhile ago he got into a crash not very bad but his whole front was damaged and part's of the engine were messed up....the lightbulbs were fried his intake his radiater was just fkd up....he said he was going 20mph....nyways it got xpensive to fix but they are nice....as far as corolla and a honda they are great gas savers...so if u like to travel alot go for either one

Answer 8

DEFINITELY TOYOTA COROLLA I SEE LOTAS OF THEM ON ROAD SO THEY HAVE TO BE GOOD

Answer 9

I wanted to post this question too this afternoon

Answer 10

very interesting question