Thinking about purchasing a compact car. Which one?

Question

My girlfriend is thinking of purchasing a new car. I am a car nut, but have limited personal experience with this class of car.

If you own one of the following cars, what are your favorite and least favorite features and would you recommend the vehicle, overall?

2007 Mazda 3
2007 Honda Civic
2007 Toyota Corolla
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

Any other models you may recommend besides the Chevy Cobalt (Pontiac G5) or the Dodge Caliber? I won't consider these vehicles.

Thank you.

Answer 1

My take on these choices:

2007 Mazda 3 - Good handling and power, available in hatchback form. Gas mileage is not that reat, though, and I'm not crazy about the styling, though some really like it.

2007 Honda Civic - Very good gas mileage and re-sale value, looks good (at least I think so, but the styling seems to be pretty polarizing). Handling is neutral, not sporty.

2007 Toyota Corolla - Similar strengths and weaknesses to the Civic, although I find the styling rather bland.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer - Similar to the Mazda3 as far as being a trade-off between handling/power and gas mileage. A bonus is the warranty (5 year bumper-to-bumper), though the dealership network is small compared to other manufacturers, so getting service may be inconvenient.

Answer 2

I would recommend the Dodge Neon. I am on my second new Neon and the only reason I replaced the original one is someone rear ended me. I've had this car for over 7 years and it is still running strong. The price is mid- to upper-teens. It comes in 2 door or 4 door and there is no up charge for the 4dr version (unlike most other cars that offer both models)

It gets good gas mileage in the city and great mileage when doing highway driving.

When I was shopping I was comparing with Taurus and Saturn. The Neon was the best deal of the three.

Answer 3

Your list is a good one, except for the Lancer. I don't know why Mitsubishi after all these years is still struggling with reliability issues, but they are.

Answer 4

Get the Mazda 3. It's got the sport tuned suspension and excellent handling!

Answer 5

I have a '98 New Beetle named Ladybug, and she's been very good to me. It's a compact that's extremely fun to drive and easy to love. Peppy, good on gas, and SO easy to find in a crowded parking lot (not to mention ridiculously easy to park in the first place). The quality has been wonderful, the interior passenger and cargo space is AMAZING. Include it in your test drives, you won't regret it.

Answer 6

corollas are prety darn good cars for the money and so are honda accords and civics