Which car to buy???? Honda Civic, Mazda 3. etc?

For a hatchback I really like the styling of the Peugeot 308. As you probably know PSA holds the record for best miles per gallon. In U.S. terms the Peugeot will get 75 mpg. This is very impresssive and certainly should be high among your considerations. It would seem the Peugeot would be an excellent car to bank on if the economy, well when the economy is impacted by inflation. My only reservation with the 308 is build quality compared to its peers. Peugeot may have broken records as a gas sipping mini vehicle, but to my limited knowledge they have never impressed on build quality. Perhaps a Frenchman can better speak to this aspect, since the brand is not sold in America.

The Mitsubishi Lancer GT has the bones of a performance car associated with the uncompromising performance with the Mitsu EVO. Nevertheless, the GT version's mechanicals are more geared towards being an economy car with sporting pretensions. If you so desire, it is ready for performance parts to be added. You would be purchasing a car that looks the part, that can be the part with a few more performance upgrades and add ons. If you did nothing, it is a sporty looking performance car that will get to 0-60 mph in sub 7 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph. Gas mileage is on par with it's competitors in the low 20's in the city low 30's on the highway.

The Honda Civic 1.8 converges on the best of both with out right performance and great mileage. If you take any stock in JD Powers statistical survey on reliablity, for 2009 Honda squeaked by Toyota's 14 year reign as champ. Honda's racing pedigree is currently the best in the business, and they make an outstanding high revving 4 cylinder that gets it done. The only knock I have on Honda is that it is an everymans car. I don't like paying for a car that is common, or shall we say, a big seller in large numbers. I honestly do not think you can go wrong with Honda. Like the Mistsu, they too have go fast parts that will bring a wide grin to your face. With such a small engine, you would have to get used to a constantly high revving engine on the road.

Then the Mazda 3. Mazda does not have the performance aftermarket parts as readily as the Mitsu and Honda. It too is an economy car with sporting pretensions and best in class creature comforts it ranks just behind Honda and Toyota for reliability. That would mean Mazda reliability is ahead of Mercedes, BMW, Ford, and General Motors products that cost three times more to purchase. The Mazda 3 is a can't lose proposition too.

I cannot honestly give you an opinion on re-sale value. Resale is something to push aside because the market is still tanking. It would be safe to assume whatever brand you decide to purchase it would be zero. I like the design of the Peugeot best with the Mitsu a close second. The Honda Civic would be third, and the Mazda last. I am still trying to get used to that fixed smile front grille on the Mazda mugshot.

When it comes to value, I would rank the Mazda and Honda at the top because these two car brands specialize in value. It is how they have been built over the years. I do not think their are any car makers that add value better than these two, when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt the quality is in there.

Which car to buy? Drive em. Let your seat of the pants tell you. Don't take my opinion or anyone elses when you are spending your "hard earned." A long test drive will clear up any reservations. Cheers.

My two choices are Mazda 3 GT with Luxury Package or Mitsubishi Lancer GT.

Since I own a Mazda 3 and I preferred the leather interior with trip computer tells me current & average gas consumtion per liter or gallon, average gas consumtion per hour, and gas mileage countdown.

I don't find other vehicles among the same class has the trip computer features.

Therefore my final choice is Mazda 3.

Reliable=Honda is best.

Fuel efficiency=Honda is best

Comfort=Honda is best

Resale value=Honda is best.

Handling=Mazda is best

Power and speed=Mazda is best.

Design=Mitsubishi looks the nicest.

Honda It will last longer and you will have a lot more parts (including aftermarket) available if you ever need to fix it. Honda engeneering it also a LOT better.

the Mazda 6i is a great car if you like to drive. Smooth riding, very

capable car on the highway. I bought mine about 5 weeks

ago. Its very roomy, although the reviews say that the back

seat is small. I have sat back there and its more then anough

room. I am 6 feet tall. Gas mileage is around 23-25 mpg in

mixed city and highway driving. I have the Mazda 6i (4

cylinder). Pickup is average, but highway driving is where

this car really excels. It is marketed as a sports sedan and

that is what you have here. On curvy roads, this car takes

corners like its on rails. All around seating is very

comfortable. The trunk is the largest in this segment. The

front seats are bulstered to support you in agressive driving.

The radio is top notch, good sound, good bass. The looks of

the car are eye catching. Steering is right on center. In

highway driving, you need to be aware of your speed. The

car drives so smooth that even with the 4 cylinder, cruising at

80+ mph is very easy. and smooth.

All in all, great car, sporty looking, get it, you will not think

twice once you are behind the wheel!!!

Its a great car if you like to drive. Smooth riding, very

capable car on the highway. I bought mine about 5 weeks

ago. Its very roomy, although the reviews say that the back

seat is small. I have sat back there and its more then anough

room. I am 6 feet tall. Gas mileage is around 23-25 mpg in

mixed city and highway driving. I have the Mazda 6i (4

cylinder). Pickup is average, but highway driving is where

this car really excels. It is marketed as a sports sedan and

that is what you have here. On curvy roads, this car takes

corners like its on rails. All around seating is very

comfortable. The trunk is the largest in this segment. The

front seats are bulstered to support you in agressive driving.

The radio is top notch, good sound, good bass. The looks of

the car are eye catching. Steering is right on center. In

highway driving, you need to be aware of your speed. The

car drives so smooth that even with the 4 cylinder, cruising at

80+ mph is very easy. and smooth.

All in all, great car, sporty looking, get it, you will not think

twice once you are behind the wheel!!!

I would go with the Honda Civic.

Honda without question.

civic for sure. just way better all the way around!

yup... Honda

definitely