You will know after test driving them both...
So it sounds like you want an AUTO Trans?
Really is tough to beat the FEEL of Mazda Skyactiv 6spd Automatic with the paddles and the SPORT mode...
If Mazda, would you get the 2.0L or 2.5L?
Well, I have driven standard transmissions before. I do mostly city driving, in fact, 99.9% of the time that's the case. I am even thinking that perhaps either of these two cars might be overkill since we typically use my spouse's car any way. So a 2.0 litre for sure. I am getting up there in age so I am really looking for a reliable point A to B car that doesn't cost much.
Where did you heard that Mazda 3 reliability isn't good? Everything I've seen shows it as Good.
I should clarify. The reliability of the 2016 hasn't been very good compared to the Civic according to JD Powers and other sources. In part, it has to do with the infotainment system and door locks from what I understand, while the Civic has been quite steady in reliability. However, I am seeing mixed feedback from owners in respect to the civic's auto transmission.
http://www.autotrader.com/car-reviews/2016-honda-civic-vs-2016-mazda3-which-is-better-252456
I guess you haven't read this comparison article?
http://www.caranddriver.com/compari...16-mazda-3-2016-nissan-sentra-comparison-test
For a quick summary, read the last paragraph on page 6.
As far as reliability goes, the Mazda 3 is right up there with the Civic and Corolla, and well above the Golf, Sentra, Elantra, etc.
I wouldn't even compare either the Civic or Mazda in terms of reliabiltity with with VW. It would never buy a VW regardless of the price.
In terms of Car & Driver, I pretty much dismiss whatever their staff have to say unless it is a negative, much like with Consumer Reports. I feel both have a bias or hidden agenda, especially in how they conduct their surveys.
I find the Mazda3 simply too crampy, inside the cabin they always had road or wind noise issues, especially with the 2014 Mazda3 which I drove several years ago.
I am willing to keep an open mind in terms of selecting the "right car" for me, but as stated above I am leaning on the Civic because it has Apple Carplay plus a better reliability record. It seems to me that Mazda is always lagging far behind the competition in the area of entertainment and driver conveniences.
Whatever make and model I choose, I will shy away from Turbo due to the high cost of repairs. I would like something very reliable. At the same time, I do have a few must haves like blind spot metering system, collision avoidance, and lane assist. A nice to have would be smaller tires and good handling in the snow, something which I have not experienced with Mazdas.