2006 Honda Civic EX

[Labec]

I drove a 2006 Honda Civic EX on Sunday and I didn't mind the ride at all. HOWEVER, after reading all the Honda Civic 8th gen forums, there is apparently some major problems with this car. They are poorly made, alot of interior noise, and cheap plastics.

The interior apparently scratches extremely easily.
There are squeaks all over the car. (It sounded great the one I drove... but still...)
The engine is having different problems
The car is also have electronics problems I hear too, sunroof, doors, etc.

Does the 2006 Mazda3 have similar problems?
How would you rate the quality of the car after spending some time with it?

Thanks!

Tony B

[rancid]

i've driven the 2006 civic 4 door.  I must say that i'm not a fan of it.  I found the brakes too mushy, the interior cheap, and the shifter felt like it was gonna fall off if i shifted too hard.  Overall the car has good response, definitely doesn't have the zoom zoom feelng i get with the 3.  It feels much lighter than the 3 and the steering is pretty responsive.  I prefer the 3's handling over the civics.

I've also test driven numerous other cars including: is300 (my fav but couldn't afford it), corolla xrs, matrix xrs, camry, nissan sentra ser spec V.  Of all the cars I really liked the 3.  The whole styling, interior, the way the engine responds, the way it drives.  Things about the car just wowed me so that's why i went with it. 

Our cars do have some problems but most of them are small in comparison to what a lot of people have experienced with other models and makes.  Check out the TSB section to see some of the fixes that mazda has.  Some of the issues, they have improved on in the newer model years.

I would say the mazda is pretty well built and it's a great value considering the options available for the car and the price on it.  You can't find the features on the mazda on the same comparison level.  Even the higher priced mercedes and bmw don't have the rain sensing wipers as standard.  Just little things....even heated side mirrors!!  Not to mention a killer stock suspension from the factory to boot.

[derrick]

The interior scuffs easily on the Mazda as well. But nothing you can't avoid with a little care.

Some owners have experienced brake squeal and a bit of creaking and moaning. But we do have a sportier suspension, which could be the cause of that.

There have been a few instances of engine cutout, but very rare. Probably linked to the fuel system, and can usually be noticed early on.

I don't think anybody has had any real troubles with the electical system.

I<3 my Mazda3.

[Keiichi]

Honestly,

If you are comparing a Civic EX Sedan to a Mazda3 (sedan or sport), there's really no contest and the Mazda3 is definitely the better car.  Don't just take my opinion, but look at all the professional reviewers out there.

Here is a link to one of the better reviews and is right on topic for your decision making.
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=108601/pageNumber=1

The only wildcard is if you compare the Civic Si to the Mazda3....then there's a big decision to make there.

[ziegs2020]

removed.

[Raheel]

I test drove the Acura CSX, which is basically a more luxurious version of the Civic along with the base RSX 2.0 lire engine which pumps out 155 hp.  And I find our Mazda3 to have more of a "zoom zoom" feeling to it, like Rancid mentioned earlier.

Mazda3 is has more features, and looks better from the outside, but the CSX's interior was very sweet looking, and felt more high-quality.  But then again, base CSX costs about 3,000 more than top-line Mazda3.

Did someone say over-priced?

[Elder_MMHS]

I checked out the CSX a couple months back too and I think if I were to get that I'd definitely want the Premium trim.  The Touring is too similar to the Civic EX and has really cheap cloth seats IMO (the cloth seats in the Mazda3 GT are much nicer).  With the Premium you will get the leather, HIDs, CD changer, and probably other crud I don't remember and at that point it's a pretty sweet little car.  But regardless of trim, you can't forget the butter-smooth 5-speed transmission.  Too bad it's a bit out of range at Premium (>$28K MSRP).  Kind of reminds me of the new Jetta's pricing scheme.

[Heavenclosed]

The Mazda 3 is great!  When trading my protege5 in, I tested a few cars.  I tested the Dodge charger with the V-6 and the Hemi, felt spartan and heavy, but was quick.  I tested the Toyota RAV4 Sport.  Nice Vehicle but it didn't feel sporty and it is a toyota.  I tried a 06 Chevy HHR, to small, had to duck to see street lights, window switches to far down and no manumatic.  Otherwise it sucked. I tried to test a CSX but the dealer never offered.  Oh well. 
For the Drive, manumatic, sytle LEDs, Stereo, Hatch.  The 3 just sold me and I was able to get the colour I wanted.  Bright blue!  Amazing Bang for the Buck!

[derrick]

I tried a 06 Chevy HHR, to small, had to duck to see street lights...

lol! I noticed the HHR windshield does look very small from the outside. I have yet to sit in one, so I cannot comment on visibility.

[gemino]

The major difference is Made in Japan and Made in USA.
Just for example, look at the door panel and other trims on the Japanese local model (or Asia/Euro Market) and the one we got in here, the Japanese one feels and looks much better than the one we got here. This happens to Carmy, Accord and other Made in USA/Canada "Japanese" car too.

[TSheikh]

^^ I always thought that export products are of better quailty. It seems japan its the opposit case with japan.

I have been driving the 3 for more than a year now, and i am still as happy as i was when buying the car.

Every time i look at it, i love it. The interior could be kept in tip top shape by just a little care. It doesnt spontaneously fall apart. It is ture that if you rough use it, it will wear faster.

I have an 00 mazda MPV and its interior is very beautiful and rugid. It is almost impossibe to scratch it.
There is no doubt that the newer generation cars are more fragile, with thinner bodies and cheaper plastic interiors.

[Absinthe]

gemino, please resize your avatar.  Read the forum rules HERE.  Thanks.