I promise, this will be my last time asking about this.

I've been looking at a Civic EX and Protege5 for quite some time.

I see good sides to both of them.

Dark Blue Honda Civic EX 2002
Pros
-32mpg
-127hp
-Honda is known to be reliable
-Good resale value

or a

Dark Blue Mazda Protege5
Pros
-Very original style, not many people have it yet
-Reviews say the handling is one of the best
-25mpg
-130hp
-Don't know much about Mazda's reliability
Cons
-Some people say the wagon is just ugly

I see they kind of balance out with their pros and cons, why did you all choose the Protege5? Why not a Civic? Did you look into a Civic EX?

 

I did look at the Hondas. I like the cars, but the Pro5's off the lot handling was much better IMHO. A much more fun car to drive. One drive and I was sold... plus, I really like having a small wagon again... and I think it looks pretty sharp!

It's more fun to own than watching this new little smiley

 

I thought about getting a Civic too. But then, I looked around, and I realized that I cant drive more than 20 sec without seeing a civic on the road. I dont think they're bad cars, but I like originality. I have the sedan, and there are many time I wished I had the hatchback. Don't sweat your decision too much, I think they are both great cars. If you want to stand out....the choice is obvious.

 

Personally, since my last car was a 95 Civic EX 2Dr Coupe, I wanted to get a 4 door car this time (it was so inconvenient for the rear passengers). I looked at the 4 door civics but the rear is so ugly and wierd. If they used the rear of the 2 door civics, I would have bought one.

But of course there's more to that. Just to name a few, for the P5, you get:

- 16 inch alloy wheels with V rated Dunlop tires (i heard the civics get H rated crappy firestone tires).
- REALLY nice Nardi 3-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel (hehe, it actually makes me want to keep both hands on the wheel while driving!)
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- The stock suspension is much more sportier than the civic.
- Nice fog lights.
- More torque (good for city driving).
- Thicker sheet metal that do not dent as easily as civics

Anyway, what you choose is up to you and remember that you will be the one driving it, not us. We're all proud of our Mazdas so opinions here would be VERY biased. You might get more neutral feedback from some other forum

 

Better feedback? or just biased a different way?

But I do agree... you are likely going to get pro-Mazda feedback here.

 

I think this best sums up what we are all trying to say.

http://geijn.lagcity.com/gti/index.html


And...don't hate the messenger !

 

I can never get enough of that race!!!!

 

That is the single funniest link I have ever seen. That honda sound effect killed me.

 

No choice. Pro5. I looked at both and had a sentra before. Pro5 was hands down the best deal and choice. Just look at all the options you get.Wheels , lights, rack, etc.

 

That link is classic, I sent it to the my dad to check out. That Civic sound should be out in a muffler any time soon for a H@#$a models.

 

Are you comparing automatics or manuals?

I've never gotten less then 28 mpg or more then 32 in mixed driving im my manual P5.

From Edmunds:
Honda Civic EX Sedan Manual: 32 mpg / 37 mpg
Mazda Protege5 Compact Wagon Manual: 25 mpg / 31 mpg

So you give up a few MPG... for that, you get GOBS more torque at lower RPM's. Real, usable power without revving to 6k rpm's. Does anyone really choose one car over the other for the sake of 5 or 6 MPG?? If MPG is so important to you, you should be buing a Golf TD1, or an Insight, or a Prius or something.

The Protege scores HIGHER then or equal to Civic in Consumer Report's. It is a true, Japanese care, designed and built in Japan and has a LONG history of reliability. The Honda is not.

Honda resale values are grossly inflated by the people who own them or sell them. In reality, they are about equal with other "Japanese" makes. I've owned 2 Civics, I know what I'm talking about hear.

Honda sells .. what? 300k Civic per year to the 60k or so Proteges? Join the flock if you want, but all other things being equal, my Momma didn't raise no sheep!

 

that link is freakin funny....lol

 

Funny Link

 

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm burning up from laughing so hard!!!

 

Well I looked at the Honda and Mazda (twice once when we bought my wifes car and twice when I bought my car), I drove the Honda and Mazda (mind made up already, I got a price on the Honda and Mazda. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.