Affordable Commuters: 2010 Honda Civic EX Vs. 2010 VW Golf Vs. 2010 Mazda3

Basic transportation nowadays is nothing like that rickety old rust bucket you bought when you turned 16 all those years ago. Nowadays even the most inexpensive cars have to have all of the amenities, gadgets and safety equipment that just ten years ago used to be the sole domain of luxury cars.

And with the economy in constant flux and the price of gas dependent upon the whims of madmen doesn't it just make a whole lot of sense to downsize into a smaller, more fuel efficient car? You wouldn't be alone as this end of the new car market is set to grow more than any other within the next five years.

Thankfully if you are thinking of buying a more economical car there are three very affordable yet lavishly equipped fuel sippers that pretty much dominate this end of the market. They have beautifully trimmed interiors that look built to last and their nimble nature makes parking lot SUV avoidance maneuvers a breeze. And the last thing that makes these three compact cars special? They are a blast to drive.

2010 Honda Civic EX

The reason customers go to their Honda dealers year after year is because buying a Civic is a no-brainer. It has everything you need and nothing that you don't. Another bonus is that Honda doesn't mess around with confusing options lists as they just sell uniquely equipped models with EX standing right below the manual transmission only Si sports sedan.

The Civic EX is pretty much loaded and includes a moon roof, powerful audio system with subwoofer, alloy wheels as well as the usual air conditioning, power windows/locks/keyless entry systems that have become pretty much standard on new vehicles circa 2010. The interior is open and airy and all of the controls move with that special Honda precision that confirms in your mind that this particular switch won't fall off in five months. Or five years.

While a five speed automatic is available, if you really want to enjoy your morning commute your best choice is the sniper rifle accurate five speed manual transmission. If you are looking to buy your first car with a manual transmission look no further as the shift action and clutch engagement in these Hondas makes stalling a near statistical impossibility.

Steering and handling characteristics in the Civic are on the sporty side but your passengers won't complain even if you turn corners well and above the speeds that gravity should allow thanks to the very smooth ride. And even if your friends do get car sick from your "Speed Racer" impersonations, at least they won't make fun of you for buying that fuddy-duddy Corolla.

2010 VW Golf

It's time to face facts. The latest generation VW Jetta has been dorky since day one. It looks like a bloated Corolla and while the introduction of the TDI diesel version was a brilliant move to give it just the slightest hint of hipster appeal, one ecologically minded powertrain cannot undo the damage done by that sedan's frumpy looks.

Thank heavens (or VW) then, for bringing us the oh-so-very German and completely restyled 2010 VW Golf hatchback. (Farewell little Rabbit-now bunny hop your way into history where you belong.) VW models have always had nice interiors but this Generation 6 model (as it is referred to by the company) upped its game to the point where it really isn't playing in the same league as the Mazda or Honda.

Swathed in soft touch plastics, beautiful chrome trim, sturdy upholstery and featuring controls that wouldn't look out of place in a car costing twice as much, VW could easily sell the Golf based solely on the interior. Thankfully it also has the most powerful engine here yet is not the most expensive and it comes reasonably well equipped as standard.

If you do order the TDI engine things can get pricey but as diesel engines are capable of extremely high mileages at least you can take heart knowing you are buying a car with a great deal of utility thanks to the cargo room that is available in the cave-like hatch. Whichever model you choose, the VW Golf is without question a sound place to put your money. Buy one before VW realizes how cheaply they have priced it!

2010 Mazda3

This deservedly successful Mazda compact is, along with the Miata, the embodiment of this Japanese manufacturer's "Zoom-Zoom" philosophy. The Mazda3 features rev-happy four cylinder engines with just enough power to keep things interesting and turning radiuses that allow them to almost quite literally turn on a dime.

One unique option available in the 3 is a navigation system with a screen not much bigger than the face of an iPhone. But somehow Mazda engineers made that work as they placed it directly in your line of vision and also put the nav controls on the steering wheel. This mini-navigation system is also reasonably priced so maybe re-think that Garmin purchase if you are looking at a new 3.

Other than that the 3 is let down somewhat by its exterior styling which is, to put it mildly, a bit overdone. There are just too many lines and creases battling it out for your attention thereby proving what looks good on a concept car does not always translate well into the real world.

Thankfully if you buy a 3 you will be looking at the interior more and this is where this Mazda really improved over the last generation. It's not as classy as the VW's interior but it does feel a touch more sporting. And isn't that what really matters when you are the "Zoom-Zoom" company?

Who Wins?

I would buy the Golf thanks to the gorgeous interior, myriad powertrain options, spaciousness and because VW is offering 3 years/36,000 miles free maintenance on all new 2010 Golfs. Honda and Mazda do not offer free maintenance.

Honda Civic EX: (Starting at $19,455)

Power: (140 horsepower 1.8 liter 4 cylinder)

Economy: (25 city/36 highway)

VW Golf: (Starting at $17,490)

Power: (170 horsepower 2.5 liter 5 cylinder)

Economy: (22 city/30 highway)

Mazda3: (Starting at $16,045)

Power: (2.0 liter 148 horsepower 4 cylinder)

Economy: (25 city/33 highway)