[MaxCarnage]

I test drove all 3 of these cars. I actually had the Camry SE as a rental for a bit and after noticing at 20k miles the suspension felt shot (bottomed out in It multiple times going into driveways) and the car shaking at 70+mpg it felt abused. The interior especially the controls/gauge cluster felt really dated. The "Eco" light was extremely annoying. I don't mind learning how to get the best fuel economy and adjust my driving if needed but where is the damn off switch for that Eco light?! Something my Mazda6 doesn't have and that's a very good thing.

My impressions of the Honda accord, I did feel like it looked rather large sitting still, but it's driving dynamics were quite nice. It's interior was poorly designed. Way too many buttons, when things should have looked less clustered. The gauge cluster was ugly and looked like something a grandma would want. The accord was a distant 2nd at best with a CX-5 more likely for me.

The Mazda6 was/is a winner and I knew this as soon as I got into it. This is my first Mazda and longevity reliability pending it won't be my last. I fell in love with the drivetrain, amoung others.

I think it's funny in the review they note that they tried getting a Ford Fusion SE and Ford somehow couldn't get one? They all broken already? Lol. I don't think it would have done well with its numb feeling and terrible body roll.

 

[MaxCarnage]

I've read the entre article and what it stands out is that they are 3 very similar cars on paper. Sure, you can argue one inch on braking, 0.5 seconds on accel, and so on, but to me it's not significant.

So I believe in the end it will come down to personal preference and not specs, because they will surely behave differently on the road and depending on the driving situation.

I agree and for me it wasn't just about the driving dynamics (although I do believe the Mazda6 does a great job with it). Even though the accords cvt transmission was nice for a cvt, I still didn't want a cvt. overall I felt Mazda did a better job, whether that's interior/exterior there isn't anything the accord has that I could have equal or better in the mazda6. I also prefer having my power band in the low/mid range unlike the accord and most Hondas that don't make power until the upper rpm range when Vtec kicks in.

 

[MaxCarnage]

The Earth Dreams I4 is supposed to be much better at low revs versus the old K24, torque peak is not far off Mazda's at 3900 RPM. That said, I was surprised at how well Skyactiv 2.5L will lug, in the 1500-2000 RPM levels; felt not far off my 3.0L V6, probably the same when you count that the gearing is actually taller versus my Aisin 6 speed. No other I4 (non-turbo) car I have driven was able to sustain any meaningful, however low, thrust at those engine speeds; they were always trying to get above 2000 RPM even when just breathing on the throttle. 2nd gen 6i was one of the worst with the Jatco auto, torque converter locking and unlocking all the time, no power below 2 grand either.

I test drove both cars before making my decision. 3900 vs 3250 rpms peak tq and 5700 vs 6400 rpms peak hp. Redline 6800 accord vs 6500 Mazda6. The Mazda makes peak tq 800rpms before redline while the accord is only 400 rpms away from redline at peak tq. I've had older civics in the past and while this accords power band isn't extremely high I prefer more lower/mid rpm range power and not have to damn near redline the car before max hp. It's a preference of where I like my power at. Again although other things like a cvt transmission are not for me, as well as styling which is subjective.

 

[MaxCarnage]

You've confused single RPM torque and horsepower measurements for a powerband, and there's nothing wrong with making power at the redline as long as thats not the only place you make power. I haven't driven the new Accord, but if reviews are to be believed the powerband is better than the old K24 (and how most past Honda I4's made power), and also looks better via the single point measurements. I have driven the new 6 though and was very impressed with the powerband, torquey from low (1400) RPM and held power all the way up the tach. I suspect the locked-up transmission had a lot to do with the low rpm feel, that thing is fantastic! I like both low end torque and high RPM power though, and I never felt compelled to rev the new 6 past 6k; it wasn't going soft, but it definitely wasn't building more power. If the new Accord feels like the Sonata, gutless and won't hold rpms below 2 grand, then the 6 is better to me without considering the high rpm rush. I regularly run my 1st gen 6s up past 6k, because it makes power there, but I also lug it around well below 2k quite often because my commute, if lights are timed properly, keeps me moving between 30-45mph with no stops or rapid acceleration events. Glad you picked the 6 though, I am transmission jealous. Are you going to trade up for stickier tires?

I didn't confuse a thing. I pointed out the peak measurements and I have driven the new accord so not only am I aware of its peak measurements but I felt its powerband as well. Maybe it was the CVT transmission because I'm rather new to those, but I didn't like the feel of it. The Mazda seemed flawless with great shift points and nice power down low. I haven't rev'd my own past 4k though cuz I'm breaking it in still. It would have been nice to test drive a 6 speed Accord but there was only 1 in the 5 states closest to me, including my own. I didn't want them to ship one to the dealer just simply cuz the accord didn't thrill me. I don't see a need for stickier tires, the grip is good enough for me. I'm not going to race it, lol.

Also this my first Mazda, and if I like it this much a few years down the road I might need to get another! Gen3 Speed3, hmmm

 

[MaxCarnage]

From reading what they had to say, I think the finals will be between the Fusion and the Accord Sport with the Accord Sport coming out on top.

I didn't get the vibe that they really enjoyed the 6 and they really seemed to like the Fusion. I would like to see the Fusion go head-to-head with the 6. Kind of like a family reunion with a little "look what I have been up to" thrown in there....

Agreed with the Fusion vs the Mazda6 lineup. I also agree its sounding like the Accord will be there winner. In my opinion I'd rather have a slightly more "rough" car that's more driver oriented, buts its good to know that the Accord would have been an excellent 2nd choice. My guess is likely what you are thinking. Accord vs Fusion. Accord wins. Mazda6 vs Passat. Mazda6 wins. Then accord winning overall. Best in class Mazda6? Maybe not. Best for my needs? Hell yes

 

[MaxCarnage]

Wow they said lots of negative things about the Fusion. I did get the same feeling one person did. The Fusion did give me a sense of not being finished. I'm glad they pitted the Fusion against the Mazda6!

So now it will be:

Comfortable overall usability (Accord) VS Everyday driving enjoyment (Mazda6). Considering they got best in there categories, it's just a preference at this point of what the person prefers. I think people will choose the Accord as the overall best package, even still Mazda did a great job considering it's not a giant seller like Honda is. However, I'm thinking this 3rd gen Mazda6 will sell just fine

 

[MaxCarnage]

Yup no surprise the Accord is the "winner". The Mazda6 is leaning towards enthusiasts, while the Accord is for the average buyer who just doesn't care about cars and just wants a reliable car. The Accord was my runner up in choices, but I am a car enthusiast. Even still my girlfriend who just wants a reliable car loves my new Mazda6 and is thinking she needs to look into Mazda and get away from her 06 Corolla. She likes to zoom zoom around, so pending my long term review of my Mazda I will push her towards one.

Not that I hate the Accord, but the reviewers barely mentioned anything about any flaws it had/has what so ever. One guy barely mentioned the rear seats don't fold down and that was it. They didn't leave any room to guess which car they thought was the better one, there comments gave it away. I found the gauge cluster and insane amount of buttons the Accord has to be overwhelming, and the cloth in the Accord sport not as nice as either the Mazda6's sport cloth or touring leatherette. They said the buttons and center console area was well laid out. Um no. They also felt the Mazda6's interior was claustrophobic and too dark. People do like black interior, lol. On there Facebook page there was a poll going and at the time only 18 people wanted the accord to win while the mazda6 was well over 200 votes.

In the end though it's nice to see both of my choices made the top 2, and Mazda is getting some recognition of a job well done. Even if they get 2nd place all the time, I would rather that then place 1st and lose there "drivers car" appeal. For a small car manufacture they did great!

 

[MaxCarnage]

Dude you are only 32. You are TOO young to drive a Buick lol.

Agreed Buick's are old man cars. Except the Buick GN mmmmmm, lol.

 

[MaxCarnage]

I am 30, have a gf, no kids. You can always start a survey, lol

 

[MaxCarnage]

I seen my first 2014 Mazda 6 (besides mine, lol) yesterday. It was a Touring BRM. I know my dealer I bought from sold a LS Touring and a MG GT, but I have yet to see it. I'm sure more and more will pop up as time flys by. I have noticed quite a few new 2nd gens around as the dealers are selling those pretty well (with discounts I'm sure).