Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.

  1. Seriously considered the Mazda6 (Signature) with the 2.5L turbo along with the Honda Accord 2.0L turbo and the Camry V6 (XSE) last year. As far as the highly subjective category of looks is concerned the Mazda topped the others for me, primarily as a result of its simpler, more elegant styling and relatively long distance from the A pillar to the front bumper. It's a design trick used for about a century to suggest potency and performance. And on that score Mazda does a better job than either Honda or Toyota. But the overall profile has its costs, as well. Specifically in terms of a more cramped cabin and less trunk space than either the Honda or the Toyota. And in a "family" sedan that's an issue. Further, if one requires a back seat for three passengers, especially kids who'll each demand access for their phones, Mazda's placement of two usb ports in the center armrest is a problem since the ports cannot be accessed with three passengers in the back seat. Be prepared for much whining or leaving someone at home. Overall, the interior features and materials in the Signature trim are impressive. But the sunroof is smaller than that in either the Accord or the Camry. The infotainment system is dated and the screen is smaller than the competition. And while the dial selector for command of the infotainment system reduces fingerprints, it's neither as intuitive nor as quick and accurate as a touch screen. Having owned 4 Mazdas over the years and having driven relatively large 4 cylinder turbos since the 1980's (both Saabs and Mazdas) I was expecting the kind of turbo "punch" that the Honda 2.0L turbo provides in acceleration and equal or better overall performance than the Camry NA V6. It's not there. The Mazda6 simply not as quick in terms of straight line acceleration as either of its main rivals. That's not to say it's unacceptable but the driving dynamics of the "6" reminded me of a diesel engine with a six speed transmission. Honda's de-tuned version of the Civic type R engine and its 10 speed transmission and the Camry V6 simply outperform the Mazda. That, of course, may not be the highest priority in a "family" sedan but it's noteworthy. Finally, the video references to price are somewhat misleading. It's complicated to compare mid-level trims of different vehicles when the features and options each manufacturer includes vary considerably. But top trims of the Accord and Mazda6 are virtually identical when comparably equipped. And the Camry is within a thousand dollars of each. MSRP's, of course, aren't necessarily reliable guides to real world prices reached via serious negotiations with a dealer but maintaining that either the Accord or the Camry is considerably more expensive when comparable trims are compared is likely untrue. All in all, I liked the Mazda6 very much. But on my personal scorecard it finished second to the Accord and ahead of the Camry. Having owned and having considerable affection for the Mazda brand I found that disappointing but both in terms of priorities for a "family" sedan and in terms of driving dynamics, I found the Honda to be just a little bit better. YMMV.
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