Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave McFly
...I like that i have a 'old school' pull out switch (and rotate to turn on the interior lights as well) to turn on the headlights on the dash and not having it being part of the turn signal stalk like 95-100% of the cars today  . |
I hate that.
I rented a Ford Fusion. It's the same car as my Mazda6 right?
Wrong.
In the parking garage, went to turn on my lights; wipers came on. Couldn't find the dayum switch. Felt around blindly along the bottom of the drivers side of the dash until I found it.
Went to put it in reverse. Did they use the Jaguar S-type J-pattern or the Mazda6's gated manumatic? Nope. They used a clunky leftover 2000 Taurus shifter.
It has P RNDL. L does not hold it in 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd.
I guess Ford is saying, "You are too stupid to know what gear you want. Just shut up. 'D' is the only forward gear you understand."
What I like about my car:
Handling. The Mazda6 simply outhandles everything in it's class. Without question, the Mazda6 is the handling champ in this segment. It's just better balanced and the 225/40R18s generate tons of grip. At-the-limit handling is nearly neutral. The G6 and Accord were okay but did not stand out like the Mazda6. The Altima V6 was powerful but sloppy. The Camry and Sonata were solid built cars but understeer only, 'plow ahead' affairs in the corners. The Kia Optima was the softest and worst.
Styling. Without the tacky chrome 'milk mustache' the Mazda6 s looks a bit like a cross between an RX8 and an Acura TL
Engine. Okay I got a Mazda tuned Ford Duratec. 20 more hp than the Ford variant. 20 less than the Jaguar variant. Runs on cheap 87 octane (unlike the Jag) and averages 23 mpg. Solid 30mpg on the freeway with cruise set at 3 mph above speed limit. (yes, this is speeding but in my experience cops are usually willing to wait another minute or two for a 'bigger fish)
It's a little down on power compared to the 3.5 liter competitors but I don't pay thier fuel economy penalty.
Six speed Toyota transmission. Yep, same one as the Fusion I was just bitching about. Mazda lets you choose which gear you want and it responds to inputs faster than our Chrysler Auto-Stick.
Hatch. Bigger opening than a trunk. Gives my car nearly SUV size cargo area without being a dumpy @$$ SUV. Boo Mazda for discontinuing the Hatchback in 2009.
What I don't like? The name is a little goofy. Mazda Mazda6. It's in good company I suppose. The Enzo's full name is the Ferarri Enzo Ferarri.
Off idle torque is lacking.
Oh well. They say that about the ZZ302 also.
