Toyota Camry versus Mazda 6 verus Honda Accord

Mazda 6 in sport version with v6!

fuente wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.de:

I disagree with the other two people who replied. I would choose any one except the Mazda, because I think the others are more reliable.

If it's close to Ford in any form and shape, and more importantly in quality assurance aspects and custonmer service, then it 's a reason to go far away. My budget still didn't fully recover from the unexpected expenses for my ford Taurus . I should have never known. I have really paid for every mile the high price in money and worries. Now I want a reliable car.

Mazda 6, no question about it. Equal quality and reliability, and considerably less boring.

DS

----- I have a 2002 4 cylinder Camry. The big trunk is a real asset when picking up passengers at the airport. It is the XLE version so it is well equipped and nice to drive. Only added item was a piece of "wood" trim around the radio. However, visibility backing up is a problem because the seat makes it difficult to look back over one's shoulder and the rear of the car is not visible thru the rear window. Jim

Honda Accord very reliable! toyota would be second.

And so it panned out that the following script was sculpted by none other than Daniel J. Stern:

Totally agreed - but hey, you forgot to mention the lighting! :} I was pretty impressed to see the lamps on the new 6, particularly the DRLs, which on that car are done pretty much the way they are supposed to be done (I think?).

And as to the guy who suggested that Mazdas are particularly unreliable, millions of happy customers disagree. Now *my* Mazda hasn't been the most reliable car in the world for the time I've owned it, but then it has clocked up nearly 200 000 miles.

Personally, I really like Bimmers myself, but there's nowt that can touch a Mazda for the money. Zoom zoom zoom!

And so it panned out that the following script was sculpted by none other than fuente:

The Mazda, no contest. Can't beat 'em for the money. Pop down to the respective dealers and go check for yourself.

Also I'd trust the Mazda at highway speeds over the other two cars, which have had a reputation (in North American flavours at least) for offering poor highway stability. Now my old MX6GT is pretty stable at speed, and doesn't wallow, float or shake excessively, like older Accords and Camrys were reputed to do (and like my GM car does/did). It's quite likely that Honda and Toyota have fixed this on their newer cars, of course, but that's not something one could necessarily easily find out on a test drive (héhé). Personally, I'd put the most faith in the Mazda, but the ultimate choice would depend upon your personal tastes. But isn't the Mazda the cheapest, uhh, I mean, least expensive of those three, or am I smoking someone to be making that tentative suggestion?

(Discreetly X posted.)

Yeah, the Mazda6 has better exterior lighting (headlamps, fog lamps, turn signals, etc.) than either the Accord or the Camry.

What gave me a chuckle was the idjit who claimed that Mazdas are unreliable because "Mazda is too close to Ford". This is the same kind of blithering nonsense put forth by those who'll no longer buy a Mercedes because "Mercedes is too close to Chrysler".

The only places at which Mazda and Ford touch: The Escape/Tribute and the Ranger/B-pickup. There's no Ford whatsoever in the Mazda6.

DS

The following link could suggest that there is some kind of cooperation between both companies also in the production process of the MAZDA 6

Quite honestly, this fact would influence heavily my choice. Perception is everything! I perceive the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord as the more serious cars. We have dealt in the family with the Toyota customer service, and so far, I can report only good things. However, after my direct experience with a Ford car, I don't want to spend one more cent on their products, or on any product where they may have a contribution. Even if it is a bargain.

Regards,

Fuente

What about the V-6 engine and the two automatic transmissions (one for the 4 and a different one for the V-6? I believe the Mazada 6 and the European Mondeo share a lot of enigneering and drivetrain bits. And the Mazdsa 6's for the US are built at Flat Rock, aa joint Ford/Mazda plant. Seems to me that there is a lot of Ford in a Mazda 6.

From

: "Technically, I guess, the Mazda6 can be classified as an American car. United States and Canadian parts account for 53 percent of the vehicle, including the engine. Japan only supplies 28 percent of the parts and Mexico 16 percent. And, it's assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan, about as close to Detroit as you can get.

"The American 3.0-liter engine comes from the Ford parts bin, now that Mazda is part of the Ford Family of Fine Cars. It is a double overhead cam design with 24 valves and features variable valve timing for greater efficiency."

Also see:

?article_id=10769 Ed

As a Mazda6 owner, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to go with the Mazda6. It gives you a better driving experience than a Camry or Accord, both of which I consider to be boring, too common, floating boats. Better handling, acceleration, you name it.

Only if you like junk.

I owned a Mazda. Mazda is not Honda.

I know lots of people who own Toyotas. Close, but dealers don't deal on them.

Honda is the best, and if you are good, you can get a great price too.

Nissan Alitma 3.5SE 5 MT. gobs of torque, good fuel economy, roomy and has sporty handling.

Camry -- yawn.

Accord V6 -- nice car but no MT available with V6. good quality, not as roomy as the altima but nicer interior.

Mazda 6s. Nice car, a little smallish inside and underpowered. Handles great. Mazda reliability (ie questionable) Does have MT with upper line engine (good). Drivers' car or so I've been told. Too small inside for my needs.

I chose the Altima for the engine. The 3.5SE is the quickest front wheel drive (4 door) car on the market. Mid 14 second 1/4 mile, .83 on the skidpad, avg 25 mpg mixed driving, 145 mph top speed, and very roomy inside makes it the top contender in my view. All that for $22k sold me. Same price as an Accord 4cyl EX-L which did have MT, be it with their 4 cyl engine.

Had the Altima since July and its been great.

I probably would've gone with Honda if they'd had the foresight to offer their incredible 6 speed gearbox with their VTEC V6. Oh well maybe next time. This coming from an extremely pro Honda/Acura person. IMO Honda makes one of , if not the best, manual gearbox on the planet. The Nissan is clunky and truck-like by comparison. At least they offered it with their wonderful VQ35 though.

Honda Salesman: "Nobody wants a manual"

This "nobody" walked off the Honda lot and bought a Nissan.

My 2¢

That's funny for my father, Mazda and Ford were great cars. He had a Ford Econolone 150 van that went 280k miles before he sold it. He then bought a Mazda B2000 pickup that went 220k miles before he sold that. I currently own a Miata that has been very reliable too. If I was the type to buy new cars, I would be giving the new RX8 a serious look. In a couple of years, I can see me buying a nice used RX8.

--------------- Alex

You won't think of the mazda as an american car the first time you have to repair it. Parts are frighteningly expensive, on par with BMW or Mercedes.

It's reliability is a yawn too.

My mom bought an '01 Toyota Camry brand new and had so much trouble with it that she traded it in for an '02 Accord.

I guess there are good and bad in every brand.

I was referring to the Camry's less than inspiring performance and handling. NO offense if you have one. I just didn't like them.

Cheers.