Believe it or not, some midsize sedan buyers view these four- doors as exciting signs of hope, evidence that the fun isn’t over just because kids and jobs now consume 23 hours of the day. Despite their prevalence—at least that of the Accord and Camry, which sold more than 300,000 and 400,000 units in 2012, respectively—the three family sedans here are injected with a shot of sport aimed at enlivening the daily doldrums of commuting, errand running, and passenger hauling. If you can zip from light to light a little quicker or take the freeway on-ramp a bit more aggressively—anything to brighten your day—why not, right?
With that in mind, we gathered the all-new Mazda6 and Honda Accord Sport, as well as the best-selling veteran, the Toyota Camry SE, to see which one delivered the most effective spoonful of sport medicine. Each boasts a stout four-cylinder, a seamless automatic, an athletic body kit, and a sport-tuned chassis, designed to collectively stimulate the senses and soothe the soul. We tried to get a Fusion SE, but Ford claimed it couldn’t source one.
And the top-dog VW Passat? With the new EA888 turbo I-4 poised for 2014 duty and a dedicated sport trim still a distinct possibility (see the Passat Performance Concept from this year’s Detroit auto show), the Chattanooga champ was relegated to Round 2 and a face-off with this test’s winner. But let’s focus on Round 1…
Toyota Camry SE
The SE accounts for about 40 percent of Camry sales, which equates to around 160,000 units annually. That’s nearly five times as many 6s as Mazda sold last year. SE drivers are treated to the same 2.5-liter, 178-hp, 170-lb-ft I-4 that powers most Camrys not wearing V-6 or Hybrid badging, but the six-speed automatic (the only tranny offered) comes with paddle shifters and an S mode that delivers quicker shifts and downshift throttle blips. Nice. The chassis receives firmer springs and dampers, stiffer lower front-control arms, strut tower and trunk-mounted braces, and 17-inch alloys wearing 215/55 rubber. Outside, there are SE-specific side skirts, mesh upper grille, black headlamp bezels, and rear spoiler. Inside, a three-spoke steering wheel and thicker bolstered sport seats round out the package. Problem is, the aesthetic parts are more appealing than the finished product. Styling, inside and out, was deemed dated, with the slab-sided exterior and ’80s-esque interior drawing criticism. And this Camry is only two years old.
At the track, the SE put down the slowest acceleration numbers of the group, despite being the lightest car at 3207 pounds. Zero to 60 mph came in 8.1 seconds, with another 8.1 required to reach the quarter mile (16.2 at 87.0 mph). At 0.81 g, lateral acceleration, was acceptable, certainly in light of the modest rubber, and the figure-eight run of 27.6 at 0.61 g was back of the pack, but solid nonetheless. The one objective performance test in which the Camry didn’t play the caboose was 60-to-0 braking—it stopped 1 foot shorter than the Mazda.
Over our evaluation loop in Tehachapi, California, the Camry revealed more faults than strengths, notably a stiff ride, numb steering, and a confidence-detracting chassis. Says associate editor Rory Jurnecka, “From the first dip coming out of the parking lot, the Camry makes its stiff ride known. Unfortunately, it’s all for naught—a stiff ride alone does not a sporty car make. It’s amazing that the Mazda rides better on 19s.” Associate editor Scott Evans: “The body rolls much more than the other two, and the suspension doesn’t handle the inertia well. Even a moderately quick steering input gets you thrown around in your seat. Steering is a little too slow to be fun on the back roads and has little feel in it whatsoever.”
On the plus side, the Toyota offers a big back seat, an attractive price tag, excellent visibility, and the best observed fuel economy during our 270-mile trip by 0.1 mpg. The Camry SE has a lot going for it, no doubt, but sporty, engaging, and fun aren’t three of its attributes.
Honda Accord Sport
Now, I could just tell you the Accord Sport is a furlong ahead of the Camry and a nose behind the Mazda, but what fun is that? With a 2.4-liter “Earth Dreams” I-4 (Take that, Mazda “Skyactiv”) and the group’s only CVT automatic, the Honda entered the arena as the most powerful (189 hp), but also the heaviest (3324 pounds), the widest (72.8 inches), and the most cavernous (103.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 15.8 cubic feet of cargo volume). Inside and out, the Accord is a sizable sedan, though it’s still a smidge shorter in length and height than the Mazda and Toyota, respectively. That’s surprising, given that the Honda feels the biggest. But that’s only when it’s standing still.
Floor the throttle, and the CVT quickly pushes the revs into the VTEC sweet spot, propelling the Sport from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.9 at 89.8 mph. Unlike the Camry, which always feels its size, the Accord shrinks when the rolling gets brisk, a sense that holds especially true on a winding road, where the Honda’s 0.87 g of lateral grip and 117-foot 60-0 stopping power give it the at-the-limit edge. Evans: “Body is well-controlled, with no abrupt movements. Good grip and good control on rebound; keeps the movements in check.” Further, the electric power steering, while a tad artificial compared with the Mazda’s, serves up a linear helm, and the CVT’s S mode and standard paddle shifters make optimum use of the 2.4’s lively corral. And with an EPA combined rating of 29 mpg, the Accord trails the tops-in-test ’6 by 1 mpg.
Nits? Navigation and satellite radio aren’t on the Sport model’s options list. In D mode, the CVT can feel lethargic under moderate throttle. Wind and tire noise still aren’t as hushed as we’d like, though this is easily the quietest Accord to date. And the cabin could be a little snazzier. “The seat material looks cheap, and the layout is bland,” says Jurnecka. More than that, the Honda trails the Mazda’s class-leading virtues—the ride, steering, and handling all fall subjectively short. That said, if space is a priority— and for many families, it’s number one—the Accord and its “limo back seat,” per Evans, is tough to beat, as is its $24,980 as-tested price, which includes 18-inch alloys, rear decklid spoiler, Bluetooth, Pandora radio, backup camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver seat. Then there’s the Accord’s Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, a badge of honor for passing the ominous small-offset test. (BTW, the ’6 also received “+” status. The Camry did not.) Evans said it best: “The Accord is really good, but the Mazda’s just a little better.”
Mazda6
OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Mazda6 GT’s hefty $31,190 as-tested price. Had we had our druthers, we would have gotten a $25,290 Touring fitted with a $350 rear lip spoiler. Truth is, none of the GT’s exclusives—leather, bi-xenon headlamps, paddle shifters, et al.—gave it an advantage on the scorecard. And since the Touring and GT are dynamically identical, we were willing to overlook the GT’s hefty price tag.
The Mazda’s performance stats, however, were completely relevant. Outpacing the Accord’s acceleration numbers by a couple tenths (0-60 in 7.4, quarter mile in 15.7 at 88.6) and splitting the others’ handling figures (0.84 g lat accel, 27.1 at 0.63 figure eight), the Mazda’s objective results placed at or near the top. Subjectively? It quickly earned reserved parking on the pinnacle. Evans: “Engine’s got plenty of zip. Never had to floor it, and it never felt weak or made the car feel heavy. Everything about this car is smooth and fluid. The way the steering comes off center, the way the suspension eases the chassis into corners, the way the throttle picks up, the way the brakes engage, the way it handles transitions. It’s perfect.” Jurnecka: “The steering is sublime, especially for this class. Weighting is just spot-on, and there’s a great amount of feel and precision. ‘Little’ things like this really make a huge difference in how a car feels.” The Mazda imparts a sense of gracefulness and driver-connectedness that is deficient in the others.
Some of that uncanny sense can be attributed to the intimate feel from behind the wheel. The ’6 proved the most comfortable and ergonomically sound, providing the preferred command center whether sitting still and fiddling with the controls or weaving aggressively through a twisty road. The Mazda fits you, not vice versa. The dash layout and interior materials are straightforward and understated, and the 5.8-inch nav screen (standard on GT, optional on Touring) is small by modern standards, but it’s cleanly presented and easy to operate. The back seat, too, was judged tops in comfort and support, though there’s no denying it trails the Camry and Accord in overall roominess.
Nevertheless, the made-in-Japan Mazda6 is the best driver’s car here. To us, there’s no better dose of sport medicine.
With a current crop of luxury models that are quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient, and among the most reliable, Lexus has earned the best overall score in Consumer Reports 2013 Car Brand Report Cards.
The Lexus overall score of 79 was earned on a foundation of plush and very reliable vehicles. A further distinction: Consumer Reports currently Recommends 100 percent of the Lexus vehicles it has tested.
For 2013, Consumer Reports took a different approach than in previous years for its annual Report Cards. We graded each automaker’s individual brands rather than calculating a single score for all the brands under one corporation umbrella. For example, Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models were scored separately this year instead of being calculated into a single score for Toyota. The same was true for Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and other large manufacturers that market several brands.
Just off the pace from Lexus are Subaru and Mazda. Subaru held the top spot last year. Both brands build solid cars with good handling, fuel economy, and versatility at relatively affordable prices. And each touts an overall score of 76.
Overall, eight of the top 10 scores were earned by Japanese brands. Honda and Toyota’s scores have been buoyed by the significant strides the automakers made with their Accord and Camry redesigns. Both handle better than their predecessors and get impressive fuel economy.
European brands ended up scattered across the middle of the spectrum, distinguished from each other more by reliability than test score.
For American manufacturers, General Motors is revamping its lineup and building several promising models, but some of its brands still fall toward the bottom of the list. Ford’s and Lincoln’s overall scores have been dragged down their MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch control interfaces, and unrefined dual-clutch automated manual transmissions and EcoBoost turbocharged engines that don’t deliver the performance and fuel economy of competing models. Chrysler’s brands didn’t fare well—many models are old and not competitive. In fact, Dodge anchored the bottom of the list with an overall score of 46.
Consumer Reports calculates each brand’s overall score using an equally weighted composite of the road-test and reliability scores for each of its tested models. Reliability scores are based on information that subscribers provided in our Annual Auto Survey. For a brand to be included, Consumer Reports must have test results and reliability data for at least three models. That’s why the 2013 rankings do not include Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Ram, or Smart.
Mazda Named Most Affordable Cost-of-Ownership Automotive Brand by Kelley Clue Book’s KBB.com
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced that it has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com as having the most affordable five-year cost of ownership among any other automotive manufacturer. As a result, Mazda is the recipient of the “2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award” while the Mazda5 received the “2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award” in the Minivan/Van class from Kelley Blue Book.
“This award celebrates everything Mazda has been working toward over the past few years so we are honored to receive this recognition from KBB.com,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “As we move forward with our new sixth-generation of products that showcase improved quality, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics, owning a Mazda will continue to be an enjoyable experience that doesn’t have to break the bank to maintain.”
“New-car shoppers often are most concerned with the upfront cost of a vehicle; however, consumers would be wise to consider their purchase from a more holistic standpoint by examining the total cost to own a vehicle over the initial five-year ownership period,” said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. “Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own winners provide the top options in multiple categories and at the brand level.”
KBB.com cites Mazda’s ability to offer consumers low maintenance costs and, thanks to SKYACTIV®[1] TECHNOLOGY, excellent fuel economy in combination with consumer confidence in Mazda’s low depreciation. Thanks to these factors, Mazda is able to offer consumers an ownership experience that is both enjoyable and affordable, two things that don’t always accompany each other. Best of all, the 2013 KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Award for Mazda means that this experience can be had across all carlines in the Mazda brand, including Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda5 and CX-5.
The 5-Year Cost to Own Awards honors the vehicles and brands (luxury and non-luxury) with the lowest projected ownership costs, based on Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period. While depreciation (or loss of value) and fuel costs may be the greatest expense incurred in owning a vehicle, there are other factors that can have a significant impact on a consumer’s pocketbook. Available on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees for new models. Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, like all new- and used-car information provided by KBB.com, exist to help shoppers make more informed new-car buying decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected five-year total.
For more information about the 2013 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/5-year-cost-to-own-awards-2013/.
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. KBB.com provides consumer pricing and information on cars for sale, minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader Group.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
[1] SKYACTIV is a registered trademark of Mazda Motor Corporation (MC).
SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
For further information: Nick Beard, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6567, or Eric Booth, Mazda North American Operations, +1-949-727-6144
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) was today presented with the “2013 SUV of the Year for the Americas” award for the 2013 CX-5 by the Federacion Internacional de Periodistas del Automovil (International Federation of Automotive Journalists) (FIPA). As the first Mazda to fully encompass all components of SKYACTIV® [1] TECHNOLOGY, the brand’s engineering philosophy that achieving high fuel efficiency does not mean compromising high performance, CX-5 entered the market less than a year ago and boasts class-leading fuel economy, top-ranked safety, stylish design and outstanding dynamics.
“The 2013 CX-5 has been a global success for Mazda and not only with consumers but automotive critics as well,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO. “To be recognized for the final product of our painstaking attention to detail in engineering and design, particularly on an international level, is something we are not only thankful for but proud to be part of.”
Headquartered in Guatemala, the annual FIPA awards are chosen by members of the Interamerican Automotive Journalists Federation (IAJP), which touts members in more than 20 countries. Awards are named in three categories – Car, SUV and Pilot (motorsports driver) – with each category featuring the top 10 contenders in that class. The Car of the Year award is in its twelfth year, the Pilot of the Year award in its eleventh and SUV of the Year is the latest addition with its seventh appearance on the ballot. The 2013 CX-5 bested its nine category competitors with a high score of 132 points, nearly twice that of the last place finisher.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com.
On February 8, 2012, Mazda unveiled their 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition at the Chicago Auto Show. Only 450 Miatas with black mirrors, trim and interior will be produced.
The Premium package, which includes Bluetooth, satellite radio, bi-xenon headlights, and the Suspension package, which includes Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip differential, will come standard. Dynamic with its small and quick design, the 2012 MX-5 Miata is the new and improved sleek and sexy roadster that so many fell in love with years ago.
The MX-Mazda is available in two exclusive colors, Velocity Red and Crystal White Pearl and is equipped with a body-colored-contrasting black PRHT, one of the industry’s fastest power-operated retractable hard tops.
For more information about the 2012 MX-5 Miata, visit http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2012-mazda-mx-5-miata-special-edition-photos-and-info-news.
Mazda has teamed up with Universal Pictures to showcase the CX-5 and its exciting new Skyactiv Technology. The filmmakers chose to include the CX-5, because the Skyactiv Technology helps drive home the environmentally friendly message of the film.
The CX-5 is the first of Mazda’s vehicles to incorporate the innovative Skyactiv Technology—which increases fuel efficiency and safety on all vehicle systems, while maintaining the driving fun you have come to expect from Mazda vehicles.
And in spirit of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, simply by test driving a Mazda between now and April 2nd, Mazda will donate $25 towards NEA’s Read Across America Program! It’s a win-win! You drive, and they read!
Plus, you can enter a chance to win a trip for four to Universal Orlando Resort. Enter by visiting http://www.mazdatestdriveoffer.com/lorax
You can also win big by liking our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CavalierAutoGroup. Enjoy exclusive offers, like our current one for an Oil Change at $9.99 plus tax. Hurry! This offer ends 3/31!
Tips To Extend the Life of Your Car
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
We’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile!
Car Interior
10. Park in the shade
Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact. As a bonus, you’ll have a cooler car to step into on hot sunny days. Car to the windshield posts (with adhesive), window frames (with Velcro), or the windows themselves (with suction cups).
Tips To Extend the Life of Your Car
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
We’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile!
9. Preserve your car during long-term storage
If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return.
- Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
- Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
- Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
- Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.
- Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
- Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
- Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.
Tips To Extend the Life of Your Car
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
We’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile!
8. Keep an auto log
Keep a pad and pencil in the glove compartment and use them to record your gas fill-ups and mileage. If you notice that your gas mileage worsens, mention it to your service man. It may be an early warning sign that something is wrong with your car.
Tips To Extend the Life of Your Car
Care and Maintenance Tips Keep Your Car Running in Top-Notch Condition
We’ve compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and car care tips to prolong the life of your automobile!
7. Choose a good car insurer
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, disaster inevitably strikes — typically in the form of an accident. Make sure that your car will be repaired to the best possible standard by finding an insurer that will pay for parts from the original manufacturer and guarantee the repairs it authorizes.
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