Carmakers such as Chevrolet, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Honda and let’s not forget Hyundai, all offer top quality vehicles capable of dominating this segment
poor Subaru! Always left out because it comes standard with rear driving wheels. Damned if you do...
...but of course, it shows up in the forum. Yes, Subaru sells based on perceived safety in the winter - niches are good for sales.
I gave my own long review of the Mazda 6 a while back, but have not driven the Fusion. I have sat in several, however.
From my perspective, the Mazda6 looks great and actually drives smaller than it is. I really liked a lot about it, including the engine. The transmission is a BIG let-down, and I'm scared to say that I've come to loathe anything but a CVT because of shift time. I hate lag, be it turbo- or transmission-related. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Mazda6 was a great car, but IMO its biggest competitor is the CX-5. Same options, but for what, an extra grand or two, you can get AWD, more interior space (cargo and passenger) and a higher driving position. For most, the CUV-craze is sufficient reason enough to forego buying a sedan, but if you want one, the Mazda3 is cheaper and offers much of the same equipment with sufficient interior space.
I do have to say though, I'd rather the 2.5L in the Mazda than the 1.5T (made predominantly to appease the Chinese government - not the end consumer), and I guarantee real world fuel economy will show it.
From what I hear, people really love the styling of the Fusion. It's subjective, so I won't give my opinion (HATE the side profile and rear of the Fusion!!
), but it seems like Ford got a lot about the Fusion right - options galore, heavy discounting ("yay, I got such a GREAT deal on my Ford!"), and the 'right' size for a mid-size sedan. With promises of fuel economy, power, and AWD if necessary, the Fusion has a lot going for it. Unfortunately for Mazda, only those that drive/consider it will appreciate it. On paper, unfortunately, the Mazda just isn't as attractive to John/Jane Doe Consumer. No AWD, no
"eco"-boost, and no colour but black on the inside (while it's my preference, others disagree).
I want to see Mazda sell more of these, but the Mazda6 is too closely priced to the CX-5 to be in the realm of relevancy in Canada and the upper US.