Topic: Comparison Test: 2015 Mazda6 vs. 2014 Ford Fusion

[Autos_Editor]

Jeff Voth brings us a series of video reviews, and first up is a rematch of the top two from our mid-size comparison test: Mazda6 and Ford Fusion.
Read More...

[fixer]

Didn't watch the video, but going by what I read it seemed the fusion was going to win.

[Allen]

you're wrong he went with the 6....

[hemusbull]

Wow! Turbocharged engine isn't more fuel efficient? Why then we need this scam?

[jyarkony]

you're wrong he went with the 6....

you should have at least got him to put some money down before you told him...

[Solstice2006]

Too bad a fully loaded Fusion was offered by the manufacturers.  As this SE trim, has less than the GT trim from the Mazda6.  Doesn't appear to be any updates on the 2015 Mazda6 vs 2014.

[Mike]

you're wrong he went with the 6....

you should have at least got him to put some money down before you told him...

Good to see Jeff reviewing on here now as well. I mean, you needed to have at least one Jeff that's good at car reviews  (I kid, I kid)

[JacobBlack]

JY has been gunning for him for a while, but apparently he refused to work here under the last editor.... 

[pcsp]

Too bad there was no actual comparison of fuel economy. I would think the Mazda would pull ahead even further if both vehicles were driven average or even fairly aggressive.

[whaddaiknow]

It was a predictable win for the '6'. But the question is what is it that makes the '6' so unappealing to the actual buying public compared to the Fusion? The journo's keep touting the zoom-zoom horn but it doesn't sell nearly as well as the competition.

[Oldsguy]

It was a predictable win for the '6'. But the question is what is it that makes the '6' so unappealing to the actual buying public compared to the Fusion? The journo's keep touting the zoom-zoom horn but it doesn't sell nearly as well as the competition.

Indeed. Auto journos are so in love with the 6 it is ridiculous, yet the buying public absolutely shuns them. Obviously there is a real-life flaw factor the journos do not take into account in their glowing reviews.

[aquadorhj]

mazda should start selling a LOT of the 6 to fleets..    at least get the face of the 6 known.   they do so little marketing, it's ridiculous. 

it's really gorgeous in that metallic glossy red they got.. 

[Northernridge]

Mazda must be the worst marketer in the biz. if I was a dealer I'd be livid over the lack of support.

[Mike]

Two big factors are marketing and dealer network. Somehow Subaru is getting around this though.

[jyarkony]

It's not necessarily because of the quality of the cars that the '6 does not sell... first there are the number of dealerships, of which there are many many more Ford stores. I've also spoken with Mazda staff about this, and people walking into the Mazda stores often end up with a 3 rather than a 6 because it is as uch as they need at a better price... Advertising wise, i think we see more skyactiv being pushed than the 6 as a model, so it remains an outsider in the mid-size sedan consideration process...

there are many reasons beyond the car that affect sales, which does not mean necessarily that a comparison is invalid (just because the brand you like didn't win). and don't forget, we rate the Fusion extremely high, ahead of Camry, Accord and others in the larger comparison we ran last winter, but even in this rematch, the 6 just nudges ahead for so many little reasons. this comparison and so many awards won't be enough to sway the sales charts, though. Even the Malibu outsells the Mazda6 - are you going to argue that the Malibu is a better car?

[johngenx]

Subaru sells despite their dealers - not because of them.  But their marketing has been 1000X better than Mazdas - and Mazda has lost their brand identity.  Maybe not lost, but certainly faded.  The 3 sells well here as Canadians love compacts and Mazda still has a strong presence here, but in the US they've just lost their way.  The last 626 was so bland that it just took them out of the running with the rest of the family sedans - people that wanted appliances went to Toyota.

[aquadorhj]

Two big factors are marketing and dealer network. Somehow Subaru is getting around this though.

they have the AWD thing down pat, it's so well known they don't need as much marketing, i guess..   
Mazda just doesn't have a niche in the market.    the Zoom Zoom thing coulda worked, if they have continued though..

2nd tier Japanese manufacturer,
quality issues for a while, (rust, popping door locks)
no marketing,
no outstanding features (AWD),

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I found the Mazda6 to be louder than expected, as far as wind and road noise. I didn't like the infotainment system either. I love the way it looks though.

The Fusion is quiet and I think largely because of that felt more upscale, and I get along well enough with MFT. With the 2.0L, it's pretty quick, though the 1.5L is a pretty decent engine. About 30% of Fusions are sold with AWD IIRC.

[toolatecrew]

Fusion is obviously more of a "volume" seller. Not only do they have fleet sales(I know I've had them as rentals several times). but even have models targeted at fleet (the 2.5 L 4 with minimal options)

In terms of the media lovefest for the 6 maybe its my perception but it seems that most of the reviews that are so glowing are of the 6 GT. I understand that media can only test what they are given but it seems like many of the tests are of the top of the line GT. The bigger better looking 19 inch wheels, leather interior and all the gadgets.

I see many more tests (as this one was of the Fusion SE with the 1.5 or FWD 2.0 . Its not always the Titanium. I am sure the option thing has an impact. Something as simple as a leather steering wheel. If you buy a Fusion SE with the 1.5 a leather steering wheel is standard. The 1.5 SE is a "volume" model.

You want a leather wheel in a Mazda 6 you need to jump from the base GX to the GS which is 3k. It might seem like a small thing but a steering wheel is the item to touch the most in a car. Even a 20 K Focus SE comes with a leather wheel. Yet a 25K Mazda 6 GX does not.

[pi314]

Fusion is obviously more of a "volume" seller. Not only do they have fleet sales(I know I've had them as rentals several times). but even have models targeted at fleet (the 2.5 L 4 with minimal options)

In terms of the media lovefest for the 6 maybe its my perception but it seems that most of the reviews that are so glowing are of the 6 GT. I understand that media can only test what they are given but it seems like many of the tests are of the top of the line GT. The bigger better looking 19 inch wheels, leather interior and all the gadgets.

I see many more tests (as this one was of the Fusion SE with the 1.5 or FWD 2.0 . Its not always the Titanium. I am sure the option thing has an impact. Something as simple as a leather steering wheel. If you buy a Fusion SE with the 1.5 a leather steering wheel is standard. The 1.5 SE is a "volume" model.

You want a leather wheel in a Mazda 6 you need to jump from the base GX to the GS which is 3k. It might seem like a small thing but a steering wheel is the item to touch the most in a car. Even a 20 K Focus SE comes with a leather wheel. Yet a 25K Mazda 6 GX does not.

My SE does not have a leather wheel.
I can't say I understand the love for Leather wrapped steering wheels - I actually prefer non wrapped wheels. But again, this is why we have choice in the industry, and I don't want to start an argument over it

As far as the 6 vs the Fusion, I'd probably personally go Mazda for the stick shift ( I believe the 1.6 isn't offered any longer with a manual), but they're both solid choices.