I am in the market for a new car and I think I am going to get either the Mazda 6 or the Mazda CX-5, but I am having a hard time deciding between the two and would appreciate your thoughts. I have been driving a no-frills 2001 Corolla that has been a great little car for me (and the only car I've ever had), but it is at the point of needing some maintenance that will cost more than the car is probably worth. I liked being higher up in the CX-5, I think it will be better in snow and ice (which we get a few times per winter on average - I live in Wichita), it was very quiet, and I liked the hatchback. On the other hand, I don't have kids and do not think I would use the extra storage capacity very often. I prefer driving a car over an SUV, I like the looks of the Mazda 6, it gets better mileage, and I get the impression that Mazda 6 owners are more excited about their cars and enjoy driving them. Which would you pick?

 

Ever considered looking at a Mazda3 5-Door?

 

I test drove one and liked the Mazda 6 quite a bit more. It's what I'm leanings towards, though I still plan to test drive a Subaru Legacy. I suspect I won't like it as much.

 

I'm curious; which Mazda3 did you drive? I ask because my wife and I recently drove a Mazda6 Touring with a 6-Speed manual (highest trim level with three pedals under the dash) and a Mazda3 s GT 5-Door with a manual; for us at least, the Mazda3 was both sportier and more luxurious. As much as I like the outside lines of the Mazda6, the 3 won the contest hands down.

 

I test drove the Mazda3 GT sedan and the Mazda3 Touring hatchback, as well as the Mazda6 Touring and GT. There was a lot more road noise with the Mazda3, and the backseat passenger declared that the ride was not as comfortable. However, I drove the automatic so maybe the drive is much different than with the manual.

 

From the back seat, if nothing else, compared to the Mazda3 the Mazda6 has 2.9" more leg room and the CX-5 has another 0.6" beyond that, so yeah, the rear of a Mazda3 will not be as comfortable.

 

Just bought a 16' Mazda 6 GT. Great car with all the bells and whistles. VERY comfortable ride. I live in FL so can't advise as to how it handles in the snow. The 5 seems to be a little bulky, and if you don't need the cargo space, the 6 is the way to go. Just my opinion. Test drive both and purchase what you like best.

 

I like Mazda 6 first of all. No doubt. You can try for it.

 

Is you car new one? How much did you spent for this?

 

I was in a similar situation last August when my 13 year old Corolla needed replacing. I opted for the CX 5, Since I am taller, pulling my hefty son out of the back of the Corolla was taking a toll on my knees and the hatch fits kid stuff better, however both of which are not of any concern to yourself

Generally a sedan should ride and handle better and you can get a manual transmission with the 6. Also I've heard from many sources a sedan with winter tires is better in the snow then an AWD SUV with all-seasons.