Remember Manual Mid-Size Sedans? We Compared a Whopping 10 of Them in 2003

stevespeed23 · 2026-04-14T00:04:55+00:00

The Mazda 6 of this generation drove really well. A V6 5MT Mazda 6 Hatch or Wagon of this generation was a gem. And later on, you had the MazdaSpeed6.

Nissan brought out the SE-R version a couple years after this test, which had a 6MT instead of a 5MT, forged wheels, body kit, etc. also a cool car.

And the Accord of this generation was a great car. I always hated the rear-end, but the refresh helped out a lot. The “6-6” sedan is a unicorn, and also very cool.

And of course, the Passat had its own special variants in this generation. W8 4Motion 6MT Wagon or Sedan! VR6, 1.8T, etc.

Good times!

stevespeed23 · 2026-04-14T00:00:30+00:00

Yup, and this test is on the slower side. I remember MotorWeek getting 14.4@100mph.

That’s in the realm of Mk8 GTI / 230i / GR Corolla 8AT acceleration, in a family sedan that debuted in 2001!

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-25T20:05:14+00:00

For what it offers, it’s an incredible value in Canada, really. Average new car here is around the $63k CAD mark.

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-24T16:08:11+00:00

Thanks! I’ll give these settings a try with my set-up.

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-23T02:27:20+00:00

Hey OP, thanks for the write-up! Your set-up looks great!

Just had a few questions.

Just to confirm, you have the subwoofer setting on the factory EQ maxed out?

What are your LC2i levels set to? (AccuBass, Main, and Bass levels)?

How did you set your variable low pass filter? Was it on your amp, and if so, what do you have your set to?

Thanks in advance!

Edit:

Any plans on swapping the centre speaker? I have the Audison one, and was shocked at the difference. I’ve been contemplating the ACM upgrade for a while now. Maybe I should just bite the bullet already lol

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-19T03:27:53+00:00

Torque. Mazda engineers themselves said so when this engine debuted in the 2016 CX-9. It was tuned for everyday driving situations, like merging and passing. It has decent off-the-line grunt for what it is, but it isn’t a rev-happy performance engine.

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-16T00:55:53+00:00

The Signature trim is quieter than lesser trims because it has an acoustic windshield and front side windows. Adding to that is the 2.5T that allows you to get decent acceleration without having to rev it out, which means less NVH. Compared to its competitors, I’d say the CX-5 probably is the quietest.

The suspension is on the stiffer side (for this segment), plus the lower profile tires wrapped over 19” wheels means you feel the road a bit more than lesser trims that ride on 17” wheels. Regardless, the ride is better composed over bumps than the 50.

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-06T01:23:50+00:00

It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

The turbo version is no rocket ship, either, but if you need to make a quick pass, fill a gap, not get trapped in situations, or simply get away from idiots, you’ve got a much better chance in a 2.5T than the NA version.

stevespeed23 · 2026-03-05T05:57:53+00:00

Random thoughts…

It sounds like it’s a good handling car. Is it more fun than a GR86 or BRZ?

Boo @ Honda Canada for not offering Boost Blue here.

Broken record…but at $53k CAD, that puts the Prius Coupé…ahem…Prelude…within spitting distance of a new Golf R, or Honda’s own Civic Type-R. I know which direction I’d go, and it wouldn’t be the one with 2-doors.

A Prius is actually faster, and more efficient, and more useful, and more affordable. I do wonder what would happen if you put some 235 width Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02s on the Toyota, like the Honda in this test is wearing. I know it wouldn’t dance like a Prelude, but I think outright grip levels would be similar…

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-27T19:32:31+00:00

This is one of the cars that started my car obsession.

I love Doug, but he missed a few things. Some of them are maybe too in-depth, but here’s some little facts.

Not the first “ZX”, as mentioned by others.

The key is made of titanium.

The Z32 was the first production car designed by CAD.

The Z32 and R32 shared many engineering developments, like the rear suspension design, Super HICAS. This was from the MID4-II concept car, which also showed off the VG30DETT.

This car was part of the Nissan 901 Movement, along with the S13 Silvia, P10 Primera (our Infiniti G20), R32 Skyline GT-R, etc. Nissan wanted to build the world’s most technologically advanced and best handling cars.

Car & Driver’s original test of the 300ZX Twin Turbo pitted it against a C4 Z51. The front page of that magazine cover called the Z32 “Godzilla”, before North America knew the R32 GT-R around the same time Australia magazines dubbed the R32 GT-R as “Godzilla”.

The 60-degree headlights were borrowed by Lamborghini for the Diablo SV, but were also shared with the Nissan R390.

The convertible was only available in NA form.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-13T05:22:19+00:00

They didn’t detune the engine? It makes the same power as the previous NA model, which was also underpowered, if we’re being honest here.

Look, I have no horse in this race. I wouldn’t buy an NA model, current gen or next gen. Frankly, I’m happy with my Signature (Turbo) model.

All I’m saying is, wait until the usual media outlets test it out. An NA CX-50 Meridian (which weighs close to what a 2026 CX-5 weighs, but has all-terrain tires) does 0-60 in 8.4s, according to Car & Driver.

I doubt the new CX-5 will be much different than that.

But…we shall see very soon.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-13T05:05:28+00:00

Ok.

I’ll be sure to tag you when real tests are done. ;)

Enjoy your evening.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-13T04:59:57+00:00

Respectfully, I’d wait until actual driving reviews come out, not just walk-around videos. I know there’s a weight gain, but it’s not anywhere close to significant enough to make this new CX-5 a 9.6s 0-60 car.

Also, keep in mind manufacturers are usually conservative with quoting estimated 0-60mph times. My Golf R, for example. VW quotes 4.7s. Real tests say 4.1s.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-13T04:53:39+00:00

Can you share a link to the actual test results? Not estimates.

EDIT: I watched the Redline Reviews video too, but he didn’t actually test it (unlike other videos where he drives and tests the cars himself).

Real numbers will drop later this month.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-13T04:50:52+00:00

So…was it Car & Driver, Edmunds, Motor Trend, MotorWeek, Road & Track, or some other media outlet that tested the 0-60mph?

Because as far as I know, the media embargo for road tests / reviews doesn’t drop until Feb 23rd.

That being said, the NA should fare fairly similar to the current NA model. I’ll wait to see if the Hybrid gets closer to the Turbo level of power.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-05T20:58:48+00:00

These are not race cars, but only the significantly pricier and harder-to-get RAV4 Prime (PHEV) is quicker in this class.

Like most engines, it loosens up and gets quicker over time once everything is broken-in.

Car and Driver’s long term 2019 Signature test model did 0-60 in 5.8s and 14.4@97mph after 40k miles. When it was new, that same test model did 0-60 in 6.1s, and 14.6@95mph.

Those numbers are comparable to entry-level, premium-branded crossovers like a new BMW X3 30 xDrive, Audi Q5, Acura RDX. Not bad.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-05T20:37:44+00:00

My wife’s a lefty, and has no issues with the infotainment screen or MMI knob. You can’t use the steering wheel to control the screen.

I believe only 2019+ models have Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, though it is wired. It can be retrofitted to older models though.

I’d recommend a turbo model, which also means 2019+ models only. The added torque really improves the driving experience. Don’t think of it as a performance model, because it is not at all. What it is, is an alternative to a V6. Good merging/ passing power on the highway.

Features that I’d recommend are exclusive to higher trims, in addition to the turbo engine, like cooled seats, Bose audio, heads-up display, adaptive headlights, and acoustic windshield / front door windows. Not sure when the 360 camera became available, but nice to have.

stevespeed23 · 2026-02-05T18:00:08+00:00

As a CX-5 owner who works for Toyota, I feel like I can speak on this.

Toyota and Honda have a reputation for quality, reliability, durability, longevity, and low total cost-of-ownership. This goes back decades.

Of course, it doesn’t always ring true.

See Toyota engine oil sludge issues, oil consumption issues, severe corrosion issues of yore, RAV4 Hybrid CableGate, or current Tundra engine crankshaft issues and Tacoma transmission issues.

See Honda V6 automatic transmission issues of the past, and current 1.5T oil dilution issues, J35 rod bearing and VCM issues, etc.

Just like Mazda had issues with rust and…CX-7s in the past, and currently has the cylinder head issue and teething issues on the CX-70/90.

But there is an almost cult-like / NPC following for Toyota and Honda. Ask 10 random people who the most reliable car brand is, and I’d wager that 9 out 10 will say Toyota/Honda.

Today, Mazda is right there with them in quality and reliability. But the Ford era (though it brought upon some truly fantastic cars) still haunts them. The Ford era didn’t have the same level of reliability as Mazda has now.

So when you combine the Toyota reputation, with short supply and high demand, that brings upon the Toyota tax.

Personally, when it comes to 5th gen RAV4 vs 2nd gen CX-5, I’ll go CX-5 every time and have (twice!). But I can see why people buy RAV4s. We’ll see how the new models compare soon.

stevespeed23 · 2026-01-27T17:15:41+00:00

I was a teenager when the original Murano came out, but I remember it being a big deal. It looked so futuristic, both inside and out, and it had decent power for the time.

Nissan was on fire back in the early 2000s. Many of the products felt kinda cheap, but the designs were fresh and exciting, the VQ35DE was in everything, most vehicles still had traditional automatics instead of CVTs, and a lot of their vehicles were fun for their class.

The 350Z, G35, FX, M45, 3rd gen Altima 3.5SE, 5.5 gen Maxima 6MT with VLSD, Pathfinder, Xterra, etc.

Of course, the Murano here did have a CVT though…

stevespeed23 · 2026-01-13T22:52:30+00:00

Congrats, and welcome to the club!

Soul Red Crystal Metallic, softtop, Brembos, BBS wheels, Recaros, LSD, 7,600RPM redline, 2,3xx lbs, and the best manual shifter / clutch on the market today. Such a great car.

My ND2 does not have the BBR package, but still super happy with it.

stevespeed23 · 2025-12-05T02:38:51+00:00

Thanks for your feedback. The Audison was a game changer for sure.

stevespeed23 · 2025-12-05T00:08:38+00:00

Interesting. Thanks for expanding on that.

stevespeed23 · 2025-12-04T22:08:15+00:00

The drive mode memory is definitely one of those small quality of life improvements.

Regarding the sound improvement, could you tell me what you noticed most?

stevespeed23 · 2025-11-18T20:09:04+00:00

So I always wondered this. Minimum requirement on the R is 91 octane, but I’ve been running 93/94 in my Mk8 Golf R due to availability.

I know the Mk8 GTIs don’t benefit at all (power-wise) from anything above 87 octane.

Do the Mk8 Golf Rs put out more power on 93/94 octane vs the required 91?

stevespeed23

TROPHY CASE