I have heard nothing but terrible things about Ford's MyTouch infotainment, so I'm surprised to hear you want to go back. I can't imagine choosing an Altima over a Mazda6. That's like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Letter to Robert T. Davis, North American VP, Mazda North American Operations
- Thread starter ed_carroll
- Start date
I don't have ML in my GS350 and the stock radio blows away the crappy muddled bass,tinny sound Bose.I believe the Bose doesn't have an external subwoofer.
My biggest complaint is the lack of of an IPod resume.Also long downloading on every start.My wife and I don't play music through the phone so any issue there doesn't effect us.The Tom Tom NAV works ok.
My S5 works with texting.The wife's S3 doesn't which bothers her but she'll get an upgrade soon.
Our last vehicle was a '13 CR-V and the NAV,texting,Ipod etc worked smoothly with no downloading every time the vehicle was started.The sound system wasn't great but just as good too.The CX is a 2015 model and shouldn't have the issues many 5+ year old vehicle doesn't have.There's no excuse for the present infotainment set up.
The '16 model will probably have the bugs out but Mazda may have lost some customer due to the infotainment of the last few years.
That's tough for a company that only averages 27K vehicle sales a month.Every month Toyota and Honda averages that number with Camry and Accords sales alone.
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You guys have a Lexus GS and Mazda CX-5 too? What are the odds, it's a rare combo of cars for families to have!
I guess it comes down to philosophical differences. While I'm definitely a technophile / gadget freak, I'm an old-school car guy first. That means when I'm driving, I'm driving. Period. I'm growing weary of the "feature creep" in new cars. Features that have nothing to do with driving. I won't even use my hands-free phone while underway. I pull over to make or receive the call. Studies have shown that even hands-free operation is just as dangerous as the one-handed yakfest most people seem to have going on behind the wheel. It's as dangerous as driving drunk. While I love the nav systems in both our cars, I appreciate that it locks out the UI over 15 MPH. The temptation to keep poking at it would be too great. As for texting while driving, words fail me. I guess I'm just too old too see the point of that. I my mind, I have a clear delineation between driving and non-driving activities. I take pride in my driving, I enjoy the simple act of sliding behind the wheel and engaging in the man/machine interface. I'm probably the last generation to have learned to drive with a manual transmission first. (A 1980 Datsun 210 wagon with a 5-speed. Back in the bad old days of poorly calibrated carburetors and rudimentary emission controls that led to the jerkiest takeoff this side of, well, a 1980 Datsun 210 wagon.)
As for the CX-5's audio issues, yeah, I agree waiting for the iPod to load every time only to always play the first track is annoying. But I look at the CX-5 as a sum of its parts, rather than focusing on its few weak areas. It's the most fuel efficient non-hybrid CUV out there. The price is reasonable. It's easily the most fun to drive (which is something you don't hear often about a 65" high vehicle) and now with the 2.5 engine it's reasonably zippy. Plenty of room for a small family. It even looks cool - cute but purposeful. I look at it and I feel good about putting my wife and daughter (due in January) inside it. I feel like this was a vehicle designed with heart. By people who really enjoy driving and like cars. They got all the big stuff right with the CX-5, almost right out of the gate, except for the 2.0 engine in 2013. But they fixed that, and quickly!
If there's one thing that I would ding Mazda for, it's the option package combinations. All I really wanted was Nav, USB port, HID Bi-Xenons (which are freakin' awesome, better then the HIDs in my Lexus), and the Smart City Brake Assist. But, as most manufacturers do, they combine the option packages with things I don't really want, like the Bose, the moonroof, and rain sensing wipers. But that's the car biz for you. They are a low volume manufacturer, especially compared to Honda/Toyota and I know the gravy is in the options.
Here's my final point. I don't think it's rational for people to switch brands over a fairly minor blemish like poor texting and iPod integration. Really, people are talking about going back to Ford and Nissan? Really? That strikes me as an overreaction. On balance, the CX-5 is so vastly superior to the comparable offerings from those companies, that it seems like you're throwing the baby out with the bathwater here. Don't punish Mazda for this one. We need more relatively small, nimble automakers like Mazda to keep the big boys on their toes. Competition is good for the marketplace, and in turn, good for us drivers.
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Plus 1 from me, sir. I love our CX-5.
I wonder if most of the people who are dissatisfied are GT owners. I suppose once you cross that psychological barrier of paying over $30K for a car, you get choosier. I got our '14 11K CPO Touring /Tech pkg for $25,250 (including the stealerships's $495 doc fee). I feel like it's a hell of value, even I have to listen to Bridge Over Troubled Water every time I go for a drive. (band2)
A nice sedan and CUV is a perfect combo for the wife and I.I don't think that's a rare combo.In fact it's very common in my area.
The only reason there's a CX in the driveway is because of the design but more the tech features like HIDs,rain sensing wipers,Smart City etc.The handling is great too but it was the tech.I've been a Toyota/Honda buyer for many years and the Mazda is a first for me.
I like gadgets and use them all and the CX seems to be the best bang for the buck.Although the same cost '15 CR-V Touring has great tech now but the CVT is a bit of a turnoff for me.
I'm 62 going on 32 and don't text much at all but I do like receiving a text over a phone call.
However,I agree with many reviews that state the CX is very sporty and handles well but the fit and finish and refinement isn't that of a CR-V or RAV4 but not bad.Mazda reliability may a question mark but I took the chance.
Like I posted,the resume IPod issue is my biggest gripe.The infotainment system should properly in any vehicle if present no matter what the cost.Also to a lesser degree,no cargo door open button on the remote fob.WTH!
I wouldn't stay away from another Mazda purchase because of the IPod issue or the lack of a cargo door fob button but others may.
For me it will be the reliability factor.The Skyactiv system is new.We have to see how it does in the long term along with the past rust problems.Add in how good the dealer service will be.I have my first appt on the 28th.
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That's what I think, too. Perhaps this is a generational thing. As an aging GenX'er, I didn't grow up with great mobile technology. Didn't even get an iPhone until 2010, and still I don't have a tablet. I kind of hate them, to be honest. My automotive priorities are all the qualities you listed, plus value. Someday, a Google/Tesla joint venture will produce the car / device of GenY's dreams. It'll ride on electromagnetic strips, and they won't ever have to touch the wheel, accelerator, or brakes. They can get in and just text, post updates to Instagram and Snapchat, have Skype teleconferences, and stream the whole thing live to their YouTube channel. Probably the perfect device for a generation who didn't get their license until age 21 because mom drove them everywhere.
Right, nice sedan and CUV is a common combo, but I bet there aren't many Lexus GS/Mazda CX-5 households. Neither one is the top seller in their respective categories. Ah, the much maligned 3rd generation GS. I could wax on for hours about the bum rap my car gets but that's for another forum.
You had to remind me about the lack of a hatch button on the remote! That IS a huge oversight, not sure what they were thinking. I'm picturing my wife, baby in one arm, sack of cat food in the other, in the rain, and she has to put something down to open the hatch. Even with the proximity sensor, there is no substitute for popping open the hatch with your key fob. The base Hyundai Sonata and VW Jetta I had to rent recently both had remote trunk openers.
As for Mazda reliability, most new cars are very reliable. The true clunkers have been bred out of the business. There are some notable exceptions, (Mini, Jeep, Chrysler, and Fiat, you know who you are) but even the least reliable makes are so much better than cars from just 10 years ago that it's almost a moot point. I believe that there has been something of a sea-change in the automotive business, in that people are slowly realizing that you don't need to get a Toyota or Honda if you plan on going 200K and keeping it 10 years. As for rust, we live in the South so it's a non issue. Even early 90's Hondas around here are rust free.
I don't think it's rational for my wife to be upset (I don't think she's ready to "switch brands", yet) over a fairly minor blemish like not getting flowers every week, yet here we are...
It's all about expectations. I spend money on something, I expect it to work. I expect to be listened to and cared for (as does my wife, coincidentally, so I guess my analogy isn't too bad). If I feel neglected, I take my business elsewhere.
You'd think the redesign/replacement of an audio component would be a lot cheaper than the redesign of an engine or a drive train. This should be a cheap fix for Mazda that would make a large impact. If they cared.
True on my type of vehicle combo I guess.I never thought about it.
I had a '08 GS350 that had the common dash rattles problem(cold states a worse problem) and I agree,my optional $1800 ML was overrated big time and really stunk,IMO.Too much center channel with no available adjustment.Also had a ES350 with ML and wasn't impressed.I've heard the ML in a '08 LS460 and it was great but some on the Lexus forums feel the post '10 LS models,the sound isn't as good as pre LS '10.Go figure.
The best system I've ever heard in a vehicle is the B&O in a '13 Audi A8.At a $6300 option...it should.
I thought I was the only one not happy with a lack of cargo door remote button.It comes down to my buying the CX because I like it and felt is was the best bang for the buck with it's tech items.I knew of certain infotainment issues,heard the Bose sound quality and still bought it.I buy Japanese vehicles and the CX is made in Japan which I like too.
May be a bit odd to you but I feel honda/Toyota vehicles are not as well made as say 10+ years ago.
Lighter parts for less weight and parts no longer made by Japanese companies vs India,Chinese,Taiwan now.Part quality is down.Add in the yen value....
I still prefer a Japanese nameplate,though.
dragonteeth
Member
- :
- '15 CX-5 Touring AWD w/ Bose ★
I loved and agree with your breakdown. I'm honestly pretty amazed that people are throwing in the towel of the brand entirely because of infotainment (that isn't as bad as others, lol).
Screw the infotainment system. I mean, fix it, but as long as we're writing letters...
BRING BACK ROTARY POWER.
It's the roots of this brand and what sets Mazda apart from...everyone. The RX-8 was a flop because it was overweight and soft. Give us a 16x MX-5 based SPORTScar and put the FRS/BRZ twins out to pasture.
BRING BACK ROTARY POWER.
It's the roots of this brand and what sets Mazda apart from...everyone. The RX-8 was a flop because it was overweight and soft. Give us a 16x MX-5 based SPORTScar and put the FRS/BRZ twins out to pasture.
Do you still have the '08 GS 350? I found that my dash rattled when I lived in New Jersey and Georgia. Still does. Temperature didn't matter in my case. The whole interior of that parade float is filled with more creaks, squeaks and groans than a $50,000 "near luxury" car should be. Still, I wish I had waited one more year for the GS 350, 250 HP in a 3700 AWD sedan wasn't that impressive in 2006, never mind today. Oh well, I didn't make that mistake with the CX-5! I held out for the 2014 with the bigger engine.
I agree that Honda/Toyota have been coasting on their legendary reliability from years past. I had a '94 Integra GSR that was probably the best car I will ever own from a reliability, maintenance, and fun to drive factor. It did rust, but that's my fault for living in the Northeast at the time. Brutal climate and heavily salted roads do not make for pristine bodywork over the long haul. And I kept my Integra for 14 years and 180K. The way they engineered that motor was incredible for 20 years ago. Engineering where it counted, like Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, excellent combustion chambers with a pentroof design that insured more heat energy was used to drive the piston rather than heat the water jacket. The intake and exhaust ports, as well as the valves, were generously sized and contoured correctly for excellent flow right out of the box. At 180 HP from 1.8 liters, that B18C1 engine had the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine, back in 1994.
I kind of miss that era, it was a relatively simple time. I think car companies were more likely to build high quality, functional machines when their resources weren't being stretched thin by having to become experts in apps, mobile technology, and the advent of the auto-pilot car. Telematics is really getting out of hand. Remember when car companies used to be in the business of building cars? Sadly, if you question most American drivers, they don't care. They don't like driving. They'd be more than happy to just sit like inert beings mindlessly posting updates to Facebook or texting their friends about last night's Real Angry Drunk Horrible Housewives of Paramus, unaware of their surroundings while their Accord ferries them to and fro.
I think all this is endemic of a larger societal ill - people are profoundly unhappy with their daily lives. Despite all the blather about 'urban renewal' and 'young people are shunning the 'burbs to live in cities again' most people currently live in some suburban or exurban hellhole, devoid of culture, life, and purpose. It's relatively affordable, but bereft of worthwhile experience. We grow more petulant and lazy, glued to 1000 channels of crap on Comcast/Xfinity that spews out more commercials than content. We dislike our physical surroundings, and having to get in and drive forces us to pay attention to a concrete and asphalt dystopian present that is too horrible to comprehend on a daily basis.
Ah the rotary engine! That was what truly differentiated Mazda from everyone else back in the day. If only they could have solved its excessive exhaust emissions, and fuel /oil consumption.
I'm ashamed to admit I have yet to drive one. Now I'll need to find a well-preserved RX-8.
I dumped the '08 GS rattle box fast.It was aggravating.
After a few Lexus vehicles,the '13 GS may be my last Lexus.I'm not a fan of the IS and the ES is ok but I may go something like the TLX next.
I actually like the design of the Mazda6 and would consider one but the lack of a 6 cyl or 2.5L turbo and small NAV screen and playback issues are factors I really don't about it.
Funny you should mention Paramus.I live close to Paramus.
Yeah, I was just riffing on all the "Real Housewives" shows, and I used to live in NJ, near Paramus. You must have really been irritated by the GS rattles to have dumped it so quickly. There are thousands of posts over on Club Lexus full of OCD types like me who have been trying for years to get their GS to live up to the Lexus legend of quality. Sadly, with the 3rd Gen GS, that appears to have been more myth than truth.
I think auto manufacturers are shooting themselves in the foot regarding infotainment. It seems to be causing the most frustration and discontent among buyers these days, not to mention ratings. Since the early 80's, I have always relied on the aftermarket for good audio in my vehicles. Even the top-tier Bose/JBL/Rockford Fosgate options that OEM's integrated always fell short of what $1000-$1500 could do with aftermarket. I realize that integration with the vehicle is a big deal now, but many are keeping cars longer than ever now, why not change the tech integration philosophy? By that I mean car manufactures should standardize on a modular format allowing dealers/owner/aftermarket to easily "plug-in" new units as technology changes. Both the mechanical form factor and electronics could follow an industry standard (like ODB-II) to provide the same functionality. It would save cost and level the playing field. Car manufacturers could concentrate on their core and let consumer electronic specialists do what they are best at.
Had similar peoblems with the Nav locking/unable to find satellite. Went in for first service yesterday and they "performed bulletin 09-020/14" which seems to have solved the problem. Will repost if there are any further issues
I moved from an 04 RX-8 to my 14 CX-5. I miss the RX-8 terribly! Yeah, the gas mileage sucked, but it was fun! My wife still has her 03 Miata SE. I'd like to make that a project car when I retire in a couple of years and put a rotary in that. I'd love to steal a 16x out of the development lab for that!
