So we all know the CarSPIN consensus

[mazda6er]

I don't know; my friend has an 4 cylinder automatic, and it seems okay, but it gets poor gas mileage and is really, really slow.  I've never driven it, but it doesn't seem all that noteworthy as a commuter, and with a stubborn 4 speed automatic and an engine with little punch, I doubt it really that fun.

That's exactly what I drive (engine/transmission set-up) and if you push it, it does well enough. But you've got to push it. And downshift liberally.

[Raza]

4-speed auto? I don't think any modern midsize Japanese car has anything less than 5 speeds in any transmission. The 6 is pretty heavy...but no heavier than any of its competitors, and I'm pretty sure it has a 6 speed auto.

Plus again...nobody's calling the 6 a sports car...but in the midsize 4cyl realm, what is more fun to drive?

I wish manufacturers would make homologated touring car variants of their cars...I think my Accord would have been close to something like that. It was fun as hell with only 150 or so HP, but still comfortable and practical as hell.

It seems to have a 5 speed now, but his only has 4 gears.

[Nethead]

I'd drive four of the five--preferably the Mazda, then the Nissan, then the 'Yota, then the Subaru, then I'd walk.  We once owned an Accord--only the Plymouth Duster my wife had and the Chevy pickup I had were worse.  It took a lot of thought, planning, and effort by Plymouth and Chevrolet to outworse the Accord, but somehow they managed...

[Raza]

I'd drive four of the five--preferably the Mazda, then the Nissan, then the 'Yota, then the Subaru, then I'd walk.  We once owned an Accord--only the Plymouth Duster my wife had and the Chevy pickup I had were worse.  It took a lot of thought, planning, and effort by Plymouth and Chevrolet to outworse the Accord, but somehow they managed...

What was so bad about it?  Transmission?

[dazzleman]

I'd probably drive the Altima.  My brother has one, and it seems pretty nice.  I used to drive a Maxima, and before that, I drove a Honda Accord.

Any of them would be fine, most likely.