[steve333]

IMHO if GM is looking to acquire Mazda would be a nice fit. It would fill the nitch voided when GM quit building excitement under Pontiac brand. Globally GM could use platform shared models where Mazda was strong to add trucks and SUV/CUVs plus a flagship model.

Mazda's diesel development would compliment and advance both current GM and Mazda.

Mazda lacks several products in it's portfolio that GM could fill. Some vehicles like the Mazda6 and 3 plus the Miata could remain unique to Mazda but the Mazda2 could blend the best of the Sonic and 2 into one product with distinct content and driving qualities to match each division.

It would also allow a mid grade performance sports car that competes with vehicles like the 370Z and less with the V8 muscle cars along the lines of the Mazda Rx 9.

It would also remove a global competitor and GM could tailor Mazda products for foreign markets where the Chevy label is not well received. And at some point if Opel needs to fold it could be merged with Mazda as the "import" division of GM.

As the owner of a 2013 Mazda 3 the only thing I think they could offer GM are their engines. They manage to get good MPG without having to use a turbo. However, the suspension is WAY inferior to the Cruze. The Cruze I test drove rode over the freeway like a Lexus, my Mazda feels unsophisticated and any poor road quality brings out a feeling of no control. It actually rides worse than my Cobalt did. I still don't know why Mazda's get such good reviews. Stiff does not mean sporty to me if the suspension isn't properly controlled.
However, the car has much better seats than the Cruze. Both cars have poor visibility and both cars have erratic transmissions

 

[steve333]

I think they drive them over good roads and call it a day.
I really wish they would test cars on real roads, with real potholes, on freeways that suck like the 5