As announced in the car talk thread, I got a new ride (first new car after 383k miles with an Acura Integra). I didn't give much thought to the car audio system, since I was more focused on how the cars drive, the budget, gas mileage, reliability record, and other features. When I decided on the Mazda3, I was basically forced to go with the Bose Centerpoint audio system since it was in the same option package with the sunroof.

I already posted a quasi review of the Mazda3 Bose system. Surprisingly good system overall, although Bose's processing circuitry, particularly the Centerpoint surround mode, makes the sound quality worse. Just speaks volumes about Bose that they designed a decent OEM audio system for the Mazda3, yet still tout the gimmickry that actually diminishes the audio performance.

Do Audiophiles Care About Car Audio?
And a couple of online publications also gave the Bose system in the Mazda3 high marks. One of these articles appeared in Positive Feedback, which is an online audiophile publication that doesn't normally review car audio equipment. The review of the Mazda3's Bose Centerpoint system included a very choice quote about audiophiles and car audio.

Positive Feedback: Issue 55 - Bose Centerpoint Car Audio System

I've owned more home audio components than I can remember, but for some reason, never fussed much with the stuff in my car. I've always just checked the "premium sound" option box and lived with whatever stereo came from the factory. Some were good, some were bad, others made no lasting impression at all. With middle age fast approaching, the last thing I want is to sit in the waiting room of a car stereo installation shop alongside the cast from The Fast and The Furious....

Certainly, if you're reading this, you're not a typical Bose customer. Neither am I, really—except in this case. Bose customers are happy to pay a premium for unobtrusive simplicity and good sound straight from the box. That's me in a nutshell when it comes to car audio and based on an informal survey of my audiophile friends, it could be you, too. It seems that most of the car audio junkies I know have crappy mass-market systems at home while most audiophiles live with whatever their car comes with. There are exceptions, even some on our staff, but if you've ever been stopped next to a booming 1993 Honda Civic coupe with tinted windows, you realize that most car audio buffs aren't really looking for the same virtues we are.
I'm inclined to agree with the author. I don't know any audiophiles that fuss nearly as much with their car audio systems, and in fact, most of the discussions over the years on this board tend to refer to the entire car audio segment as a derogatory comparison. Most audio enthusiasts I know will generally go with the factory-installed system, or go with some modest upgrades on their own. I've done my own car speaker replacements, but that's about it. Conversely, I don't know anyone with a tricked out car audio system that obsesses much over their home audio setup.

Factory-Installed Car Audio System Comparisons
With that in mind, Edmunds seems to be one of the few online car review sites that actually reviews the factory-installed audio systems using similar criteria to a home audio review. They have a standard set of review discs and use RTA measurements to confirm the observed listenings.

In a comparison of premium audio systems for budget cars, Edmunds actually ranked the Mazda 3 Bose Centerpoint system first. Yes, it surprised me too.

Comparison Test of Six Budget Premium Audio Systems - Edmunds.com

Results - Car/Premium Audio Brand (Score 1=headache-inducing; 10=best to expect from a budget vehicle)

1. Mazda3/Bose (7.0)
2. Mini Cooper Hardtop/Harmon Kardon (5.7)
3. Volkswagen Golf TDI/Dynaudio (4.9)
4. Nissan Sentra Spec V/Rockford Fosgate (4.7)
5. Toyota Corolla XRS/JBL (3.3)
6. Scion xB/Alpine (2.7)

The results were a surprising because I would have expected the VW Dynaudio system to score higher. Just goes to show that sometimes expectations don't always measure up.

Edmunds also conducted a comparison test of premium factory-installed audio systems for luxury cars. Here are their results.

High-End Stock Stereo Sound-Off - Edmunds.com

1. Acura TL/ELS (8.5)
2. Lexus LS 460/Mark Levinson (8.0)
3. Hyundai Genesis/Lexicon (7.3)
4. Infiniti M45/Bose (7.1)
5. Aston Martin DBS Volante/Bang & Olufsen (6.9)
6. Jaguar XFR/Bowers & Wilkins (6.0)

The high end comparison is a bit outdated now because some of these systems came with DVD-Audio capability. The Acura system is actually intriguing because it was custom designed by Eliot Scheiner, who's one of the premier 5.1 music mixers in the industry. I have yet to hear any of B&W's car audio systems, but it surprised me to see their Jaguar system ranked dead last.