Mazda6 Sedan

mazdamarla · February 2003

I have been driving around my current car - a Mazda - for 10 years and have had NO PROBLEMS with it whatsoever other than routine maintenance stuff. So I have faith in Mazda reliability, as I have first-hand experience.

ruefus · February 2003

Spare us Jason. Your cause is not so noble as to 'save us', but it is transparent and rather useless.

Besides, your point completly misses the mark. This car has a history and has been proven in different countries and climates all over the world prior to coming to the states. Besides Canada, I believe we're the last to get it.

mazdamarla · February 2003

Do you think it would make ANY DIFFERENCE WHATSOEVER if we all just inundated Mazda with requests/demands for the Hatchback in North America sooner than their scheduled Dec03/Jan04 release?? Flood them with emails and telephone calls? Talk to our local dealers and have them pass the message on to their regional/district headquarters? Maybe if it is made clear that the "want" and "demand" is there, they'll change their plans and release it in the summer 04? And if it's made clear that lots of people aren't going to buy until the Hatch IS here, so why not do it sooner?

musa@mazdausa.com

Or is it just a moot point and Mazda will do it when they darn well plan to do it and that's that?

johnclineii · February 2003

Car launches take incredible amounts of planning and execution. I doubt seriously the launch could be moved up any earlier now.

December will be here before you know it.

I, too, am waiting, though I am waiting for Sirius more than anything else, I would prefer the hatch to the sedan!

newcar31 · February 2003

Thank you Jason for sparing me from the Mazda6. I don't know what I would do without a forum like this. What was I thinking? A Mazda6? I must have been out of my mind. Thank you all for contributing to this interesting forum, but I think I'm am going to be a Camry or Accord forum regular from here on out. Adios. It's been fun.

mazdamarla · February 2003

what is Sirius?

johnclineii · February 2003

Really, really cool satellite radio. 60 music channels, no commercials...coast to coast reception. Nearly any kind of music you could want, anywhere in the USA.

Yes, its $13 a month, but that is less than one CD. I hate to sound almost like a company plant (I'm not), but it really is that great. I have it in my 2000 Impala LS, though it is the FM modulator version. Much better if factory.

See http://www.sirius.com for more details.

XM is the competitor, it's only 9.99 a month, but has commercials on most channels. XM has signed contracts with GM and Honda, Sirius with Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, Nissan, etc.

carguy58 · February 2003

Tv commercials are not going to sell me a car. VW's adds are ok but I don't think their commmercials are all great. As far as Mazda's reliabity is concerned their reliability is better than most out there. As far as Honda is concerned their styling has really gone down the toilet with younger buyers. As far as Mazda's reliabity is concerned the MPV, Protege, Miata are better than average. The 626 had been hovering around average to better than average the last few years. The Tribute has had bad reliabity because it is more Ford than Mazda. The 6 is more Mazda alot more than Ford.

dbozman · February 2003

Been following this forum for quite a bit now and have posted a couple of times. I was cross-shopping the 6 against several others vehicles.

I drove several different 6's, auto and stick, and liked the car -- particularly the stick -- quite a bit.

Unfortunately, I sold my truck rather quickly and ended up needing a car ASAP as I only had my Ducati left to commute.

Truth is, I just could not find the car I wanted on any dealer lot in the Phoenix metro area. Add to that the lease rates I was quoted just weren't competitive in my opinion.

I ended up leasing a fully loaded 2003 Saab 9-3 sedan. Granted, this is really another class of vechicle from the Mazda, but at $360/month for 36 months, I couldn't pass it up! What a great car this is.

Anyway, I'll be moseying along to the Saab forum I suppose (grin), but I wish you all luck in your choices. The 6 really is a nice car, I probably would've gotten it if I could've found what I wanted (6i, stick, sport package, leather).
Dion

BTW: After getting the Saab, I FINALLY saw my first 6 on the road: a black i with Sport package. Younger female driving. The car looked very nice.

carguy58 · February 2003

Congratulations on your new car. I don't see too many Saab's around. BMW'S are everywhere. I even see more Volvo's than Saabs. I have seen Saab's interior: its very nice. Much like the 6: its not in the spotlight as much as its competitors but its a sleeper next to all the MB's, BMW's, and Audi's. Another good side of it is you don't see your own car alot.

cookie01 · February 2003

John, do you own a Mazda6 yet?
I too was in an Impala 2000. It was a lease, and is gone now.
My husband is really ticked that I'm not buying a new Impala. And I can see his point on a few issues.

What is your reason for wanting a 6 over your Impala (or a new Impala)?

Getting a new 03 Chev is my third choice if getting the 6s the way I want it won't work out. I know the deals on the Impalas are top notch right now.

Just looking for another point of view.

Cookie.

gee35coupe · February 2003

One of our Mazda dealers has a Saab store next door. I completely applaud your purchase. The new 9-3 is awesome. I would have bought one but there were no 5 speeds to be found on the lot. The new notchback design is very nice and it has a very aggressive look.

As far as the advertising topic that's being discussed....I agree with the post that says that the 6 commercials are not being targeted at the person who would buy the regular versions of this car. That zoom-zoom thing is kinda juvenile.

Using Honda as an example...The Element commercials won't work for the Accord. And the Accords commercials won't work for the Civic.

Mazda is using zoom-zoom for everything from the MPV to the Miata. That's not gonna work.

mazdamarla · February 2003

On their website's "Build Your Own" for USA. Separate options for Rear Wing Spoiler and Rear Lip Spoiler!

Keep tweaking...keep tweaking!

carguy58 · February 2003

How much does a commercial really impact buying a car? Mitsubishi has good ads for the youth but personally last generation Eclipse looks better than the current generation. I wouldn't touch the current generation. Toyota has the worst marketing in my opinion with the exception of the Celica ads when the Celica debut for the 2000 model year. Yet Toyota is the 4th best selling automaker in the US. Pontiac has the best ads with "Fuel For the Soul" but their cars are sloppily styled with the exception of the Boneville.

ruefus · February 2003

You want brand recognition (zoom-zoom, or what have you) and product awareness. Beyond that you can tweak the message to appeal more to the demographic you think wants to buy your product.

Awareness and recognition are what it's about.

And Zoom-zoom IS juvenile. How could it not be with a pre-pubescent kid promoting it. That's the entire point. It's an obvious appeal to the little kid in each of us.

johnclineii · February 2003

Cookie, I love my Impala. I would buy another but I find many of the things that Mr. Lutz has cut out of the car to save costs bother me, everything from a non-lit PRNDL on the floorshifter to no driver's side seatback pocket, to no changeholder. I look at all those things that have been cut and I wonder what else I can't see has been cut.

I see the SS is coming out, but I feel the Mazda6 (or GTP) is more to my liking. I drove a 6, loved it. Sirius is ALL that is holding me back right now.

stretchsje · February 2003

It's a great day for a drive!

carguy58 · February 2003

I think Mazda got the demographic they wanted with the Protege 5. Mazda did struggle alot with pathetic marketing in the mid to late 90's. The last generation of 626 was difficult to market because it was in no mans land marketing wise. The 93-97 had those Ford Tranny problems with the 4 cyl auto that really blew what could have been a major hit was only a minor hit for that generation of 626. The 95-98 Protege was bland as can be. The 95 Millenia wasn't good for Mazda because Mazda is not noted for luxury cars. The Millenia did enjoy a little of a come back when they refreshed the exterior after the 1998 model year. The 1999-2000 Millenia is one of the best looking cars ever styling wise in my opinion. The 2001 refreshening looked like a bloated 626. In the late 80's/early 90's was the only time Mazda was really in the spotlight with the RX-7, Miata, and 88-92 MX-6. In 94 I think there was a Ford Trans in the MX-6 witch diminished sales. Mazda has changed up some: the 99 Protege was a definite improvement styling wise from the 95-98 model. The 6 is marketable where the last generation of 626 was not. The RX-8 I'm still torn with: could be a major flop or could be a major hit. To me there is no in between for that car.

fowler3 · February 2003

do not sell handling, power, speed, and styling; they sell what the product will do for you emotionally. It's a proven fact that most purchases are made based on emotion, excitement, and how much attention the buyer will get.

The main problem with the Mazda6 commercials is they look like all the other hot car commercials: shot from a helicopter showing a speeding silver car on a twisty road. Even the ligting is the same.

What I don't understand about today's car commercials is they are shown on dingy, dark city streets in industrial parts of town. Those cities do not represent America, do not represent most buyers. That's why it is difficult to identify with the vehicles, much less want to buy them.

fowler3

carguy58 · February 2003

Having the right product at certain times for your target audience. Honda had that in the 80's and 90's. Chrysler had that in the mid to late 90's. VW has had that in the last few years. I think Mazda has it now. The mid 90's is where Mazda went out of their target audience. They thought making styled cars like Honda and Toyota did would sell more cars: it backfired back time just ask Nissan.

1wiseguy · February 2003

Great pics. Reminds me of a few years ago when I cleaned off a pile of snow from what I thought was my car (on the street) only to realize that I'd just cleaned off my neighbour's car.

Those pictures just reinforce that RWD is great in theory (or in the South) but are just not practical for us Northerners. Happy sledding!

mpiatek · February 2003

These are the times when I'm glad I live in Arizona. Having to shovel out your own car sounds like a pain.

Today's forecast: Mostly sunny skies, highs in the lower 70s.

Mike

badtranny999 · February 2003

People don't want to "identify" with ads. Who would buy a minivan if an ad showed it full of a load of wood chips or crying kids?? That's why in many minivan ads, you don't even see a human at all, or even a driver. Just shots of the car itself.........A car is a pedestrian appliance and everyone owns one. But people want to think that their partic car is special and unique, even mysterious. That's why many car ads look straight from 'The Matrix' lately.............the 6 ad campaign is quite good. Really plays to its sporting car persona.

gee35coupe · February 2003

Minivan ads show plenty of kids. Not crying though. Usually in the back listening to the headphones, watching the DVD player, or sleeping. They also show them picking kids up from functions and taking family trips. The usual minivan stuff. Usually when they show only the car is when they are advertising a special finance rate or rebate. But actual commercials that introduce minivans usually have families involved.

mazdafun · February 2003

Congratulations.

Looks nice in the sport yellow and the alloys.

I like where you placed your "Zoom Zoom" stickers.

I happen to like the "zoom zoom" campaign. It gets to the core of why I like whipping around in my Protege. I, for one, like more than basic transportation.

I do agree it's not for everyone though. More people than not buy cars as basic pointA-to-pointB vehicles.

mazdafun · February 2003

That's a LOT of snow!

But you knew that already.

cookie01 · February 2003

Stretch, I'm so jealous! We've not had ONE snowflake the entire winter and if you could just send up an inch or two, my daughter and I would be so grateful (oregon... sigh...)

Great photos! Thanks. And your "white" mazda is also very nice..heheheheh

mazda6s · February 2003

When the roads finally reopen, we'll be expecting a full report about how the 6 drives on packed snow, and ice!

vocus · February 2003

You actually found your car?? I live in Baltimore, MD, and I can only see the trunklid, side mirrors, and one door handle of my car. Won't get it out until Thursday probably..

We live on a small street too, so they will more than likely have to bring up a front-end loader (like they did for the blizzard of 1996) to get us out.

jhtlag · February 2003

Actually it's a '92 Ford Escort; but yeah, it has a Mazda Pro engine and drive train. Incidentally, I have 253k miles on it; only problem has been the alternator died (which is more normal wear and tear then anything.) So I have COMPLETE confidence in Mazda's reliability; they've already done me good.

I live about halfway between stretchsje and vocus, spent an hour digging out last night and 1.5 hours today. My best move was being up at 7:00 this morning and slipping the guys a few bucks to remove the 4' X 4' wall that separated my driveway from the parking lot; saved a lot of work. (They crashed out in our parking lot last night in their truck.)

The funny thing is there is this guy on another website that lives in Anchorage, Alaska and he's complaining that there is no snow there, it's like Seattle there now. (which I guess means wet and rainy.)

jht

stretchsje · February 2003

I'll chime in and mention that the '6 does extremely well on snow-packed roads, and as well as a car can do on ice. I just watched everyone get stuck, but was able to get my car out. Handling in snow is as predictable (and feedback as useful) as on pavement (only in a snow-driving way). Boy oh boy, how that manual transmission helps.

Some people should not be allowed to drive in snow. I went around helping neighbors by telling them that "flooring it" does not make your tires grip better. I pushed, too

I can't wait for the snow plow to make a second pass and block me in again. That'd be the third time.

mazdamarla · February 2003

So last night I went to test drive a 6 (got one of those $35 gift card offers in my email). Asked them to prepare a 4-cyl Auto w/Sport Package, as that's what I would most likely want to purchase if I did so tomorrow (hypothetically). Drove it. Liked it. Okay....LOVED it.

But after comparing the Sport vs non-Sport versions, I realized that
A) I like the 16" alloy wheels better than the 17" sport wheels, and

I do NOT want the black leather if at all possible, and
C) The Redfire color is growing on me, and I DO like that Beige leather!

So I figure....GREAT - now that Mazda has added spoilers as stand-alone options on their configurations, I should be able to get everything I want WITHOUT the Sport Package. Rear Spoiler, Leather, Moonroof, Fog Lights, maybe a Sport Grille, Bose audio system, ABS and SCA. I could even get the stand-alone Ground FX "appearance package" if I wanted, without having to get the Sport package (black leather and 17" wheels).

WRONG. I go to the website this morning and start to build my car. CAN'T GET ABS OR SCA WITHOUT THE SPORT PACKAGE.

WHY should you HAVE to get the Sport Package just to get added safety????? I want every available safety feature, but I don't want the stupid black leather and the bigger 17" wheels.

Needless to say I shot off an email to Mazda first thing this morning. If you feel the same way about this dumb combo, please also write them. That is just assinine.

musa@mazdausa.com

carguy58 · February 2003

Thats the only bad thing about this car so far that Mazda is killing sales because of their crazy option packages. Mazda has killed themselves in the past with bonehead moves. Can't you just place a factory order though?

mazdamarla · February 2003

Well, this was thru their website's "Build Your Own Car" thing, so I'm guessing these ARE the factory-ordered mandates????

I am going to call one of the dealers this a.m. and ask them about it. Ticks me off.

carguy58 · February 2003

I have heard some Domestic and German Car Companies let you order every option you want and just builds it. I'm not sure if if the Japanese Car Companies do that though. Honda offers good standard equipment in their cars. Why couldn't Mazda did what they did with the Millenia? offer a decent amount of standard equipment. The Protege has nice standard equipment. Maybe they just wanted to make the 6 like a German Luxury Car: the only difference is German Car Companies let you order every option. The catch is just that you have to wait for the car for a about a month.

mazdafun · February 2003

The trick is finding a dealer willing to take an order from you instead of trying to sell you what they have on their lot. That's the nice part about them being made in NA: you can custom-tailor one. However, the website leads you to think this isn't possible.

I agree. The ABS/SAB should be a stand-alone option. On the Protege/P5, this was tied to the power moonroof. A bunch of us commented to Mazda NA about our displeasure and they eventually made the ABS/SAB a stand-alone option.

mazdamarla · February 2003

I did just call one of the dealers I am working with, and she did confirm that depending on the options you pick, you can or can't get the SCA without the Sport (which is totally stupid, and she agreed). Basically, what she told me (as of right now), I could order the car WITHOUT Leather/Comfort/Moonroof and WITHOUT an upgraded stereo - just with the standard factory single-CD stereo/radio. Then, when it comes in, I could get custom dealer-installed leather whatever color/design my little heart desires, and they could also install a Low/High heater for the leather, and ALSO contract with a local place that does their Power Moonroofs and have that put in by them also. The only thing I'd be "stuck with" is the standard stereo, which is not a big deal to me, as I'm not a huge audiophile anyway. I don't even know what tweeters and sub-woofers are/do.

So I guess, I COULD get what I want, just in a roundabout way instead of having it come exactly that way from the factory. Better than nothing I suppose. That made me feel better.

I still think these configs are DUMB - and I HAVE emailed Mazda about it. Who knows - by the time I buy, maybe I WILL be able to get it EXACTLY how I want from the factory.

carguy58 · February 2003

They know for this car to sell they have to get their option packages together. They don't want to lose sales to Honda, Toyota, VW, Saab,or Nissan(although I think have lost a few so far) because of their own goof ups with option packages. If you want an upgraded stereo you can order 1 from a magazine and go to a place that installs them or just go to a place that installs them(I'm sure they have a selection of stereo's at those kinda places.)

jhtlag · February 2003

Even think I have roughly the same tastes as you, e.g., go with the 16"s, maybe just the wing instead of the entire sports package... so I'm almost kinda, there and...

I want the premium Bose system, but to have that you need several other things which effectively make it a $3000 stereo system. What does a moon roof have to do with a stereo? (I've always avoided moonroofs b/c I'm reasonably tall and they usually take away a couple inches of headspace)

Also noticed the premium package + leather seats will be available in April but at least that is exactly what I want. I guess I can wait another two months (or maybe not, I want the thing NOW! dadgummit.)

jht

stretchsje · February 2003

The Bose stereo is not worth the money. Have you really listened to it? Be careful- it really isn't worth $600- the clarity just isn't there. $600 in aftermarket parts would get you a much cleaner, broader sound, though you'd lose the 6-disk changer.

Actually, everything from Bose I've ever heard has been overpriced garbage.

Sorry to be so harsh

capitano · February 2003

but how does one get an aftermarket stereo in that custom dash?

mazdamarla · February 2003

But due to the dashboard layout of the stereo, isn't it going to be hard to get a stereo that fits in there? And I've read about problems removing the dash and dangers of cracking the plastic "titanium" trim.

I did discover that you COULD get the 6-CD changer system, just not the Bose one, and still get the SCA from the factory. Offers a bit more flexibility, just not the Bose quality. But like I said, I've never been one that needs a great stereo system with dozens of speakers and such. Factory stuff has been fine for me so far, and I'm sure the factory stereo sounds decent.

stretchsje · February 2003

You don't need to worry about the faceplate. You can hook up the existing stereo to an amplifier and speakers, and leave the dash untouched. That's all the Bose package is, after all- an amplifier and speakers.

You can accomplish this using an amplifier with speaker-level inputs or by using a line-out converter. These are both very common practices.

cookie01 · February 2003

I agree that the packaging is hard to manage. But it's not nearly as bad as Nissan.
To get traction control in a Nissan you have to have EVERY option package they offer installed. You have to have leather, sunroof, heated seats EVERYTHING! it's amazing.
With the 6, you can get traction control and ABS without the leather, or even the sunroof. You do get the sports package tho...
I wonder if Marla could just have the tires swapped out? Would that be cheaper? and you'd have an extra set of wheels.

chikoo · February 2003

that is what the MAzda6 ad should look like, to convey the zoom & thrill message.

learn mazda learn.

gee35coupe · February 2003

I saw that commercial and thought the same thing. that's a great ad. And for a Camry too...Whoda thunkit.

mazdamarla · February 2003

MAZDA RESPONDS!

Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations.

In April, you should be able to get the MAZDA6 with the Anti-Lock Brakes and the Side Air Bags without having to add the Sports Package. Mazda is listening to our customers and we are making changes to better service them.

To which I had to clarify, to MAKE SURE that no matter what options you choose or don't choose, you can get them....

Yes, you should be able to get the Anti-Lock Brakes and Side Airbags without having to add any other options or packages.

Thank you Mazda!

redkey1 · February 2003

I don't understand why I can't get an i with a sport package, traction control/ABS and moonroof. I don't want leather or Bose, but according to Mazda....I do.

gee35coupe · February 2003

If they try to please every single customer. The should have gotten this stuff straight months in advance.

audia8q · February 2003

your last post nailed it....

well were up to 33 or 34 different options for the mazda6 now.....You will never find the car you want in stock anywhere, ever....

forget the possible configurations, I think lotto has a better chance of hitting than finding the otpions you want in stock now...with that many options nobody will ever be satisfied with anything but a factory order.

We have not lost any sales becuase of what you must take to get certain options... but we are now losing sales because of way toooo many choices....with this many choices how can I possibly have what "you" want in stock???? Give a consumer a choice and they can't ever make a decision. make it one or two ways and there isnt that decision to make.....we should learn something about NO options from Honda.

Mazda6 Sedan

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