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2009 Mazda6

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Comments

  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    A biased sample is a statistical sample of a population in which some members of the population are less likely to be included than others. If the bias makes estimation of population parameters impossible, the sample is a non-probability sample.

    So what? Is there sample model too small or does their data collection and analysis methods produce skewed or incorrect results? Can you prove it or is this just a gut feeling? Are Consumer Report readers proven to be less reliable or truthful than any other person off the street?

    A biased sample causes problems because any statistic computed from that sample has the potential to be consistently erroneous.

    If entire segments of the population are excluded from a sample, then there are no adjustments that can produce estimates that are representative of the entire population.

    By only selecting from CR subscribers there is an inherent bias. Only the demographic represents subscribers is utilized. The number of responses for some vehicle models is not statistically large enough to produce accurate results.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The number of responses for some vehicle models is not statistically large enough to produce accurate results.

    If there aren't enough responses for a specific model, CR doesn't publish results for that model.
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    My car is the V6 with all options. I still love the car. But the problems with my car are directly related to Mazda using poor quality parts and components. Shame on you Mazda, I don't know if I can trust that brand again. The car rental company I went with confirmed my suspicions and told me that Mazda are amongst the worst quality cars they have. Oh and I forgot to mention the rust on the body and the leather flaking off the steering wheel (after 2 years)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    then let me say this about the other cars in the family:

    2005 Honda odyssey:
    replaced both lower control arms in warranty. Steering still vibrates at 70 mph, after changing over 3 sets of tires, and numerous balancing.
    Lexus rx300:
    I had to fight with the great Toyota motor company to fix silencer vibration so bad that it would be booming and irritating at idle speeds. For 6 months they refused to fix it since there was nothing broken to fix. I had to threaten to take them to court for them to fix it.
    Every now and them all the lights(VSC, TCS, check engine, etc) on the dash will start blinking. Will go away after 24 hrs. No idea what is causing it yet.
    Mazda6: u r right about the recalls. But that was not because it was unreliable. Not in my case. Reliable in my case means that the car does leave me stranded in the middle of the road or does not have any safety related issues.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Oh and I forgot to mention the rust on the body

    There is no frigging rust on the body. What everybody thought as rust was nothing but soapy lubricant changing color when exposed to the weather :sick:
  • kapaaiankapaaian Member Posts: 39
    The simple fact of the matter is, as someone else pointed out earlier, other than a few outliers brandwise, the difference between a very reliable car, and a very unreliable car are often negligible to people who actually know cars. But to the public at large, they see the stats and buy based on it.

    The key to any car, at all, is to keep the car maintained properly, do the proper maintenance on it and address any problems it does develop quickly so that they don't become bigger issues. This makes some people mad because they don't understand why they have to replace an air filter or get their transmission flushed. Tough crap. It's a highly complex machine with thousands and thousands of parts. It's gonna have maintenance.
  • crasht51crasht51 Member Posts: 9
    Yes, the $1K Private Launch Bonus Cash can be used with S-Plan. I just used it last night when I pick up a Silver 09 Mazda6i GT w/Navi. There was also an additional $400 rebate for S-Plan users, so I received $1400 off in all.
  • gfogfo Member Posts: 9
    Thanks Crash51 - How did you get the additional $400 rebate, was that something the dealer offered as part of the S-Plan?
  • crasht51crasht51 Member Posts: 9
    Someone on this forum mentioned that there was an additional rebate to S-Plan buyers. I asked my salesperson about it, he asked his sales manager, and he came back to me and said yes, there is a $400 rebate.
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    Just like to add, I did have the transmission flushed a year before it failed.

    Followed all the maintenance as suggested by the dealer.

    Crap in, crap out.

    This car has given me more problems that all my previous cars combined, which were all fords. Sorry if that upsets people with emotional feelings towards their car.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    The first year or two were a little shaky for the Mazda6, especially the V6. The 4-cyl's have been great.

    What year is your Mazda6?
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    A biased sample is a statistical sample of a population in which some members of the population are less likely to be included than others

    Are the subscribers to CR not representative of the population at large? Is there some trait or demographic that is inherant to CR subscribers?

    I understand what you're saying but doesn't any survey automatically exclude some members of a population either by the number of surveys sent or by the "types" of people that respond?
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Just read an article on how Chrysler is eaking out more MPG on it's engines and was kind of amazed at the following:

    Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger (RWD)
    2009: 370 hp, 398 pounds-feet of torque, 16/24 mpg city/highway
    2008: 340 hp, 390 pounds-feet, 15/23


    I'm not a fan of Chrysler products but doesn't it seem like the 2009 Mazda6, which probably weighs less, should get better MPG with a V6 and 272hp. It's rated at 17/25. That's a lousy 1 mpg better. What gives?
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Then I guess GM, Nissan and Ford are behind the ball too.

    Remember, those are big displacement engines that run at very very low RPM's at cruising speeds. They typically run at 1,500 RPM's at 65-70mph.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008

    This car has given me more problems that all my previous cars combined, which were all fords. Sorry if that upsets people with emotional feelings towards their car.


    I am sure u do realize that this 2003-2008 Mazda6s (v6) was made by Ford in the USA by the UAW. The v6 engine is also a pure Ford block with the head tuned by Mazda to make it peppy / rev happy.

    and when you say your transmission failed, did it truly fail or was it just misbehaving every now and then?

    And just an FYI, the toyota Camry powertrain for the new Camry v6 was even worse as it would rev the engine and slam into gears. But hey, it is a toyota after all :sick:
  • zar1zar1 Member Posts: 24
    I've seen the posts indicating either a $400 or a $500 rebate available with the Mazda S Plan on the '09 6 (separate from Loyalty or other Customer Incentives) but when I asked 3 different Sales Managers in Southern California they all said that there isn't currently anything like that available. Does anyone know if this offer varies in different parts of the country or is it "National?"
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    My Mazda is 2004. It took them until 2007 model to get an average rating in CR.

    I know people with Nissans and Toyotas who have never had a single problem with their cars.

    I am familiar with the Toyota Camry V6 transmission problems.

    The car rental company told me the Toyotas for them have been the most reliable.

    We just need to be aware that Mazda's most important priority isn't quality.

    I have been considering the new Mazda6 2009 but I am just not sure that I can trust that brand again.

    Even in the Edmunds review they say the dash on the passengers side is made with cheap quality plastic.

    It just makes me wonder what else have they cheaped out on.

    Another review I read stated that in testing they did a hard stop and in doing so broke the brake pedal. Not a good sign.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    I know people with Nissans and Toyotas who have never had a single problem with their cars

    Not to argue with you, however, those brands are known for having problems too. I know plenty of people that have had issues with them.

    We just need to be aware that Mazda's most important priority isn't quality.

    Well, read every review and you will see how "quality" was Mazda's first priority. Mazda has stated that over and over.

    Even in the Edmunds review they say the dash on the passengers side is made with cheap quality plastic.


    If soft to touch materials is considered "cheap", then even Lexus, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz are as well.

    It's obvious you have never even stepped foot in one. The car is totally different. It's quality is much much better then the 1st gen. I own one as well.
  • heybroderheybroder Member Posts: 78
    Hi everybody. I would love to know if the I4 and the V6 in the lovely '09 Mazda6 are Japanese made or stupid Ford made??? tyvm you all. I enjoy readying your informative posts! :shades:
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    Another review I read stated that in testing they did a hard stop and in doing so broke the brake pedal. Not a good sign.

    Can you cite the source for this review? There are requirements from the US federal government concerning how this type of thing should be reported.

    In any case, it sounds like you've decided this isn't the vehicle for you, even though it sounds as if you've never seen, felt, ridden in or driven it. Given your ability to judge vehicles through osmosis, there are a plethora of other choices.

    My complaint is I couldn't find a manual transmission with sunroof configuration.
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    I would love to know if the I4 and the V6 in the lovely '09 Mazda6 are Japanese
    made or stupid Ford made???


    Are you asking if they are built in the United States like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord? Or are you asking if they are assembled by union labor?

    BTW what is a "stupid Ford made?"
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    My Mazda is 2004. It took them until 2007 model to get an average rating in CR.

    This was because they were clubbing the old piece of junk 626 reliability data with the 2003+ Mazda6. :shades:
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    You people really do like to jump to conclusions don't you and finished off with a splatter of sarcasm?

    It wouldn't surprise me if there are some Mazda dealers posting replies here.

    Yes I have test driven the new 2009 Mazda 6 and I actually like the first generation's dash better than the second generation, otherwise a very nice engine and much better turning radius and great satellite radio. Mixed feelings about the exterior, can't help feeling mine looks better.

    I am offering an objective critique on a machine, which is all it is, rather, trying not too passionate about something which is after all only a car.

    Although I do like the car, the quality of build is not on par with Honda or Nissan, in my opinion that is, is just does not feel as solid.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    We just need to be aware that Mazda's most important priority isn't quality.

    You remind me of another poster who dished out abuses about the 2003+ Mazda6 just like this.......he even started a process to sue Mazda for the "rust" problem... :sick:
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    Although I do like the car, the quality of build is not on par with Honda or Nissan, in my opinion that is, is just does not feel as solid.

    Very good. Then don't buy one. Why are your trying to IMPOSE your dislike on others?

    Now don't say you are doing this good deed for the benefit of others :sick:
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    Although I do like the car, the quality of build is not on par with Honda or Nissan, in my opinion that is, is just does not feel as solid.

    I guess I have had a different experience, as I am looking forward to getting out of my '07 Accord with its "tri-color" mis-matched dash (apparently all the different plastic parts of the dash fade in the sun at different rates), antiquated audio system, and razor thin sheet metal (every oil change has to be on a Wednesday because that is the day the PDR guy is there) and into something more fun.

    That said, the failure to package the manual transmission with any options like a sunroof or leather will keep me on the bench with the Mazda6.
  • heybroderheybroder Member Posts: 78
    The main components in a vehicle is the Drivetrain. It is obvious as night and day that if Mazda is placing Ford engines and Ford transmissions in their 6s, that WILL hurt the sales. I for one wouldn't consider buying a Mazda with Ford Drivetrains! There was a report earlier this year (I can't remember by whom....Edmunds, caranddriver, or etc.) that in the year 2010 (it may have been 2009), Mazda had decided to place Ford engines and transmissions in their Mazda6s. I believe that to be a horrible mistake, i.e., a Japanese car with American engine and transmission! Put me down all you want to, but that is a huge BLUNDER! Does anyone know if Mazda is placing stupid Ford engines and transmissions in the '09 Mazda6s? tyvm :shades:
  • lilengineerboylilengineerboy Member Posts: 4,116
    The main components in a vehicle is the Drivetrain. It is obvious as night and day that if Mazda is placing Ford engines and Ford transmissions in their 6s, that WILL hurt the sales. I for one wouldn't consider buying a Mazda with Ford Drivetrains!

    I am curious why you might feel that way given the awards the Ford motors have received. I am also curious since one of the biggest issues with the previous generation 626/MX6/Probe was the automatic transmission, and it was a Mazda sourced unit.

    I believe that to be a horrible mistake, i.e., a Japanese car with American engine and transmission! Put me down all you want to, but that is a huge BLUNDER! Does anyone know if Mazda is placing stupid Ford engines and transmissions in the '09 Mazda6s?

    I meant no offense by my question and wasn't "putting anyone down;" I think its a matter of ignorance and a need for education about how vehicles and their components are designed and developed. Hyundai, Chrysler, and Mitsubishi all use the same motor. GM/Isuzu provided vehicles to Honda/Acura, etc.
  • kapaaiankapaaian Member Posts: 39
    Alright, here we go....

    The V6 in the 2009 mazda6 is virtually identical to that in the CX-9 and is made entirely in Japan. So is the transmission for both the v6 and 4 cyl. The 4 cylinder is a bored out, retuned version of the 2.3 liter motor from the previous generation Mazda6 which was always lauded as smooth reving and fun, if a little underpowered and thirsty. Both fuel economy and power got a boost when they turned it into the 2.5

    FYI Mazda actually does by far the most manufacturing in Japan between them, toyota, honda and Nissan. (please, no comments on the B-series truck or tribute, everyone knows what they are).

    The "cheap plastic" on the dash spoken of is on the driver's side, not the passengers. And it is only cheap because it is not soft touch. Looking at it, it is identical, and unless you're poking at it to poke at it, you'll never touch it. This is why it was used there, while the passenger side where people may touch or rest their feet is soft.

    If you want a stick shift with leather, give me a call. We have an I Grand Touring with moonroof and bose due this week. The initial 20 cars most dealerships got were ones they didn't order. Now we're getting the ones we did. Currently, the only real restriction on sticks is you can get the light interiors with them (no big loss imho) and if you want a car with a moonroof, you need either a GT or convenience pack. Since it sounds like you want leather and a roof, we've got that coming. These will ease up as the launch get's further along. I hate to say though I haven't had a single person come in and ask to drive the stick shift yet though... =( And we have one to drive too....

    The Chrysler products do well on the EPA tests for the same reason Mazda's don't. They're tuned for it. As many have noted, the EPA takes notice of things like VCM and Cylinder deactivation and uses that in it's equations. So when you have a huge v8, that can run at 55-60 mph with 4-5 cylinders off and at 1500 rpm, mathematically, it should return pretty darn good fuel economy. The same applies for vehicles with a CVT. In practice, many of these things provide a marginal improvement in practice because they are all technologies that work in optimal settings. Traffic and driver habits have a way of not being optimal. As Mazda probably ranks fuel economy about 3rd or 4th on their lift of priorities in designing a car, they don't tune it to pass a test. Thus bad test numbers, and numbers on par with the others IRL. Mazda officials have stated as much saying something to the effect of "We're confident our real world fuel economy will be competitive".

    S Plan itself is a nationwide program. Whether the rebate applies and how much it is for depends on the individual area's stairstep program. Ours was 500 last month, 400 things month. In fact everything dropped to 400 this month except 3's which are down to 200 and CX-9's up to 750. S Plan can always be combined with any other national program.

    The commercial will begin airing tomorrow night during monday night football. Anyone with M-Drive access can view the 60 second and 30 second spots. I won't post them here for obvious reasons.

    Oh, and if anyone read through the NY times article, well, the last line basically seemed to say the car is ahead of everything and in a class with a TL, not an accord.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Given your ability to judge vehicles through osmosis

    Don't think you meant osmosis. He would have had to touch it for that to happen, correct? ;)
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I've had V6s that run at 1800-2000 rpm at 65-70 and got 30 mpg hwy. The Mopars are pushing more and bigger cylinders too. I just think Mazda blew it on the mpg performance on the V6. With the power and 6 gears to work with I think they could geared it higher in 6th gear.

    The numbers on the I4 are decent however.
  • heybroderheybroder Member Posts: 78
    Thank-you very much kapaaian for your friendly, non-degrading, and very informative response! WOW, that is what I call a post! :) If you are a dealer, is there any way that I can oder my Mazda6 from you, even though I live in Northeastern Kentucky??? Man, you know your stuff!!! Take care and God bless, Pam and Randy :shades: P.S. my handle is yahoo
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I for one wouldn't consider buying a Mazda with Ford Drivetrains! There was a report earlier this year

    U are sleeping my friend.....MAzda6 has been using the Ford Duratec Engine since 2003 with no notable problems whatsoever.
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    Actually from my research the engine seems to be the best part of this car, they have been fairly reliable.The new one is indeed made in Japan. It is written on the sticker on the new 2009 model.
    They really need to get better gas milage though, because both honda and Toyota are much better for this.

    Transmissions though I have been told are sub par, a lot of failures prematurely. Mine being one of them. The Nissan transmissions are fantastic, CVT.

    I knew it there are dealers in here, of course you can all trust the word of a SalesMan.
  • kapaaiankapaaian Member Posts: 39
    Of course there are salespeople in here. However, almost nothing I've said isn't easily verifiable with a simple look at the car. As you said, it notes those things on the sticker.

    As usual, of course there are salespeople that are bad, just as there are customers. I've been lied to blatantly by people, and it's not like we don't see through the lies. The best thing to do is find a dealership someone you know recommends and has bought at least two cars from. Preferably a specific salesperson too. Do your research, then go to the dealership. The Mazda dealership I work at now is actually the second one I've worked at. However, the first one was old school, evil, and as I learned more about the car industry, I learned two things. One, I can't deal with a place with the old school mentality. Two, I couldn't in good conscious sell another product. For my tastes, and I am one of those salespeople who let's their taste dictate their sales a lot, Mazda makes the best cars on the road. The 3 is superior to me to the corolla and civic, the 6 is now superior to the accord and camry, Miata, RX-8, CX-7 and CX-9... I've never sold a B-series truck, and only one tribute because I am not a good liar, so I can't talk up things I don't believe in. But our core products are almost all considered best in class by the press and that's what I can believe in.
  • moveovermoveover Member Posts: 31
    The MZR engine was designed by Mazda, and is produced both in Hiroshima, Japan and Hermosillo, Mexico. It is used in the company's MAZDA3, MAZDA5, MAZDA6, MAZDASPEED6, Tribute and B-Series, as well as the Ford Focus, Escape, Fusion and Ranger.
    Ford renamed the Mazda desgined MZR to Duratec 23
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratec_engine

    The Duratec 3.7 or Cyclone was designed by Ford and is build by both Mazda and Ford. Mazda labels this engine the MZI. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Cyclone_engine

    People in general consider the I4's to be Mazda engines and the V6 Ford Engines.
  • sedmundsedmund Member Posts: 93
    My second attempt at drving the 2009 6 was better y'day. This time I drove the V6, and the bigger, more powerful engine changes the persona of the car and to me it makes the car much more impressive. Not that I was racing it or timing it for 0-60 or anything. It's just that the 6-cyl seems to provide the power in pretty much whatever speed you are in, quite in contrast to the 4-cyl which gives the impression that the car is "working" all the time - the difference is obvious to a large extent as the hp difference. The 4 cyl also felt that it was frequently hunting for the right gear while the 6 cyl felt as if it was always in the right gear. Interestingly, I felt the steering more responsive in the 6 than in the 4 too, though still a little too light for my taste - a bigger wheel is possibly the explanation, I guess?
    The beige interior was quite a turn off for me, because of the way the contrasting dark and beige colors were mixed, especially the inside of the doors. The interior on the drive side felt cheap and not as solid as that of my CX-9. The passenger side was quite alright.
    The auto key unlocks when you come near the car - you can hear the beep when it unlocks - so you can just pull the handle to open the door and get in. But once it didn't really unlock and at that time pressing the button on the handle didn't unlock it either, hopefully a minor glitch and not a frequent annoyance. Anyone else who owns the car had this issue?. As someone here astutely pointed out the lack of any kind of storage in front of the shifter for a quick storage of your phone etc is a bad idea imo. Also sat in the back seat and found the room there just incredible. Amazing how they made such a big car look (and to an extent feel) much smaller.
  • jason777jason777 Member Posts: 56
    In terms of build quality the Honda wins hands down. Otherwise the 2009 is certainly more comfortable than the honda. Speed wise it is probably close. Compared to the Camry, the Camry is more comfortable and has a better engine. Although the transmission is certainly iffy. The 6 handles better than the Camry, that is a no brainer. If Mazda just used components on par with Honda it would be by far the best car out there. Pity. I guess cutting corners is the name of the game. I have no bias towards any brand, I am completely detached from any of them and there is no self interest, just my observations.
  • keitha3keitha3 Member Posts: 124
    sedmund, while I loved the contrast between the beige leather and the black, I do strongly agree in your assessment of the 6-cyl when compared to the 4. Pity the mileage was so low, but driving was a joy. The four responded nicely when given gas, but it wasn't the effortless, smooth acceleration of the six. I personally liked the car(s) inside and out, but ended up buying an '09 Accord this weekend.

    I was a bit worried over the Mazda's reliability, although this is a new model so there's no real feedback in that regard yet. Another big factor was the dealer. The salespeople are great there, but I very much question whether I'd receive like treatment from the service department. I saw a service manager yelling at a customer on one visit and a google search increased my concern. The Honda dealer I trust as it is the third vehicle I bought from them.
  • jeffb1124jeffb1124 Member Posts: 13
    jason777,

    What exactly is lacking with build quality on the 09 6 that isn't with the accord? It seems as though people are having some issues with the 08 Accord (ie sound in the cabin, i4 headlights flickering). There is not a car in the $20-30k price range that is perfect, every car has its flaws, though most are small and won't leave you stranded on the side of the road.
    I have test driven the new 6 and found it enjoyable. I'm not looking for a new car but do like to keep up with what is in the market. I'd bet if they took the Mazda badge off & put a Honda badge on the new 6 you'd be saying how great it is. Because you got unlucky with a car you now seem to think every car built by Mazda is junk and can't compete with any other brand.

    Also, please cite the review that you had mentioned about the brake pedal breaking when they did a hard stop on the new 6. I looked a little and couldn't find any review that stated they broke the brake pedal.
  • zar1zar1 Member Posts: 24
    The recent NY Times review expressed disappointment with the combined 22 MPG they got with the i. Any of you recent purchasers of the 4 cylinder (or 6 s for that matter) have a chance to check your mileage yet? What are you coming up with?
    Thanks.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    Transmissions though I have been told are sub par, a lot of failures prematurely. Mine being one of them. The Nissan transmissions are fantastic, CVT.

    The 6-speed automatic is made by Aisin, who also produces trannys for Toyota, and used to build them for Honda.

    The 5-speed auto is built by Jatco I believe, who also produces all of Nissans transmission, with CVT being the exception. For many many years, Mazda and Nissan had similar trannys in there vehicles. Jatco (Japanese Transmission Company) was at one time a joint venture by Mazda and Nissan.

    The older Mazda 6 transmissions, mainly in the V6, had issues. The later models were ok. Very similar to what Honda went through in 2000-2004
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    "I've never sold a B-series truck, and only one tribute "

    It's those vehicles that bring the Mazda brand image down. However, in actuality, the Tribute has been a very good reliable car, out side of the 01-02. I almost never see them in the shop.
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
  • mz6greyghostmz6greyghost Member Posts: 1,230
    Click me!

    Yes, that would be FIRST place, over the almighty Accord and Altima.

    Check out the overall fuel economy that edmunds got in their tests:
    Mazda6: 20 MPG
    Accord: 18 MPG
    Altima: 17 MPG (on Premium no less).

    Another surprise is the fact that Mazda is the only one that uses scissor-hinges to keep them out of interfering with trunk space. I knew that the Altima didn't use them, but the Accord as well? Wow. I thought Honda would be better than that.

    Discuss! :)
  • aviboy97aviboy97 Member Posts: 3,159
    You beat me to it about the observed overall fuel economy. Where are all the nay-sayers now about the crappy FE with the V6?

    Skid Path #'s :

    Mazda6: 0.81g @ 66.4-mph
    Accord: 0.80g @ 63.3 mph
    Altima: 0.79g @ 65.9 mph

    Acceleration Stats:

    Mazda6: 0-60 in 6.5 sec / 1/4 mile 14.7 seconds at 95.6 mph
    Accord: 0-60 in 7.5 sec / 1/4 mile 15.6 seconds at 91.0 mph
    Altima: 0-60 in 7.0 sec / 1/4 mile 15.0 seconds at 95.2 mph.

    Conclusion:

    With more room, better real world fuel economy, better handling, faster acceleration times it's a no brainer why the Mazda6 won.

    I do think that the Mazda is at a price disadvantage with equipped with nav, considering an Accord with nav can be had at just over $30,000, while a Mazda6 with nav is around $32,000. I also did not like the fact that the Altima tester was not a loaded one, either.

    Nay-sayers where are you!?!?!?!
  • webwarmillerwebwarmiller Member Posts: 20
    As someone who test drove ALL the midsize sedans out there before purchasing an 09 Mazda6 all I can say is that the results of this comparison are pretty much exactly inline with what I found as well.

    The real world MPG's show exactly what many on this board already know and that sadly many uninformed consumers do not: Mazda's will meet or exceed their EPA numbers while the competition builds their cars to maximize the EPA tests at the expense of real-world MPG. The Accord and Altima were a full 5 MPG under their EPA combined numbers.
  • kapaaiankapaaian Member Posts: 39
    The difference in points should be greater. If you look at the final scoring, the 6 got 90% for mileage, and the accord and altima the 100% when I imagine it should be the other way around since the 6 met it's estimate and also got better than they did.

    As far as pricing, here's how it works out.
    2009 Mazda6 S GT W/moon and Nav
    32,690

    Honda accord EX-L Nav
    31,425

    With the 6, for the extra 1265 dollars you get 18 inch alloys, Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Key, rain sensing windshield wipers, Xenon HID headlights and auto dimming outside mirrors. Plus a bigger trunk, an extra gear and a much tighter turning circle and A2DP Bluetooth in addition to phone support.

    The only features I can find that the accord has that the 6 doesn't are the Maintenence Minder and Power Lumbar instead of Manual.

    Drop the nav, and the price difference is even less.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    I don't know that I'd consider edmunds mpg figures to be "real world". I imagine that they drive more aggressively than the typical driver normally does.
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