Mazda6 Sedan

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Comments

  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    I've put 2300 miles on my new ****** by now so I've been wanting to see what she'll do. Well coming from a trip to Fla last night a Grand Am tried in vain to keep me from passing between it and a truck. Needless to say it upset him a little. I see the car coming up in my rearview so I kick it down to 4th gear and left him. Grand Am's must have a limiter or something but I know I looked down and was at 120 in no time. Right around 5000 RPM not bad.
  • metenuzerometenuzero Member Posts: 32
    Anyone catch this on Automobile mag's website. http://www.automobilemag.com/awards/0302allstars_family/. I've seen alot of comparison tests take the accord and have 6 as second and vice versa. But the very fact that the 6 takes a spot 1 above or below the accord says alot, especially for a new car. I doubt that there will be any significant engine power-ups in the comming model years. Especially coupled with a 5-Speed MT, 220 HP can really rock.

    P.S.
    Can any one tell me how much I should expect to pay if I want to upgrade to the Sports Grille? I've looked alot of places but I can't even find an MSRP listed anywhere. Thanks.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    Do they still make those? I dont care how many horsies they stuff into a pontiac grand prix, it's still a lousy gm product that lost more than half of its value the minute you drove it off the lot. Ever wonder where all those plastic soda bottles end up after recycling? Most of them were put into the side body panels of grand prixs.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    don't forget that those two won't buy manual trans vehicles. Either they don't know how or they worry that their friends don't.

    (still scratching his head over that)
    malt
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    i've really grown to love shifting gears myself in my RX-7. Paul doesn't know what he's missing :-)

    now if i can just master the aracane skill of stop-n-go manual driving... :-D
  • regfootballregfootball Member Posts: 2,166
    LOL!
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    don't forget that those two won't buy manual trans vehicles. Either they don't know how or they worry that their friends don't.

    (still scratching his head over that)
    malt


    I've driven stick for 18 years and I can say without any hesitation the Mazda6's stick shift is not worthy of being in the same company as the Miata and it's sublime shift mechanism. A miata's manual is a joy to use - the near heavenly snick-snick from each shift is one more facet of what makes the Miata a blast to drive, while the 6's manual on the s model is very american-car-like in its feel and execution.

    I haven't driven the 4 cylinder Mazda6 as it doesn't make it max torque until 4k rpm. Nothing worse than taking a hill from a stop and the car's straining to accelerate because you have 400 extra lbs of passengers in the car. I had cars like that in the past and I'd rather not revert to driving as if I were in a vehicle from the 80s or 90s.

    I guess the most baffling thing is how 6 owners are seemingly angered at the thought that a group of people who like to drive want more power. That's the reason Mazda's MazdaSpeed Pro is out now...people complained that the Pro handled great but lacked the power to make it exceptional. The 6 gets nice reviews for handling but consistently every professional critique mentions the anemic engine choice. It's not the horses but the torque and how the engine produces it so late. A turbo or SC will fix that considering Mazda's engineers couldn't do so in the pre-prod stages.

    BTW, someone had the nerve to say that only a small segment wants a 6 cylinder midsize sedan. What? I didn't even include the numbers for the Passat V6, Accord V6, Taurus (over 390k cars!), Mitsus V6, GM cars, Hyundais, Dodges and Camry V6s. Add them all in and you're at well over 1 million midsize sedans that were sold last year with 6 cylinder engines.
  • ameen6ameen6 Member Posts: 16
    I picked up my new mazda6 today. A FULLY loaded Lapis Blue V6 with Manual Transmission. I purchased it from John Hine Mazda in San Diego (great dealership). They had a no haggle discount of $1,375 and with my graduate student discount I ended up paying $23,570. According to the sales guy -- and my own research – there have been only 4 FULLY loaded M6s with V6 and manual transmission in San Diego and Los Angeles. John Hine Mazda had a gray one in December – I drove that one in my first test drive – It sold in about a week. A dealership in L.A. – Galpin Mazda – had two silver ones; they also sold in about a week. The fourth was the one I purchased; John Hine Mazda got it for me in a dealer trade. It was originally property of Mazda of Riverside.

    After I put some miles on the car, I will report back with a complete review. For now, I’m just glad to say I finally own one!!!
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    I've driven stick for 18 years and I can say without any hesitation the Mazda6's stick shift is not worthy of being in the same company as the Miata and it's sublime shift mechanism.

    Perhaps not, but it's still great. You're spoiled by one of the best manuals in the world!!! Besides, an automatic tranny is supposed to make it all better? Granted, I've never driven a Miata, but of the cars I have driven (classic Vette, MX-6, MR2, Explorer), this has the best manual.

    I haven't driven the 4 cylinder Mazda6 as it doesn't make it max torque until 4k rpm. Nothing worse than taking a hill from a stop and the car's straining to accelerate because you have 400 extra lbs of passengers in the car. I had cars like that in the past and I'd rather not revert to driving as if I were in a vehicle from the 80s or 90s.

    I've had 400lbs in the car and gone joy-riding, slolem-style. Don't forget, 160hp is the same as yesterday's V6's- even the ones in SUVs. My father's 4000lb '91 Explorer has that much (but more torque). This engine makes 90% of its torque at 1800rpm, if I remember correctly, and beyond that builds a lot of power. Under that, and you'll probably want to shift going uphill, but since 5th gear reaches 3000rpm at 78mph (quietly, I'll add), you'll rarely find yourself starved of power.

    I understand people wanting more power, but I will never understand people needing more power.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    What 1.8T were you driving? I never drove a 150hp one, but the 180hp one I have is as smooth as butter. And in comparison, the 6s I was test driving ran to its 6500rpm redline, then shifted. At that point, the floorboard in the driver's side was vibrating under my feet, which is something I have NEVER experienced in my car. And mine drops 1st and 2nd at 6700rpms all the time.

    The dealer who was riding with me even said a couple people complained about the noise of the engine in the 6, and he said he thought it sounded sweet. I said that I liked it, but didn't care for the floor vibrating under my feet when revving the engine up.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    And you're right, I won't drive a stick shift. I drive in stop-and-go traffic everyday and am not willing to drive a stick shift. I am not about to spend 20mins. pumping a clutch on the Capital Beltway 5 days a week, no thanks. And thankfully, I don't need to drive a stick because I have a car that has quite enough power with an automatic for me, tnat does NOT need to be revved into the stratosphere to have get-up-and-go.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    ...the engine can be rough before it is broken in, especially in the cold.

    Actually, it initially worried me. I was thinking, "...first year teething issues..." but the engine is great 800 miles later.

    BTW, the virtues of driving stick have little to do with where your power band comes, but you'll just have to learn to see why. It's like stereo versus surround sound- with the former, you aren't hearing all the sound, even though you hear it. The latter is more emmersive, as the authors intended it to be, but isn't good if you're just trying to fall asleep.

    Don't you have a friend who has hesitantly learned, and is now a hardcore manual lover? If not, I'll be your friend =)
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I know the engine only had 75 miles on it (I checked), but I did let the car warm before prodding the pedal too hard.
  • mazdamarlamazdamarla Member Posts: 350
    I swear, I did! I don't remember exactly WHAT about it, but it is vaguely coming back to me. How bad do I want this new car? lol. I have printed out some cool color pictures of it and have them in my cubicle to moon at inbetween projects at work.

    Geez I hope they release the Hatchback sooner rather than later.

    Come on - everyone email Mazda and tell 'em to get the Hatchback stateside! ;):D Then I can make my FINAL decision as to Sedan vs. Hatch and be done with it already!

    MUSA@mazdausa.com
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Now that is a sweet looking car! I like the design of the 6 actually, very neat looking. I even liked the wing spoiler on the back. The dealer said that most younger people (I am 24) liked it, but most older people didn't. That's why they have the lip spoiler accessory.

    Mazda should have brought over the hatchback sooner, it would have been about the only one to sell a mid-size hatchback in the US.
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    you sound pretty uneducated. Pontiac Grand Prix has a pretty smoth design that actually lacks the cladding that other Pontiacs have. I think you are thiking about Grand Am.

    A Grand Prix GTP with 240HP and 280 lbs*ft torque will rip the Mazda6 into pieces.

    I am not saying that Mazda6 is slow. But if I ever get mine, I will wait for them to put more horsepower under the hood.
  • groovypippingroovypippin Member Posts: 264
    Yes, the Grand Prix GTP will rip the Mazda6 to pieces and look like a recycled 2L Diet Pepsi bottle while its doing it.

    The car is not attractive, especially the interior.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    ...I can say without any hesitation the Mazda6's stick shift is not worthy of being in the same company as the Miata and it's sublime shift mechanism.

    hmmm, linkage vs a turret mounted shifter. I think I see the reason why they feel different. As for comparing it to other FWD vehicles, my 6i M/T shifter feels peachy.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Don't forget, 160hp is the same as yesterday's V6's- even the ones in SUVs.

    I'm not talking about yesterday's V6s, I'm talking about today's 4s and V6s. Less than 200 lb-ft of torque doesn't cut it in my book. drive a G35 with 260 lb-ft and then climb back into something that makes less than 200. It's a sobering experience.

    This engine makes 90% of its torque at 1800rpm, if I remember correctly, and beyond that builds a lot of power. Under that, and you'll probably want to shift going uphill, but since 5th gear reaches 3000rpm at 78mph (quietly, I'll add), you'll rarely find yourself starved of power.

    My current, wildly underpowered and unreliable Jetta 1.8T, makes only 155 lb-ft of torque on paper (though most VW fiends claim the late 2001s make more power through some engine changes), and I'm desirous of more power 75% of the time I'm in the car. It can get up and go just fine but I'm at the point in my life where I want power instantly and without fuss.

    I'm fairly sure Mazda will create a MazdaSpeed version soon. They showed an MPS 6 at one of the car shows...SEMA I believe.

    I understand people wanting more power, but I will never understand people needing more power.

    I want more power, but I need more when it comes to forking over cash. ;)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    what is that supposed to mean?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Never heard the expression "peachy keen"? Peachy, as in ok...
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    and implied that peachy means soft and squishy like the peach fruit......but u never know when and why some terms are used....so i wanted to know the meaning straight from the horse's mouth.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    Your two meanings of "peachy" are like apples and oranges.
  • jampedrojampedro Member Posts: 38
    My 6 is auto, my previous car was auto, before that manual, before that manual. For me there is absolutely no difference after a very short time driving either. Most driving is done by the lower part of the brain, like second nature or instinct while we're usually thinking of something else. Driving a manual in traffic? Don't even think about it - the second nature moves your car where you want it to go. Period. Manual or automatic. In a manual a little more foot or arm movements is hardly noticeable and is good excercise. People have asked me which I prefer and honestly to me it makes no difference. Just like my speaking English or Spanish. Can't remember in which language I had a conversation.

    That said, joy riding on a hilly, curvy road is much more fun in a manual, but I hardly ever have time (or take the time) for that.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    No traffic for me so I can have a manual. I wish my LS400 was a manual.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Thanx for the email!

    The Lapis Blue looked MUCH brighter in those pics than in the ones from Mazda USA. The Canadian and US blue colour of the 6 seemed to be so different, yet now that I saw another pic, they are the same.

    Dinu
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    Yeah, something is coming up the end of next month that may keep me from buying a Mazda6 hatch or wagon, as I had been considering.

    260 horsepower, nearly 300 pounds of torque, auto locks, satellite radio, slightly larger inside, and available in a month or so, not a year or so. The 04 interior is allegedly much improved, the interior was the weakest link in my 98.

    I am seriously considering a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with the new competition group. Had a 98 GTP and loved it...we will see. No Sirius and no hatch or wagon may mean no sale for Mazda to me, yet again. We will just have to see.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    http://www.MazdaRevItUp.com/

    I just bought the book Secrets of Solo Racing today, which is supposed to be the definitive autocrossing handbook. I've never been, but think it sounds fun. Anybody ever been? Anybody going to take their '6?

    I'll probably do the above link to start out... in a Mazda-supplied car :-)   I think it's neat that Mazda is promoting the '6 by offering to autocross (sort of) in it. Who said this isn't a niche car?!
  • ruskiruski Member Posts: 1,566
    are you sure about 300 torque? I thought they left ir at 280. I think the tranny is rated for up to 280.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    When it first comes out, the GTP will have 260 HP and 280 torque. Within months, I am told both will increase substantially.

    And I would still rather have Sirius than XM...

    Decisions, decisions. The Mazda6 will be less expensive, and MAY be more reliable. Funwise? I'm not sure. Not yet.
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    It all depends on how you want to drive the car (fast or furious)... same old debate as the '6 versus the Altima.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    It all depends on how you want to drive the car (fast or furious)... same old debate as the '6 versus the Altima.

    Stretch...so true. Heck when faced with any american sedan I'll run as if my butt were on fire to even a Camcord first. For my money the 6 doesn't have an equal from an american nameplate. Heck, the only Japanese car that's subpar to American cars is a Mopar owned company: Mitsubishi.

    But that's just my bias.
  • mazdamarlamazdamarla Member Posts: 350
    Here's the Important Stuff from the reply I received last night (from Staci Brock, Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business) (bolding mine for emphasis):

    "...I am pleased that you took the time to bring your suggestions regarding the 2003 MAZDA6 to our attention. Consumer feedback is very important to Mazda. Certainly, we want to offer exciting vehicles, and comments such as yours help us to achieve that goal.

    Please check our website www.mazdausa.com towards the end of the month. Certain packages and combinations may change and can be ordered for March production. I know that the moonroof will be offered on the MAZDA6s manual transmission as a stand alone feature. In addition, the most recent information I can tell you about the hatchback, is that it will be available the first quarter of 2004. This is subject to change as the vehicle gets closer to production.

    Your suggestions have been documented for our corporate record. These records are continuously being reviewed by our Product Planning Department in an effort to provide only the highest quality products and services to our customers."

    Here are the things I specifically asked about in my email to them:

    I really really wish that there were more flexible Package/Options choices when configuring a new Mazda6.

    1. Why can I not get the Moonroof WITHOUT the Leather/Heated Seats? I want the moonroof, but not necessarily the leather.

    2. If I did want leather, I wish there were more color options. For instance, if I wanted the Steel Gray color car, I'd have to get Black
    leather. Why not a choice of Black, Grey, or Beige? Any of those colors would look good. I don't care for Black. Yech.

    3. Make the ground effects optional. I like the look of the Spoiler and Moonroof, but not necessarily the side sills and ground effects on the car. I am NOT a 17-year-old boy trying to pick up chicks. I'm a 35-year-old woman who wants a 4-door car in a sporty style that is pleasing to the eye and fun to drive.

    Please don't make me pick and choose options in the aftermarket or dealer-installed. This will just make me spend more money in the long run because I can't get exactly what I want directly from Mazda. When my husband ordered a new truck a couple years ago from GM he was able to pick every option individually and get exactly what he wanted. That is the experience I would like to get from Mazda.

    Also - please release the Hatchback version sooner rather than later. I am waiting for the Hatch so I can compare it to the sedan side-by-side before making my final decision. I know a lot of other people are doing the same thing. And a lot of people will not wait a whole year before buying a new car - they'll just go to Honda or Toyota or Nissan and get something because they have it NOW. Or their taste will change and they'll fancy another car by the time the Hatch is released.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 33,754
    Are we talking about the same GTP that can only be had in automatic? The same GTP that weighs a whopping 3500+ lbs? The same GTP that has a BASE MSRP of over $26K?

    We're really not comparing the M6 to that overpriced overweight yawn, are we??

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    Ok, so this post is a little self-serving, but it's a good idea anyway.

    There is a company called Kleen Wheels that makes a special dust-shield wheel insert to keep brake dust off the rims. It also safely covers the internals of the wheel so that as the car ages, the corrosion on the rotor, caliper and suspension components aren't visible to everyone, maintaining the appearance.

    The problem: Kleen Wheels doesn't have a dust-shield to fit the 6 right now. When I called yesterday, he said I was the first person to ask for it and it'd be sometime in Spring before he'd have anything at all. He was stunned Mazda had a car with 17's.

    I've never used them on one of my cars, but I'm going to get a set for my 6s. I knew about these because my Father used a set for his Enkei's and they worked just great.

    If you're interested in getting a set for your car, please give Kleen Wheels a call or email them a request. If demand is present, I'm sure they'll tool up that much sooner, which helps those of us interested.

    Depending on the source, pricing for existing models has ranged from $40 to $70 for a set of four.

    Kleen Wheels phone - 800-327-6548

    Email - kleen90519@aol.com
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    There are probably other manufacturers of such devices, check jcwhitney.com, I remember seeing them there (not for Mazda6 specifically). Otherwise I don't think they need to be specifically made for the Mazda6, probably because it's such a new car, they don't know the exact wheel bolt patterns. If you check tirerack.com for the bolt pattern for wheels that fit the mazda6, you could probably get wheel dust covers using the same specs.
  • aftyafty Member Posts: 499
    Thanks for providing that link to the Mazda autocross school site. Sounds like an awesome program, and I am very excited for their visit to Boston in July. This is a great way for Mazda to target the enthusiast market with the 6.
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    I asked the very same question. John at Kleen Wheels stated that in some cases another models part could be used, but most often they're made specific to each model to insure proper clearance and fit.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I hear using something like that can cause damage (sometimes serious) to your rims or brakes. Be careful.
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    Where did you hear that. What sort of damage?

    I haven't heard a bad word about these, but that doesn't mean much. Frankly, I don't know many people using them either.
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    It's been awhile, but I think they said the rotors could get damaged and possibly wheels. The openings in the wheels are what allow the rotors to cool, so blocking those would probably cause overheating, right?

    Good pads won't produce alot of dust. I know there's some pads called Mintex Red Box (for VWs, I don't know if Mazdas can have them or not, but I am sure they can) that cut down on brake dust.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    If you are gonna cover em up?
  • ruefusruefus Member Posts: 254
    Vocus - True enough about the cooling. However, these shields are vented (they call it "turbo-vented") to bring air in. From a fit perspective, there's your reason for having custom pieces for each application. When you think about it, a vented disc is no different than a steel wheel with hubcaps.

    Yo Gee - Had to say that. Let's avoid the whole 'disc' thing.

    Suffice it to say that I'd much rather look at a clean black shield and focus the attention on the wheels rather than have people look through the wheel to all corroding, rusting, gray and rust-red colored parts. Brand new - the discs look atracive, but to me they're there for performance, not vanity. I know what I've got.

    Besides, with 10,000 miles and some Ohio roadsalt, the insides of the wheels will look less than stellar. Even if you could keep those parts clean, that sounds like a lot more work than most are willing to put forth.

    Plus, I don't know if this'll make sense to everyone, but I think that not being able to look 'through' the wheel will give a (slightly) more substantial and perhaps 'thicker' overall look to the wheels and car.
  • capitanocapitano Member Posts: 509
    gee is on the brake thing again.

    The only reason to have disks is for show?
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    on an Audi Fox years ago. Didn't have any problems with them. They are like bottle caps without threading, enclose the disc completely. The only thing I can think of that may cause problems for some cars is not enough ventilation and snow and/or ice compacting between the cover and the disc. They bolt onto the wheel using longer lugs.

    If you like your discs showing don't use them, they are usually painted black.

    fowler3
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    Don't you know Gee's favorite subjects are disc vs. drum, sales volumes, and resale value?
  • musiclawyermusiclawyer Member Posts: 20
    For those of you in Central and Northern California, I cannot say enough about Steven Milligan, of internet sales, Lithia Mazda of Fresno. He is a straight up guy willing to deal if necessary. I was in line for a 6s leather comfort (no sportspack thank god) at a fair price to each side. He has two. I unfortunately could not purchase from him as my wife just went off and decided on a completely different type of vehicle. Give him a call. 559 435 8400 My highest recommendation.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    But if you are going to tout the effectiveness of 4 wheel discs and 17 inch wheels why would you put a black drum looking thing behind the spokes if said wheels and over the brakes?

    Makes no sense.

    Speaking of sales figures though the Element outsold the 6 when you figure first months sales. And was only 500 off this month. That's a niche vehicle.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    First month sales mean nothing. Even the Aztec did far better than expected the first month, and then . . .
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Please let's not talk sales (again).

    Dinu
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