Mazda6 Sedan

cookie01

for a drive in the M6 yesterday for a "going away" party. Both really loved the look of the car, both dug the power and ride.

Both were CLUELESS as to what it was. "What's it again?" I say "Mazda 6"... "Yeah, but what's the NAME of the car???" "The SIX" I say. I get a blank look.
"Never heard of it.."

ruefus

The only reason Honda & Toyota have prestige is their track record - not necessarily the existing car.

The 6 goes toe to toe with the Accord & Camry quite well. "Better" boils down more to purpose of use than build quality. Need space? Camry. Need a proven, ubiquitous family carrier Accord. Want a little spice in your daily commute and not look 'me-too' & totally domesticated while doing so? - 6.

glideslopes

Talk about the "Herd" mentality. Keep it up. I'll never have to prove my point again!!!!

Mark

glideslopes

A quick dash to the bank with the rolled pennies was the initial goal. However, we ended up going for ice cream at Grandma's. This conveniently added another 25 miles to our event. Needless to say, our "financial reward" was by far the least of value!!!

Mark : )

p.s. Also a big hug to the DW for understanding the needs of her family.

mazda6s

This is something they should have considered before choosing this name. The average American car buyer is a little slow off the starting blocks, if you know what I mean.

Like I said, MZ-6 would have been better. And, I could have told them that for free, saving whatever they paid to their stupid marketing people.
MZ-3 (Mazda3)
MZ-5 (Protege & Protege5)
MZ-6 (Mazda6)
RX-8
That works for me.

chikoo

the MZ series sounds GREAAAAATTTTT.....

MZ2
MZ3
MZ6
RX8
RX7
RX3

I can hear myself speaking to my friends in the near future
"I just got myself a MZ6"

Coool.

ambull

I'd rather see you call it the MZ6 or MZ-6 than the M6. The M6 was a BMW coupe of the 70-80s era.

kenoka

Stephen Odell, president of Mazda Motors Europe has been named head of international marketing for Mazda.
Story at auto-asia:
http://www.auto-asia.com/viewcontent.asp?pk=8323

whiteatenza

My Mazda 6s is fully loaded....with the SAB/SAC, the BOSE, the Leather, Sport package, etc. So, it is definetly possible to get the SAB/SAC with the leather.

jcliffro

Thanks for letting me know that you have a Mazda 6s with side air bags/air curtains and the Bose system. I tried to "build my own" Mazda 6s with 5-speed manual in steel gray metallic with gray cloth seats, side air bags/air curtains, sports grill, floor mats, rear mud flaps and the Bose audio system. The Mazdausa.com website told me that Bose and air bags are incompatible. I tried several times on different days. So thanks a bunch for letting me know that you have both Bose and side air bags in your Mazda 6s. I take comfort in that and only hope that they will allow that in the 5-door hatchback that I am waiting for. BTW, what color is yours?

jcliffro

Thanks to you too. Sounds like you have a hot car. What color? I thought I wanted white until I saw the steel gray metallic with the sports grill at the dealer. Now I know that that is what I want in a 5-door hatchback. Given that I plan to keep any car I get for 15 years or so (my 300 Z is nearing 18) I know I can look at that steel gray metallic 6s for 15 years and think "yeah, I love that car" just as I do every time I approach my Z (which I will keep too).

skibry1

I think mazda6 has a fine naming tier. Now when all of you are chatting about your cruisers use his clever combination of letters and numerials...and
before long you'll have everyone sayin' it. When I'm talking 'bout my zoom/zoom,its a DoubleOught6 26 its
fun explaining what she is. ThumbsUp

fowler3

...Mazda6...which emplies it's a 6, and you tell them, "No, it's an I-4." It confuses them more. "Why didn't they call it the Mazda4?"

Acura had the same problem with "Legend", everybody knew that name, even people who had never seen one. So Acura changes the car series name to "RT", which might make some ask, "Isn't that car kind of big to be a Road Toy?"

Now we have the Integra replacement and more letters. Every time I see them I think it's a new Subaru.

Maybe they save more $$$ on badges than we thought.

Fowler3

r2s2

But gotta be careful about the MZ-5, which could be confused with the MX-5 (Miata). It ain't as easy as some may think. I think Mazda'd have been better off keeping the 626 designation and touting it as "ALL NEW AND IMPROVED." And the superb reviews and word of mouth would have taken care of the rest.

silvercrown

I agree that Toyota and Honda are not true "prestige" brands, but are more highly regarded due to years of building a reputation for reliable, high quality cars that last forever. This is a well deserved reputation that they have worked hard to achieve and maintain. Kudos to them for that.

The average person will probably be more impressed by someone who bought a Camry or Accord than a Pontiac or a Subaru, but not as impressed as if it were Lexus or BMW. These are very subjective perceptions, based more on personal opinion than reality. Mazda is not as well known, especially in recent years. Many people still do not know about their association with Ford, either. Mazda simply does not have as a strong of a market presence as Toyota, Honda or Nissan. More customer awareness is sorely needed. Perhaps the excellent 6 will help them to achieve that.

As for the idea that Toyota or Honda people would not "step down" to a Mazda, I'm living proof that it can happen. I'm leaving a Camry for a loaded 6s and I'm excited about it. I don't feel like I'm stepping down into a lesser car, just a different car. Actually, I think that the 6 is, in many ways, superior to my 2000 Camry. It's a helluva car for the money. I don't feel that I'm "slumming" at all. Other people may not see it that way, but I could care less. It's my money and I made a good, sound decision based on my needs and preferences. I don't care if people think that I've "regressed" by buying a Mazda instead of another Toyota. I bet they'd change their minds once they experienced the 6, especially if they drove it.

Then again, my first car was a 94 Saturn SL, which was relatively new and not many people knew about them. I was often asked "what kind of car is that?" Many did not know about their association with GM either, some folks thought that Saturn was an import carmaker. There was a loyal, almost cult following for Saturn. There were car clubs, picnics and pilgrimages to Spring Hill. I never went, but I wanted to go. Fellow Saturn drivers used to acknowledge each other with a toot of the horn or a friendly wave. Those days are long gone but it was nice back then. So clearly, I do not always follow the norm and that hasn't changed.

As for the name, I do agree that Mazda could have tried a little harder to find a better name. I understand why they did it this way, but personally, I've always preferred actual names, to combinations of letters and numbers to identify vehicle models. I think they could have used the Millenia name, since the 6 is also replacing it. Even though the Millenia didn't have the best reputation either, it's still a cool name. I like the Protege name also, I think it's a better name than Mazda3. Perhaps the best thing to do would have been to develop an entirely new name for an entirely new car. Something catchy, easy to remember and fitting for the car.

BTW, I know that I'm in the minority here, but I like the Zoom-Zoom concept. It's catchy and it neatly conveys the spirit of Mazda. I'm a bit sick of the little boy whispering it, but I like the jingle. However, Mazda could use some more variety in its ads, especially for the 6. Maybe steal VW's ad agency, they have some really cool ads for VW. Or hire some of us here on the board. LOL

Zoom-Zoom. :-)

mjvchicago

Alright, I think we all have what it takes to get the word of mouth out there. We need to all refer to the Mazda 6 as the MZ6 from now on to anyone we talk to. That's the way cool trends get started... word of mouth. Remember the 240ZX? No? Maybe that's because now it's called the Z! I don't know about anyone else, but I'm saying MZ6 from now on!

jcliffro

I realize this is not an Acura discussion board, but wasn't it the RL that replaced the Legend, not the RT? But in my opinion, Acura's dropping the name Legend made as much sense as Coca Cola changing its formula. The Legend was an outstanding car and that name built up substantial good will. And who wants to own a car that is not even made anymore? So to do that to people that purchased its most expensive model was a real blunder in my opinion. (I think BMW made a similar mistake calling that ugly new roadster the Z4 in lieu of Z3). And finally, does anyone think the letters R and L even sound good together? When I say it, it sounds like I have tootsie roll in my mouth. I would never buy an Acura for all sorts of reasons. I just hope Mazda leaves this 6 name alone. I plan to keep mine for a very long time and don't relish the thought of driving around in a fossil.

mjvchicago

Alright, I think we all have what it takes to get the word of mouth out there. We need to all refer to the Mazda 6 as the MZ6 from now on to anyone we talk to. That's the way cool trends get started... word of mouth. Remember the 240ZX? No? Maybe that's because now it's called the Z! I don't know about anyone else, but I'm saying MZ6 from now on!

chikoo

anyone who does not refer to the Mazda6 as the MZ6 will be awarded a penalty point

j/K

vocus

I write up financial contracts for a living with DiamlerChrysler, and I had a Mazda6 financed the other day. It's referred to as 'MZ6' as the model in the database by VIN. So that is the correct way.

johnclineii

What about us stubborn folk who might insist on calling the car by its home name, the Mazda Atenza?

glideslopes

How about the MZ-A?

skibry1

Now come on glideslopes(do you play in the fall-line by any chance?) stick w/letters+numerials...or
our bywordofmouth will not be consistent lol

dinu01

I don't like it. EmZeeSix or EmZedSix? Yuck! Ok, I'll go to the penalty box.

I like Mazda6 or Mazda Atenza persoanlly.

Acura Legend: The RL is new Legend IMO. Quite a fine car back in the 90s, and the RL now looks like a Benz from the side.

Dinu

dinu01

Mazda1 - Miata
Mazda2 - Mazda2
Mazda3 - Protege 3DR HB and 4DR Sedan
Mazda4 - Tribute 4x4
Mazda5 - Protege 5DR HB
Mazda6 - Mazda6
Mazda7 - MPV
Mazda8 - RX-8
Mazda9 - Some luxury car? Think Millenia.

What do you think? Is this the way Mazda should name their vehicles?

Dinu

r2s2

So the next RX-7 will be the . . . Mazda10? Ack.

dinu01

Well I have to use Mazda7 for the MPV to signify 7 seats. I used other designations to signify the # of doors (Mazda5) or the vehicle's capabilities (4x4 - Tribute).

As for the RX-7, Mazda0? Ok I want ot use Mazda7 for the RX-7, but what will I do about the MPV?

Decisions, decisions...

Dinu

silvercrown

In my earlier post, I said that my first car was a 94 Saturn. I meant to say that my first NEW car was a 94 Saturn. My very first car as a teenager was an old 76 Ford LTD. What a boat!! But my Dad (who gave it to me) thought it would be safer. Man, am I dating myself! But back to the Mazda6, MZ6, or whatever ...

I agree with Dinu about the Atenza name. I like it better than just "6". I wonder why Mazda didn't use the Atenza name for the NA market. Maybe it sounded too close to "Altima"? Why do auto companies use different names in different countries anyway? Seems to me, they would want some consistency across regional markets and common names would do that.

However, I can live with the Mazda6 name, with such an awesome car, what's in a name? Can't wait for mine to get here!!

oldsman01

It's been a while since I've been here as this thread was averaging 40+ posts a day and most were Honda V Mazda debates. Hopefully that has cooled down some and more Mazda 6 owners are here. While I tend to prefer more upscale cars, I do like the 6 and think it offers alot of value and performance. Not to mention it is pretty good looking for it's class. I've seen a few 6s on the road lately, but sadly I still haven't seen very many. I'm wondering how owners are liking theirs and also how the car is selling overall.

pat

Heh, well if you want a thread of conversation restarted, the thing to do is mention it. So conversely, if you want it to go away ...

well, you get the idea.

:-)

mazda6s

Yeah, I miss the "good old days" when we debated the meaning of sales numbers, what car has the best handling, and which is the most sporty.

And let's not forget these:
The Mazda 6 is doomed!
The Mazda 6 will never sell!
Will Mazda 6 sales to rental fleets mean lower resale?
Does Honda sell Accords to fleets (directly or indirectly.)?
Accord buyers are just showing "herd" mentality!

Oh, and my favorite:
Disc brakes vs. drum brakes.

fowler3

on the Acura RL, which means Road Luxury, not the best name I've seen for a lux car. The Legend was the first Japanese car to compete with the best from Europe at a much lower price.

Oldsman01, if you check back often you will find many very happy MZ6 owners. Also read the "Mazda6 Owners' Club" at the top of the page.

Silvercrown is right, trading a Camry for an MZ6 is not stepping down, it's stepping over to a car that is more entertaining to drive. What put Camry where it is in the market is Toyota's reliable engine for the LE model. Styling and handling didn't matter to most buyers.

The reason MZ6 buyers are getting a lot of looks and compliments about their cars is the beautiful styling. There are very few cars, at any price, that can match it. And tens of thousands that don't even come close. A couple years ago C&D had a page showing all the cars in side views, all black, and asked readers to name the cars. They look so much alike it was difficult to pick them out, row after row of black jelly beans.

That won't happen with the MZ6.

fowler3

whiteatenza

Your welcome. Yeah, its definetly a HOT car. And as u guessed, its Performance White. I have had plenty of comments from both genders; the guys think its cool, the girls think its "cute". A few girls have yelled out, "hey, thats a cool car" as i have been cruising around. I'm also surprised at how good the BOSE system sounds. Now, all i need is performance parts and i'm set.

glideslopes

Well, I share my first 1,000 miles.

   First let me say right off the bat, I am biased toward Mazda. They design automobiles the way I enjoy driving, in a vehicle I can afford. The DW drives a MPV, and prior to my 6s I drove a 00 Protege' ES. Prior to that, I drove a 92 Accord EX. I now have the ability to step up to the 6, and I took the opportunity. The Pro, and MPV were/have been bullet proof.

My 6 has been solid as a vault. No a single creek, or rattle. I do not have the Sport Package. IMO the car is more attractive, and stealthy without it. I do have the Sport Grill on it. I averaged 22mpg my first 1,000 miles. 80/20 city/highway. The engine is sweet, and loves to rev. The Dutatec block is bullet proof, and the Mazda heads are sweet. It has allot of potential to make more power. I find the Jatco 5-Speed auto extremely smooth. It has adjusted to my driving style with ease. The Manu-Matic feature is just plain fun, and works flawlessly once you become accustomed to it's functioning. The seats are the most comfortable of any car in this class period. Superb leg room. The brake feel is solid, and very progressive. This automobile stops on a dime and gives you change. Plus, it will do it all day long.

I find the highway ride very smooth and quite. I have the 16' wheels. They are quieter IMO than the 17'. Handling? Well, this is why you purchase this automobile. It simply rides on rails. The chassis settles quickly in any situation, roll is minimal, and very little nose dive during hard breaking. I pushed the automobile hard yesterday for the first time, and I could not get the grin off my face for hours. I'm not overstating this point.

Of course you could simply take a leisurely drive and fall asleep from the comfort of the cabin also. Visability in the cabin is superb. All the controls feel solid, and function with quality movements. You are surrounded by the machine in a way which allows you to blend with it.

The exterior paint quality is superb ( Steey Grey Metallic.) I spent hours waxing it my first day and could not find any "peel" in the paint, or uneven patches. It looked an inch thick.

In conclusion, "Think Different." Purchase the 6. Put some excitement in your commute. Invigorate your life. Restablish a connection with enthusiasm. Don't fall victum to the "Herd." The automobile should cost thousands more than it does.

Mark. : )

wolverine_x

you are right off the bat...you are biased towards Mazda. You didnt even have to mention it for us to see it.

Everyone else has their own opinion, and ours doesn't necessarily have to coincide with yours.

Nice to know that you are enjoying your car though, like the others who bought the other brand and enjoying too.

There's just too many different strokes for different folks...

newcar31

"Everyone else has their own opinion, and ours doesn't necessarily have to coincide with yours."

Why so confrontational? I don't think the post from glidescopes warranted the kind of post that came from you.

fowler3

nasty animals and you live up to the name. I second newcar31.

fowler3

glideslopes

ROFLOL. I'm sorry you don't like your automobile. This is however, the MZ6 thread!!

Mark.

p.s. Another newcar31? God help us.

newcar31

I'm the only one. I guess I should change my screen name since my car is 2 1/2 years old. I obviously didn't put much thought into my screen name because when I first started posting here, I was just asking for advice and didn't plan to keep on posting here after I bought my car.

reward72

I believe Mazda will be using the MazdaX naming scheme on everything on it's line-up but the sports cars. Look at the RX-8, it's newer than even the Mazda6 and it's still called the RX-8, not the Mazda8. I believe the RX-8 will keep it's name, like the rumored next RX-7. As the Miata, remember it's official name is "Mazda MX-5 Miata", so I believe it will keep the MX-5 name and probably the Miata name too.

From what I've heard, the Protege5 replacement will simply be called the "Mazda3 wagon" or something like that. The same way the upcoming Mazda6 wagon will still be named Mazda6.

As for the Tribute and the MPV, if I was Mazda (I'm not!), I would replace both of them with two sporty crossovers à la Nissan Murano. One to compete directly with the Murano that I would call the Mazda8 and a smaller, more affordable one that I would call the Mazda4.

And Mazda, if you read this, please build an RX-3. A small, lightweight, RWD 2+2 with a 180hp rotary engine that would be affordable to all, especially for us Canadians, whose funny money makes the RX-8 still out of reach to most of us.

anonymousposts

Does anyone else think the rear of the 6 resembles the rear of a 03 ES300?

toolman02

I placed my order on April 5th. Or so I thought. I emailed my dealer, and he told me they have been unsuccessful at ordering my car and Mazda just won't fill it. I tried to order a 6i MT.

What do you guys think? Is this dealer jerking me around, or are other people having similar problems?

He even joked that he could probably get me an RX-8 before the 6.

maui2k3

Does anyone know what changes may be in store for the 2004 model year if any? I know a hatchback and wagon version are due in early 2004, but what about additional options such as the Navigation System that the MZ6 has in Europe? Any clue why we did not get that in the US? What about rear seat head rests? Memory seats?

Thanks in advance.

jcat707

I noticed that too when i was looking at some pics of the rear end. I just thought that I was a crazy car nut.

microrepair

of the little boy saying Zoom, Zoom, how about Mazda gets Mario Andretti? Or maybe Pamela Anderson??

glideslopes

Yes, looks like Lexus knows a good thing when they see it.

  Mark. : )

atsang1

I'm not sure this is mentioned before, but Mazda 6 is voted #1 overall by Auto Express (U.K mag) reader in Driver Power 2003 Survey. I read that in Barnes and Noble. it beats Boxer and BM 5 series, pretty impressive.

glideslopes

It certainly is. However, as usual, Americans will continue to be caught in the Honda, Toyota whirlpool of seduction.

Mark.

silvercrown

several awards in Europe. Including the Maxol/UMWA Northern Irish Car of the Year 2003, Scottish Car of the Year - Overall Winner, Auto1 Champion by Auto Express, and Best Upper Medium Car by Fleet News. Just to name a few. I didn't want to list them all, it's a fairly long list, not including the accolades here in the US and elsewhere.

Regardless as to what people choose to think, Mazda has a real winner here, name and ad slogans aside. I can't wait to enjoy mine on a daily basis. The countdown continues to mid-July. :-(

mazda6s

Great review (from an actual owner). Makes me want to buy. Today!

Nevermind wolverine_x. He's just a troll from the Honda camp.