Mazda6 Sedan

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Comments

  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "when Mazda offers interiors that have a quality feel, they will sell more cars. :)"

    Your opinion. IMO, the Mazda6's interior is nicer than the Accord's.

    "i used to believe that Accords were vanilla"

    Compared to the 6, they ARE vanilla. I remember your rants in the Jetta forum trashing Hondas and dismissing every Japanese car as an appliance, but now that you own one, they're not vanilla anymore???
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    yup. now that i have an Accord, they aren't vanilla anymore. would i buy a car that i thought was vanilla? nope. seriously though, the 98-02 Accord was as bad as the 97-01 Camry, as far as having no...."oomph" exterior styling wise. the new Accord might be controversial, but i wouldn't call it vanilla anymore. except for the Coupe's side styling. and yes, the 6s is way more "swoopy" looking. not entirely sure how it will age and i MUST keep this car for more than 18 months!

    if i couldn't have afforded the Accord, i totally would have been happy with the 6s in Sepang Green with beige leather. but as mental as i am about my cars, i would be bothered by the painted silver material on the console the fact that, if you grab the round HVAC vent, and pull on it, it pops out. i like my vents to stay put :)
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    "yup. now that i have an Accord, they aren't vanilla anymore"

    (sarcasm on)
    Very logical to say the least!
    (sarcasm off)

    Dinu
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    but without getting into defending the Accord here in a 6 forum, i feel i should remind you of something.

    Ah that sounds nice, but then you go for an attack on my car?

    you drive a BMW! talk about mindless zombies looking for cars with a "name" and an image - 3 series sedans fly off the lots and end up at Carmax six months later because the BMW name isn't worth the BMW experience (headache)...

    I agree. Most people buy 325s...a car that's really not worth the cost. I didn't buy a 325i because for the extra coin I wasn't getting that much more in performance. Better handling but the anemic 2.5 liter inline 6 wasn't for me. I felt the Mazda6 and Acura TSX were almost as good for far less cash.

    As for my personal car, Justin, you haven't driven a 330i with the performance package. Until you do, you haven't a clue what that car can do.

    lets hold off on calling Honda owners vapid.

    I stand by my assertion that the sequacious masses flock to the Camcord based on reputation and a desire to own a reliable appliance. I've driven the Accord coupe V6 with both the manual and AT and the sedan V6. While they accelerate nicely, their handling can only be described as sloppy. Pull out all the quotes you want from authorities...you can't flog an Accord through the twisties the way you can a TSX or Mazda6.

    when Mazda offers interiors that have a quality feel, they will sell more cars. :)

    Interior? Bah, if it's got a steering wheel, AC and manual, it's all good.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    That's enough Accord talk in here, people.

    Most of know what happens when we start talking about it - let's don't go there this time.

    Thanks.
  • carguy58carguy58 Member Posts: 2,303
    The Altima's interior is cheaper than the interior in the 6 is and the Altima sells more than the 6 so the interior fit and finish has nothing to do with sales. Maybe GM cars it has a difference in their sales but with Mazda I don't think so.

    As for Mazda struggling financially they are in the black currently due to good sales in Europe and Japan.

    As for Mazda buying awards have Honda and Toyota been buying awards for the last 10 years? I mean the Accord and Camry always ranks well in tests in different magazines. Just because Mazda makes a good sedan that gets good reviews doesn't mean they are paying magazine publications.

    The Accord has won its share of comparo's. As for company's struggling Mazda is struggling because of something that happened 10 years ago(ford Tranny.) What about Toyota and sludge? I don't see their sales slipping. Wait its a Toyota so its ok if it has sludging.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "That's enough Accord talk in here, people."

    Well then we need to keep the jealous Accord owners out of here.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Todd, I'll take care of it. Leave the subject alone now.

    Any other discussion management comments may be emailed to me, not posted.

    Thanks.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    You guys are taking this concept of buying awards way out of context.

    Industry publications/journals, auto groups, and local pubs. We're not talking about mainstream press (which likes the Mazda6). This isn't about shlocky mainstream magazines like Automobile or Car and Driver. We're talking small fries that don't interest big players.

    Do you understand the difference? Pay for a year of advertising (thousands of dollars and drop in the bucket for advertising) with a CRM journal and suddenly you're named "Best CRM Software Package of 2003." That's how industries work and that's what bit players do to get recognized. If you don't have an established brand (take a bow Infiniti and Mazda), you gotta jump through some hoops to get noticed...

    For the record, I like the Mazda6 - quite a bit. I considered it (passed on it as I found the manual notchy and the V6's response too subdued) but I continue to lead friends and family to that car. A friend of mine, who was intent on an A4 is now aiming squarely at a 6 for her next car. My bro-in-law, under pressure from me, has agreed to try it out for his next vehicle.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    always have. for my personal requirements, it wasn't the best car. why can't people simply understand that, and not get so offended? i am totally pushing my Mom towards the 6 since she is adament about having a 6 cylinder, but doesn't want to pay Honda/Toyota 6 cylinder prices. i will have no problem allowing Mom to get a Mazda. should be a nice safe car. good crash scores and a nice warranty. to her, the Mazda will seem like a Mercedes, (she drives a 96 Grand Am after all, haha) inside and out. she loved her old Mazda too (an old 88 323 sedan). she swore it could corner as well as a Corvette, haha ;) Moms is really tough on automatic trannys, and thank god the Grand Am appears to be indestructable, tranmission wise. hopefully Mazdas deal with JATCO will have the 6 hitting the 100k mark with no tranny problems. Mom's Grand Am has almost 300k miles on it, no kidding. the interior has disintigrated, and brakes and shocks/struts are a constant replacement item, but engine/transmission has been flawless.

    i just don't think any car will ever do that again. but hoping for the best.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    ... or someone in the family, or a close friend - that owns a Mazda 6. At least you get to feast your eyes on it, and drive/ride in it. That'lll keep most people happy.

    For the truly demanding and discerning among is - there is no substitute for owning one!
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>> if you grab the round HVAC vent, and pull on it, it pops out. i like my vents to stay put :) <<<

    you are supposed to drive the car using the steering wheel, not the HVAC vents.
  • bostongiobostongio Member Posts: 52
    What I don't get is how come Mazda doesn't offer the 6 in NA with high-intensity discharge (HID) as a 2004 option? Seems like an easy no-brainer for them to make some more money per car for those wanting them....

    And how many more weeks do we have to wait for them to update their Web site to showcase the 2004 model, since that's what dealers have and are selling? Seems like their marketing/sales is a bit uncoordinated.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    "And how many more weeks do we have to wait for them to update their Web site to showcase the 2004 model, since that's what dealers have and are selling? Seems like their marketing/sales is a bit uncoordinated."

    Yeah, we have sort of noticed that over the last year or so. We figure they are farming their marketing work out to the lowest bidder in West Borneo or somewhere like that.

    (no offense to any readers who actually live in West Borneo)
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>> What I don't get is how come Mazda doesn't offer the 6 in NA with high-intensity discharge (HID) as a 2004 option? <<<

    it would simply inch more towards the "entry-lux" segment, which is not the intended segment for this car in the USA. Rest of the world, it is a diff matter.
  • cookie01cookie01 Member Posts: 369
    Anybody watching football this weekend? There was this WAY cool ad for the RX-8 where this guy is really checking out the car (red) and he opens the front door and the back (suicide door?) and then leans over the top of the car to give it a hug... then the doors close around him and hug him back!
    Okay, sounds sorta dorky, but it was a cool commercial and had a lot of "attitude"... WHYWHYWHY couldn't Mazda spend a few dollars on a decent M6 commercial?

    sigh...
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "if you grab the round HVAC vent, and pull on it, it pops out. i like my vents to stay put :)"

    Really? I didn't know that, cool. Finally an automaker makes it possible to clean the inside of the HVAC vents without a can of air and Q-tips. Nice.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    mazda spent $100 million plus on the MZ6 launch advertising....That was alot of money to end up with the wrong buyers in the showroom......the launch advertising filled our showroom with people who were looking for more car than the MZ6. These people really like the 6 but they were more traditional Audi, BMW type buyers...

    HELP....if anyone out there can enhance a .bmp picture for me it would be great. We got robbed of some tires/chrome wheels over the weekend and I have digital shot taken of the back of the crooks car (lic plate) as he drove out of the dealership...but I can't make the picture clear enough to make out the tag number (cheap cam 320x240). if anyone in edmunds-land could help me I would owe you a big favor!! please email me asap. my email is on my profile.
  • sw4realsw4real Member Posts: 3
    >> What I don't get is how come Mazda doesn't offer the 6 in NA with high-intensity discharge (HID) as a 2004 option? <

    it would simply inch more towards the "entry-lux" segment, which is not the intended segment for this car in the USA. Rest of the world, it is a diff matter.<<

    See, I don't buy that. The Altima has available HID, and it's nowhere near entry-lux. Oh, and if this really bugs you, guess what?? The new Mazda3 (redesigned Protege) will have HID as an option. So how do you like them apples??
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    exactly. the 3 will have hid.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    Just like the 6, its (definitely going to be) the best vehicle in its class :)
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    been on a tear this week!! One fact kept coming to mind, not many car buyers subscribe to nor buy car magazines. They couldn't care less what car testers think, the testers never mention what the average buyer wants to know.

    Read any review, it's full of misleading information, for example, "There is a lot of suspension, tire, and road noise...". That scares buyers off because they think the "noise" is happening at 45mph in Sunday traffic -- not at the high rpms and speeds the testers are driving.

    All this high performance stuff is anethma to the average buyer. I had a lady friend brag to me about her new van having special "alloy" wheels, "Not the cheap steel wheels on your car." Then she said she was going to replace the "ugly wheel covers" that came on her van. I pointed out to her those ugly wheel covers WERE the special alloys she was so proud of. And a good example of what I am saying here. They don't know and they don't want to know the specs, they want a reliable car and good fuel economy.

    Awards don't mean diddley either. Advertising agencies have local clubs they belong to, they give annual awards to each other...so they can advertise they are "award winning agencies". The "Best Sellers List" for book publishers is famous, but what isn't known is that to be listed at the TOP for XX-number of weeks costs publishers big money.

    There is money under the table involved in every thing in our lives, from the prescription you had filled at the drug store (your doctor got a kick-back), to the big soft drink companies buying up all the shelf space in supermarkets so small bottlers can't get in.

    To get this back on topic, about leather seats: in most cars the "leather" is only the inserts on the seat cushion and backrest; the side bolsters and backs of the seats are matching vinyl. If you want 100% leather they will cost a lot more than $800.

    I had a 1968 Buick Riviera which had vinyl bolsters with cloth seat and backrest inserts. They were very comfortable seats on long trips. Less sweaty than leather or all-vinyl. I would suggest going that route, later, for those replacing cloth upholstery. The Riv's seats were black and it didn't have AC, it was HOT in the summer!

    fowler3
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    for Mazda and the dealers, but buyers should have the option to order cars without some of the options on dealer-ordered cars. Only a few options help resale value, such as A/C and AT. The things that really help resale is taking excellent care of your car and low mileage. And not modding it, don't remove the badges, for example. Some people think since they are paying for it they can do anything they want, they can, but it isn't wise to do so.

    Personalize your car in a different way that can be changed back with little or no cost before trading it. Install options, such as MP3 players, that can be transferred to your next car.

    I was reading in a financial magazine that buyers of luxury cars are beginning to balk at all the techno-crap manufacturers are installing on the big cars. Stuff they won't pay for because they have no use for it. You are not alone.

    By the way, the Riviera mentioned in the previous post, had a console and center stack made of brushed metal very similar to the Mazda6's. The tape deck in it was an 8-track, the tapes were as large as today's video cassettes. Not much is really new, just revisited from time to time by the stylists.

    fowler3
  • axxaxx Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know if the 2004 Mazda6's have actually made it to the dealers yet? According the mazdausa website mazda is offering incentives on the 2004's until 9/30 - $500 customer cash and 2.9%, with no restrictions on the sport package models. Assuming I am reading the offer correctly, it seems a little odd, since my local dealer doesn't have any 2004's yet, and claims he won't until late october.
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    such as 2.9% aren't that special in this low-interest economy. When I was purchasing my MZ6, the finance guy had a local bank deal that was in the 2-3% range. So I could've taken the $1500 rebate from Mazda AND the 2-3% rate, but I didn't bother with the loan because of extra paperwork and hassles.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    but I didn't bother with the loan because of extra paperwork and hassles.



    So you left money on the table?
  • mazdafunmazdafun Member Posts: 2,329
    Along the line of some VW commercials. Guy loves his car and acts goofy. But the RX-8 loves back! :)
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    ... some companies make great commercials and crappy cars (coughVWcough) and for some, the commercials are average but the cars stellar. Mazda, of course.
  • mazdamarlamazdamarla Member Posts: 350
    Where can I find out some numbers for '03 MY?

    I'm wondering how many total Mazda6 vehicle were produced - both i and s models combined. And then out of those, how many were Speed Yellow? Is there a source for that? Do you have access to it?
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    >>> See, I don't buy that. The Altima has available HID, and it's nowhere near entry-lux.<<<

    The altima even with HID is a car with a cheap interior. Nobody in his right mind will buy that as a entry lux.
    But the MZ6 does get close with its excellent dash quality. The style is controversial to some, but the competition is coying that too. eg Toyota Solara.

    As far the as 3 is concerned, it is cheaper and in a smaller class. How can it compete with the entry lux?
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    I don't know where to find the specifics of how many yellow ones....but if you go to www.autonews.com they usually have production and sales numbers...
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    I took the $1500 factory rebate and wrote a credit card convenience check to make up the small difference I had left, and paid it off a month later, so I now don't have any monthly car payments. The convenience check finance charges were capped at around $50. If I took the bank's loan, I had to borrow a minimum amount and it would've been 2-3% for at least 6 months or more (there was a minimum period I had to keep the loan), and probably other fees and such so I didn't bother.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Gotcha. Makes sense.
  • arugalaarugala Member Posts: 5
    I configured and priced a V-6 Mazda 6 on Mazda's web site, and it wouldn't allow me to select side airbags as an option. Why wouldn't they be available on the upper level model?

    Also, is Mazda still planning to introduce the hatch version in the United States? Will stability control and navigation system be added as available options?
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    that was MazdaUSA's response when I emailed them last week. I'm hoping it is true. I'd love to have something similar to my former '89 626 GT.
  • buggywhipbuggywhip Member Posts: 188
    Don't be too eager for the 6 hatchback, unless you have lotsa cash to spend........I heard that Mazda is planning to move the hatchback upmarket, to distance it from a hatchback's inherent association with cheap econoboxes...........It wouldn't surprise me if the 6back comes only with the 6cyl, or with no 4cyl/stick combo. I'm only guessing here, but if you're expecting an $18k stripper hatchback (as I was), you're quite possibly dreaming. It'll probably have a host of options that hardcore hback lovers don't need or want. I'm still miffed at Mazda for waiting so long to release it.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    is available on kbb.

    Can I say that here?
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    might require other options such as sports package or be in the luxury package. as to why, I have no idea.
  • rcf8000rcf8000 Member Posts: 619
    Restrictions on availability of air bag option makes no sense at all. How can this not negatively affect sales?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I'm sure they are restricting the number of orderable option combos to keep costs down. At least you can get a 6i or 6s with MT and SAB/SAC WITHOUT getting leather seats (unlike on the Accord). For the 6s-MT, to get the SAB/SAC, you gotta get Sport+Bose+Moonroof packages. On the 6i-MT you gotta get the Sport+Bose to get the SAB/SAC. Yeah it sucks, but it could be worse, as they could make you get the Luxury package (with leather seats) to get the SAB/SAC.
  • pappy55pappy55 Member Posts: 41
    >>I heard that Mazda is planning to move the hatchback upmarket, to distance it from a hatchback's inherent association with cheap econoboxes<

    please say it isn't so! can anyone validate this? I'd love to have one in a 4 cyl/MT - the perfect SUV killer in terms of gas mileage, versatility, and handling. I guess I'll just have to cross my fingers.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    And what, pray thee, would be the effect on wagon pricing?
  • buggywhipbuggywhip Member Posts: 188
    Pappy55, you're totally correct--nothing is more practical than a Mazda6 hback w/4cyl/stick. It'd hold as much as those new mini-SUVs, with far better handling and mileage. Imagine SUV utility with the handling of a base Bimmer!!..........a 4cyl/5sp wagon would be even cooler. That surely won't happen, but it'd be delightful!
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    ... given Mazda's propensity for aiming large, incendiary projectile hurtling devices at the base of their own bodies, they're liable to do something like that.

    Which will make me glad I didn't wait and bought a 4 cylinder 5-speed 6 already (I call it the 456), but would suck for those with more patience than me, who've waited for the hatch and wagon (already delayed too much from a logical and marketing standpoint).

    Wither, Mazda intelligence?
  • boxfanboxfan Member Posts: 180
    I've been waiting many months to see if the 6 will be available in the US as a 4-cyl, manual hatchback. I've been pessimistic about it this whole time, but I hold out hope. I wonder if it's possible to import one from Europe, they're plentiful there...
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    (5) for 5 door :)

    A highly desirable variant of the 456. Hopefully Mazda USA doesn't shoot itself in the foot AGAIN by not making it available.

    Oh - the corrssponding Wagon (4 cylinder, 5 speed, Mazda 6) can be designated the 45[5]6 for the more boxy 5th door.
  • hbund216hbund216 Member Posts: 162
    Just came back from England and saw a couple of them. They looked really good. The one I saw up close was blue with a spoiler. The 4 door looks lean but the hatchback looks a little more beefed up.
  • ramped1ramped1 Member Posts: 159
    concerning oil changes that are done at places other than Mazda dealerships: Have you encountered any problems with the techs doing the cartridge change incorrectly?

    Some of these places can barely do the standard filter change without problems, so I am curious.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "Have you encountered any problems with the techs doing the cartridge change incorrectly?"

    No because I do it myself. If you're not going to do it yourself, I'd bring it to the dealer. The quicky lubes probably don't have the filter anyway for the 4cyl.
  • ian2ian2 Member Posts: 168
    The body shop took off my rear windshield glass to paint the C-pillar and now it's creaking everytime the chassis torques (i.e. on uneven surfaces). It sounds like the glass and something rubbing. It's driving me up the wall! Has anyone encountered such problem with windshield replacements? The shop blames the plastic trims for the noise even though it still persist after I removed all trim pieces last night.
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