Mazda6 Sedan

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Comments

  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Where did you say you live? I think somebody should alert the local law enforcement agencies about your new activities, preferably before you get to 500 miles. Oh yeah, and what color is that car again? ;)
  • mazdajkmazdajk Member Posts: 28
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    Was in the Saturday morning paper (Minneapolis, MN)
    0% or 1500$ back.
  • car3car3 Member Posts: 27
    I really didn't have the time to readjust everything during the week because of work. Tommorow I will get it straightened out.
  • rock44xrock44x Member Posts: 78
    do anybody know when the 6 is going to hit it mid-life cycle, the 6 is in it second year in the states but third in uk and japan, the altima already hit it mid-life cycle and the accord is up next, but with the a new 6 5door/hatch and a wagon will the mid-life cycle be push back? with the mazda 3 on the market i think alot of change will be done to the 6 in it mid-life cycle (nav, sport seats, rims, power, brake-away-mirrors) and do not what to end up with a car that in 6 to 12 months late the car is better than the one i just brought. i may sound picky
    but this is a car i will have for 4-5 year.
  • car3car3 Member Posts: 27
    Probably for the 05 model year or 06 model year. Mazda usually refreshes cars 2 years after the bodystyle is in existence. Something tells me Mazda might pull a Nissan and do a 3rd year without refreshing anything because the bodystyle is a mega-hit. Then again for 05 a new passat and legacy hit the market. In my opinion Mazda will need to refresh the interior to keep the 6 penetrating well in the mid-size segament. A more powerful engine wouldn't hurt because that seems to be a complaint among 6 owners.

    Long live the 03-04 6 though: at least mazda took a chance with the exterior.
  • livaudaislivaudais Member Posts: 55
    with the suspension tuning. And I am very grateful for it.

    I think the engine is more of an issue for people who are just comparing numbers than for people who actually own the car. Yes, it could use some more torque, but the V6 in this car is mighty fine.

    CL
  • car3car3 Member Posts: 27
    The complaint isn't with the V6. The complaint seems to be with the 2.3 Liter 4 cylinder 160 horsepower engine used in the Mazda 6. The interesting thing is the same 2.3 liter that is used in the 6 is also used in the Mazda 3. The 3 hasn't recieved the complaints the 6 has using the same exact engine. I guess the 3 is shorter in size and maybe weighs less than the 6.

    I remember that I had the 2.0 Liter in my 98 626 with 125 hp. When I bought the 626 I looked at the sticker on the car and it said 125 hp. I was look thats low compared to the Accord and Altima. The 2.0 Liter did its job though. I didn't care as long as the car drove nice. I didn't have a family so I didn't care about horsepower. A family car has to have some kick to it if you have a family of 3 or 4.
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    and sorry to say this, but the drivers seat has far better back/shoulder support than the 6 seat.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    the majority of complaints have to do with the V6 because the V6 is the engine that's way down on power relative to the class leaders (Altima and Accord). I personally think it's fine.

    The 4cyl will surprise anybody that's expecting something like the old Camry 4cyl cars. It sounds really good and pulls pretty hard with the 5sp.

    I don't really think the complaints about the 4cyl/auto combo are necessary because nobody should be buying a midsize car with a 4cyl and an automatic and expect it to be quick.

    I also sat in a 3 last weekend when I was picking up an oil filter for my car. Didn't notice a big difference in seat comfort.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    It's generally true, as Newcar31 said, that anyone who buys a non-turbo 4 cyl w/ auto & expects it to be quick shouldn't. So if you're contemplating buying a Mazda 6i w/auto you might very well think twice.

    The 6i w/manual is an entirely different animal, as I recently discovered. It will not compete either with tubocharged fours such as the one in the Saab 9-3 or the Honda engine which is simply more sophisticated. A 4 cyl. Accord can outrun a 4 cyl Mazda 6i if both have manuals. But order up the Accord with an automatic and it'll take you longer to get to 60 than a Mazda 2.3 w/manual--if one can believe the car magazines.

    I actually drove my '94 626 with the 2.0 w/manual to work this morning. It does its job, as has been said. But above 3000 revs. the 2.3 is a rocket by comparison. It doesn't make your head snap back, but it pulls strongly and steadily.

    The 2.3 manual is more than good enough for 9 out of ten people--or should be. It's a pretty lively engine. Of course, you have to be able to drive a manual--or be willing to learn. Otherwise, it's the Accord or a Saab or Passat turbo if those are in one's affordability range and are willing to pay the price in terms of repairs/reliability after the warranty period.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "It will not compete either with tubocharged fours such as the one in the Saab 9-3 or the Honda engine which is simply more sophisticated"

    It's 4 tenths off 0-60 from the Accord 4 cyl with a manual according to Car and Driver. I'd call that competetive, especially since the average Accord driver is more likely to be a meat fisted weenie and the 6 driver is more likely to be an enthusiast. ;)

    "But order up the Accord with an automatic and it'll take you longer to get to 60 than a Mazda 2.3 w/manual--if one can believe the car magazines."

    If you believe the magazines, the 6i manual is as fast or faster than the prior generation Accord and Camry V6 automatics.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    If any of you think the base model Mazda6 with hubcaps looks bad, take a look at the base model Accord.

    I've never seen one until this morning when I was walking through the skyways on the way to work. It was silver with black door handles and black rear view mirrors. Now THAT is cheap looking.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    If I still lived in WI I'd probably just get the 6i, but living at 5000ft elevation with the odd trip to 10000ft, I think I need the 6-banger. I took my 86 626 to WI once and was totally amazed by the power difference.
  • seafseaf Member Posts: 339
    I've always wondered why Mazda replaced the side turn signals with just a side marker light on the bumper. Most of the german makers keep the side signals here in the U.S., and I personally think it is better since people at your 4 and 8 o'clock positions can see when you're merging into their adjacent lanes better. I don't think the cost savings is that much, if at all. They kept the headlights the same as european specs (sharp cut-off, lower glare to on-coming drivers). I'd think there would be more savings if they sold the same exact version in all continents.
  • cheesehead6cheesehead6 Member Posts: 68
    You a former cheesehead? I guess so.

    Maybe I'd go for the V6 too if I lived in the mountains. I'll be visiting my bro-in-law in Montana this summer. I'm anxious to see exactly how a 6i performs in the Rockies. I'd bet that in 4th and 3rd it'll climb just fine. Time will tell.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    My hometown is Appleton.
  • bostongiobostongio Member Posts: 52
    The v6 is more than enough power for this car. As somebody said, anyone who thinks the v6 is somehow underpowered in this car simply hasn't driven it. That's the problem with a lot of people... they seem to read reviews and numbers and don't spend enough time behind different drivers' seats to really see how well the car manufacturer has engineered the car for balance and harmony. No clearer example of this is how balanced the 6s is compared to the overpowering torque steer found in the v6 Altima. Sure, the Altima has more power, but it's so unrefined as to be useless in most people's hands.

    As for the side turn markers, yeah, I wish they had kept them on the NA versions too. It's an odd thing, too, since the Mazda3 has both those and Xenon headlights (and nav!) as options. It really makes you wonder about those kinds of things.

    I wish when you turned on the headlamps in the 6s with the electroluminiscent gauges they wouldn't automatically dim in the daytime. Yes, I know there's a little button to turn their intensity back up, but how much more would it have cost (it's about a buck for the sensor) to make that automatic?

    None of this takes away one iota of my enjoyment of this exquisite and refined yet relatively inexpensive automobile!
  • rock44xrock44x Member Posts: 78
    1)
    "Sure, the Altima has more power, but it's so unrefined as to be useless in most people's hands."
    it is a fact that the Altima 3.5v6 is one of the best v6 in the car market (g35 + z35), unrefined were have you read that one at.
  • qddaveqddave Member Posts: 164
    I can guarantee that this will not be a Tribute/Escape. Here's what I know from my work, Mazda is developing their own vehicle in Japan. Ford is doing the Mercury/Lincoln version here. The platform designations are U387/388. I know for a fact that Mazda is developing the body because our engineers are having a very difficult time trying to get Mazda to work around our floor shifter. Apparently, the Mazda will have a console shifter. No idea what the vehicles will look like, but they will not replace the Escape/Tributes.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    The Altima 3.5L engine is very refined, that's not the problem. The Altima with this engine just doesn't feel right. Call it too much torque steer, too much power for a FWD car, whatever, it just doesn't work as a package like the Mazda6 s does.
  • rock44xrock44x Member Posts: 78
    true.
     but for mazda6 to stay competitive in the horsepower mad, birth place of the muscle cars USA, where there is a 340hp station wagons and 227hp compacts for around the same prices range as the 6, ford will have to push up the 6's 4cyl and v6 hp numbers, it a must.

    also with the new mazda3s hatch and sedan(160hp) why would any one buy a mazda6i(160hp) the 6 coat more, heavier, and about the same size as the mazda3s.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    I think there's a practical limit for HP on a FWD car, past which it starts to get funky, especially with a manual transmission. I'm not sure exactly what that limit is, but I think the Altima 3.5S is past it and the Mazda6 s is not.

    Better to go with RWD or AWD for a higher powered car.
  • bostongiobostongio Member Posts: 52
    Sorry, I didn't mean that Nissan v6 is unrefined (nothing could be further from the truth -- it is one of the best v6's out there!)... But in the design of the Altima, the v6 is overpowering to the car. I'm not sure if it's a weight-balance placement issue or what, but whenever you start putting that many horses over the front wheels, you've got to pay close attention to the problems of torque steer. Altima engineers simply didn't. The tradeoff they made was they were going to make this thing fly, handling be damned! And that's exactly what it is -- a very powerful car that is overpowered by its v6.

    In the Mazda6, the v6 feels like a well-fitted glove. Everything just works perfectly and smoothly.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    will be in a higher class, priced between $30k and $40K according to automotive reports on-line. Evidently the more expensive models sell better.

    Mazda kept the 2.3L 4-cylinder at 160hp to avoid the Altima's torque steer problem. The engine can be configured to deliver more hp. I think the Volvo S40 offers a 4 with higher hp, but most people will buy it with a 6.

    fowler3
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    tonight!

    fowler3
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Here is an exeprt from PR Newswire. about monthly sales for cars.

    "Mazda's stellar February was led by its MAZDA6 sedan. On the same day the first 5-Door and Sport Wagon MAZDA6 derivatives rolled off the assembly line in Flat Rock, Mich., Mazda's flagship sedan posted sales of 4,899 vehicles-up 80.1 percent from a year ago."

    So, sales for Feb are nearly double a year ago! Now, to all those who said the Mazda 6 is a "flop", how do you like your crow served? Looks like the "rust problem" is a non issue, too.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Usually around 250HP/250TQ, your going to have to switch to RWD or AWD to avoid torque steer. And number's are only half the story. Take a Saturn L300's 3.0L V6, it's quite torquey down low and suffer's from massive torque steer, that it's modest 195TQ. number dictates. Balancing shafts usually helps this issue, but they are only effective to a certain point.

    Which is why many vehicle over 250HP/250TQ. will start shifting to AWD capabilities as we will be seeing in the next few years. Or we might see some engines being rated at a higher HP, over torque. As example, Accord's 240HP, while it's torque is much lower. This is one trick to minimize torque steer at initial launches. Transmission gearing is also another factor to consider.

    Mazda's 2.3L can be upped to 180HP easily but you must leave something to grow upon, on the next few years during redesignings/touch-ups. Although torque starts to slide a bit. This same version in the Ranger/B-series emphansizes torque, over HP. It's quite flexible depending on the duty.
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Also, rival Accord saels are down 8.9% according to sales reports released today. Maybe people are finally getting tired of dull cars?
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    " I think the Volvo S40 offers a 4 with higher hp, but most people will buy it with a 6."

    Actually the S40 will base with a 2.4L DOHC inline 5 with VVT, and offer a turbocharged with intercooler 2.5L DOHC inline 5 with VVT as an option. The latter produces 218 HP and 236 ft-lbs of torque whereas the former is rated at 168 HP and 166 ft-lbs.

    So the base engine in the S40 is slightly more powerful but not by much. AWD is supposedly going to be an option with the turbo next year and that's what sets the S40 apart in my opinion.
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    your nailed it.

    When the option packages came out, I said they may not be perfect for everyone, but it will suit most buyers. I got hammered.

    when the so called staining problem came up, we saw near hysteria on here and another website. I told everyone it was nothing more than a glitch that would be resolved and the car was fundamentally an excellent car. I got hammered.

    We were told mazda will be out of business, mazda is stupid, mazda is making nothing but mistakes, blah, blah blah.

    I kept reporting that the car is doing well in a very iffy market...even when big selling, well respected brands were showing alot of weakness..I got hammered.

    This just confirms to me that many of the people who did nothing but bad mouth Mazda and the MZ6 were trying to save face for buying something else and regretting it. Envy brings out alot of uglyness in people.

    I agree the car may not be for everyone but it's proving its importance to Mazda and the Ford family of companies.
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    You sure get hammered a lot. ;)

    Personally I'm glad the Mazda6 isn't for everybody. If it was, it probably wouldn't be for me.

    Have you sold any 5-doors yet?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Part of the "hammering" is due to some that just can't get over the fact that Mazda is part owned by Ford, and that they still make good cars! Some simply think a car company has to be 100% Japanese owned or else.

    "Mazda is dying" was one of the most ridiculous quotes posted here. Honda is recalling Civics now for problems, but in this case people will say "They are taking care of things".
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    see...it never ends.

    Instead of finding a dealer who is able to handle the staining fix properly you want to complain. you certainly have the right to do so, I would be disappointed too but I would find a dealer who can properly do the recall and get on with it...if I was as unhappy as you are about your car...I would sell it, take my losses and get something else..Nothing is worth the energy and anger your putting into this, especially car.....just remember, nobody builds a perfect car. Every brand that I know of has a service department attached the to showroom for a reason, and its not to do oil changes.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    "Instead of finding a dealer who is able to handle the staining fix properly you want to complain."

    I am going to bring it back to another dealer, I just don't have time to do that right now, besides, I have every right to complain about this issue.

    #1

    I don't like going to the dealership. I work M-F, so it's very inconvenient. The first dealer (which is supposed to be one of the best), flat out LIED to my face and told me that the brown stain was from the rubber weatherstripping reacting with the soapy solution and that it was definately NOT rust. Yup, uh huh, so THAT's why you needed to seal off the door sash. Right. On top of that, they acted like they were doing me a favor by giving me a rental.

    #2

    I have very little confidence in the fix, but I don't really have any other options. Selling my car and taking the loss is not an option for me right now. If it was, that's what I'd do.
  • redc0ugarredc0ugar Member Posts: 55
    I tried telling the Chicken Littles that AAI aka Ford would handle any problems with class & finesse. I got hammered too! Perhaps some people enjoy being negative, and miserable. This vehicle is OUR future. If Ford wasn't proud of our achievements...we wouldn't have been awarded The Mazda 6 Sedan, Hatchback, Station Wagon, and their cornerstone car The MUSTANG.
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    anything less from you two.

    Let's see. One dealer, and one AAI employee.

    No, I don't enjoy being miserable. If you've been around Edmunds, you would know that I was perfectly happy with my 2001 Protege ES purchased new. I've been posting here since I bought the Protege and I was one of the biggest defenders of Mazda on Edmunds. I never heard from you two then. I never heard you two telling me I was being too positive about Mazda. If you don't believe me, just ask gee35 or anonymousposts. They probably loved it when they heard of my little Mazda rust problem. I realize that nobody builds a perfect car, and I expected some glitches with a first year model....BUT, rust is a little over the top for me.

    I don't really have any choice but to keep the car and see what happens. What is done is done, and there's nothing I can do about it. I realize that and I let the issue go, but I will not be silent when people are still calling it staining, or when people try to turn it around on the owners, like they are the cause of the "staining".

    Mazda screwed up, not me, and there's nothing wrong or unusual about being disapointed or being negative about a brand new car that has signs of rust.
  • redc0ugarredc0ugar Member Posts: 55
    I comment only on the SIX because it's made by UAW workers in America. Years ago my Husband owned a Protege, he loved his too. We both feel the SIX is a much better car. I believe the issue of stain / rust has been handled by the dealers and AAI. I don't recall anyone blaming you for anything. If you're no longer suffering from the ordeal..please enjoy yourself and your vehicle. In other words "don't worry be happy!" p.s. Words cannot express how proud I am, that my Husband no longer buys cars made outside the USA, and cars that are not manufactured by our employer.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Come on folks, there's no reason to turn this into a personal argument.

    Frankly, it seems very obvious to me that the people who have experienced serious issues with brand new vehicles are entitled to complain and to expect the manufacturer and/or dealer to make things right.

    And I also think that those who see that the problems experienced by some are not widespread are entitled to share that information here as well. But those people can also be sensitive enough to recognize that NO ONE expects to outlay the serious cash it takes to buy a new car and end up with a serious problem, and the fact that a person is really annoyed by that unfortunate event is understandable.

    The fact that the person has one of only a few of the problem vehicles (assuming that is what your perspective might be) is not going to make that person feel a bit better, and it wouldn't make YOU feel any better if it were happening to you.

    What is totally NOT necessary is for the people who see the issue from "opposite sides" to attack each other.

    So I say this to both "sides" - please calm down and stop making things into personal attacks - in what you are reading AND what you are writing.

    Thanks.
  • rock44xrock44x Member Posts: 78
    show some sympathy people.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    "Every brand that I know of has a service department attached the to showroom for a reason, and its not to do oil changes."

    So I guess you don't read CR either then? ;)

    *edit*
    To the rest of you, I'm not trying to drum up another CR discussion. It's just a joke.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Any new buzz about the '05 Mustang yet?

    My wife and I have decided to pass on the Mazda6 and Mazda3 so we can buy a Mustang GT. Judging by people's reaction to it around the web (and at the local auto show) I think you folks up at AAI will be very, very busy in the coming months.

    Keep up the good work and build me a good one when the time comes! :)
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The new mustang knocked my socks off...glad to see your staying in the family.

    we sold CR their last three mazdas. MZ6, RX8 and protege5.
  • ANT14ANT14 Member Posts: 2,687
    Can we say, Mazda9 ?

    http://www.just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=43716

    Source: Just-Auto.com
  • mjvchicagomjvchicago Member Posts: 149
    Why does everything have to get BIGGER? I like my 6 at its current size Mazda, thank you. I have a wife and 2 kids and we use our MPV for whole-family transport, so the 6 is the perfect size for me and the occasional passengers.

    How bout keeping the 6 the same size but giving it more power, and make a Mazda 9 for those who want something big, sporty and with power. Throw in some legit luxury appointments and you'll have a winner, Just don't wait too long... 2006 at the latest so Mazda can be competitive.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    "The new mustang knocked my socks off..."

    That was my reaction too. When I saw the redfire GT at the Pgh. auto show it knocked another pair off.

    Just when I thought it couldn't get any better a dealership employee in Fla. posted a video of someone driving the '05 Mustang GT Ford will put on display at the Doral Open (PGA). In the dealership lot no less! It sounds AMAZING and looks even better when in motion.

    Sorry to go on about that. I get a little excited sometimes.

    I'll stop now so I can go to the store for more socks. ;)

    The hardest part about waiting for it is knowing that I was going to buy the Mazda3 or Mazda6 this month and I could be driving a brand new car now rather than 7-12 months from now. I'm trying to be patient.
  • rock44xrock44x Member Posts: 78
    i love edmunds.com, build and price your own 6 5door or wagon to your liking,

    http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/mazda/6/index.html?tid=edmunds.n.- mmindex.content.num2.0.mazda*

    i love this site
  • psu525psu525 Member Posts: 8
    I've been considering the honda civic EX and the mazda 6. Can anyone tell me the price they paid for a 6 and how it drives?
  • ebeneben Member Posts: 26
    I'm glad the car builder is available for the 6 wagon, but I wonder whence the info comes? Mazda's website has none of the info, which is a bummer because I'd really like to see some color chips.
  • mazdajkmazdajk Member Posts: 28
    I saw the 05 Mustang at the auto show. Sharp car,but how can some of you compare the Mz6 to the Stang. Either you are looking for a Mid sized sedan or a sports coupe. How about we compare the Stange to the Rx8. Hmmmm.
    As far as the mistake thing goes, Have any of you learned anything from this thread and the rust thread ?

    DO NOT BUY A FIRST YEAR IN PRODUCTION CAR !!!!!!

    Let the Bugs go away !!!!
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