Mazda6 Sedan

dinu01

I wouldn't, even though this one's supposed to be the perfect car.

Take a look at the new Civic in 2001. Reliabiliy was predicted to be excellent, but for that model year, Honda relaxed its standards I guess.

While I would like a 6, my Protege makes better sense: cheaper, smaller, already paid 16/48 months.

But I would like to have a 6, don;t get me wrong.

Dinu

dinu01

Protege 5 or ES perhaps?

Dinu

khovius

The US headquarters for Subaru is in Cherry Hill. They are located on route 70 across from the Garden State racetrack. I Believe Maltb is correct about the Northeast rail port for Mazda being in Somerset, NJ. Somerset is across the Raritan river from Edison, NJ. The nearest Mazda dealer is in Maple Shade, NJ and they only have 3 Mazda 6's, and they are equiped with 4cyl and auto transmissions. The closest V6 sticks are in NE Pennsylvania.

dinu01

You like the Accord? The new 03 Accord? I don't believe anyone can like the hunchback rear or the cheapo-Civic look of the front of the new Accord.

Now the engine and interior should be good, but I just can't drive anything that ugly. Reminds me of the Camry. Ugh!

But at least we agree on that fine black interior - it looks like it was pulled from a class above.

Dinu

dinu01

http://www.motoringtv.com/caroftheyear.html

Vote if you think so. I did,

Dinu

mazdafun

Which is plenty fine with me.

newcar31

I don't know how I confused that with Mazda?

anonymousposts

Not sure what the X is for .. maybe it's for X-tra sporty or X-tra reliable .. who knows.

And yes Dinu I do like the new Accord. I think it is a design that will age well and not draw too much attention from the cops. And as long as the outside it acceptable to you it won't really matter when you are sitting inside that awesome interior.

Does anyone else think the 6 looks alot like the soon-to-be extinct Millenia?

dudleyr

I also much prefer the first photo of the interiors. The white gauges, and faux metal finish just scream tacky to me. I do prefer the three spoke wheel in the second photo, and of course the stick shift over the automatic.

dinu01

You prefer a grey interior over black sporty interior?

Oh well...

Dinu

ickes_mobile

...is a little overdone. You can get the "sport grille" which has more horizontal slots that are body colored. It is shown in a number of the photos that have been circulating on the web and in the back of the brocure. I'd definately get one.

I'd also like to see the black or colored headlight reflectors made available here. These too are shown in a number of the web pictures of the car that also show the sport grille. You can see them here:

http://www.mazda.co.jp/accessory/garage/index.html

Finally, I'd probably have the Mazda "wings" taken off the back of the car. I think the Mazda6 script is enough and their corporate logo is pretty stupid.

dudleyr

Actually I don't mind the black it is the other details I mentioned that I don't like. Just seems too over done.

stretchsje

"Finally, I'd probably have the Mazda "wings" taken off the back of the car. I think the Mazda6 script is enough and their corporate logo is pretty stupid."

I think Mazda has the best logo in the biz. You like Honda's or Acura's better? Eck!!!

anonymousposts

I like the Lexus and VW logos personally.

ickes_mobile

Personally, I think this logo business is overdone. At least they don't plaster the interior of the car with "Ford" "Fairmont", etc. anymore. Logos like Mazda, Toyotas, and Acura all seem contrived. Honda's logo as the "H" stands for something.

I do think its funny how all makers use the same format. Logo in the high center, model script on the lower side and trim script(where applicable) on the opposite side).

maltb

Mazda: winged M
Toyota: ovaloid T
Acura: Star Trek A

I don't see the point Ickes, other than Honda has used the same H since they've been in the states (IIRC)and I think it's a smart move.

ickes_mobile

First, my point is that having a logo and then script with the brand name is overdone and just clutter. How many people really know what Mazda, Toyota or Acura's logo is anyway. They're not quite like the blue oval or bowtie.

Second, the logos are intended to carry some message beyond just the brand name. One of the car magazines did a story about it a few years ago. Mazda's is some kind of soaring bird, Toyota's is supposed to be the convergence of engineering and emotion, and Acura's is reprentative of engineering calipers suggesting, what, accuracy.

Just a bunch of marketing driven gobbley [non-permissible content removed]. Of course, most people seem to think "Zoom-Zoom" is cool too. Don't make too much out of my comments either. Its not like I'm going to base my purchase on whether I like the logo or how many are featured on the car. They're easy enough to remove, personal problem solved.

stretchsje

My old math teacher would say that about incorrect solutions.

But putting the brand name AND the logo is the only way for Mazda to get the public to associate the two. The marketing goal is for peole to see the winged shape and think of Mazda. This is best exemplified in McDonald's golden arches. When you see them, you think of McDonalds, without actually seeing the word McDonalds. Symbolism is a very strong goal of marketing.

...which is, I think, why you don't want it on your car. Too much marketing, I guess?

dudleyr

Just reading about the new Japanese Mitsubishi Colt - wish Mazda had this kind of ordering system in the U.S. Come on Mazda - distance yourself from the big guys. You can still offer packages for people who don't want to mess with a custom order. If Mitsubishi can do it ........

"Mitsubishi debuted a build-to-order system it calls Customer Free Choice with the Colt. Under the system, shoppers can customize their car with any combination of features, from exterior and interior colors to engine sizes to wheels to seats."

maltb

Have you looked at Maybach?

I think eventually we may see something like that in the US, but selling cars (and actually making money off the sale) in the US is a different beast.

dinu01

The Accord is an ugly sedan for A>B types.

The 6 is a beautiful car for driving enthusiats.

Both are reliable. Both are roomy, comfortable, well-made cars.

One is a car I'd like to own. The other? I'd rather get the previous year's model.

As a former Honda fanatic, I can honestly say that people should actually go DRIVE the Mazda, then the Honda and make up their mind. I haven't done either: The 6 is coming in January and I'll wait until then to try a 03 Accord to see what I like better. But if my experience with the redesigned Civic and the Protege stays the same, I can definitely assure you Mazda will still be the way to go if you're looking for a midsize.

Two people. Two cars. One gives you sporty dynamics (driving and styling) for a good price, the other a car for those that follow the herd and would rather be driven than driving themselves...

Dinu

mazdafun

It still looks nice, although I have to agree that the chrome strip up front is kinda big. I'm not sure I like the sport-trim grille better.

I still think the previous Honda looked much better than its replacement (at least the coupe looks better than the sedan...man, what an ugly upside-down Buick rear). It's a look only owners can love (like the BMW 7-series tail and the Z4 altogether...what the heck was the designer on when he penned that one?).

Sometime ugly is subjective. Sometimes ugly is just plain ugly (I mean the Z4, not the Accord...I just think that it's blah and not nearly as attractive as its predecessor...Honda should've done better...maybe they're making Acura's job easier?).

newcar31

what is wrong with derivative styling? All manufacturers do this. The Millenia was a fine looking car. OTOH, the new Accord seems to have Kia and Buick derivative styling. I'll take the Millenia styling. Besides, I don't think the 6 looks that close to a Millenia anyway.

"Since you have not driven either car, I'll simply ignore your claims of their driving dynamics, since in essense you really have no idea what you're saying and are just regurgitating others' opinions."

Come on now. Not many normal people have driven both cars. The experts have driven both cars. I'd trust what the folks at C&D, R&T, etc. have to say before I'd trust what anyone here has to say.

dinu01

6+Accord: You're right I haven't driven both, but professional car mags writers are not exactly people off the street that only drive one car for 10 years and then a 2nd one for another 10 yrs....

7series: Looks ok to me.

Z4: Love its styling! Much much better over the ugly Z3.

Dinu

ickes_mobile

I consider myself an avid car enthusiast. I drive 30,000 miles a year and have a growing family. As such, the decision between the Mazda6 and the Accord is not quite so simple and involves certain consessions. I certainly wouldn't characterize any decision I make to buy an Accord to be "following the herd".

My initial impression of the two cars is that the Accord is more roomy, luxurious, and more comfortable. The Mazda6 reminds me of my '95 Contour more than my '01 Accord. That said, I do intend to drive both before reaching a decision. Time is on my side as I'm not buying a Mazda6 sedan, but will wait for the 5-door.

Ultimately, I'm keeping a slush fund for the purpose of buying a roadster (S2000 or Miata - more decisions)to get my driving fix from a true sports car.

On the 7-Series, I like it overall. The car has some serious gravitas and makes a statement. I'd accept that some of the design details (i.e., the trunk) don't work well.

mazdafun

I disagree on the 7-series. I think the trunk lid just does not harmonize with the rest of the car. Other than that, I think it's a nice car. Now, on the inside, it's still kind of busy with buttons, even with the i-drive system.

The Z4 proportions look alright, but all those sytling lines just make it way too busy and confusing. Yeah, yeah, the designer has a rationale for every styling cue (some of which I actually like), but it's overdone.

Funny, the Lexus sport coupe looked nice in print, but I thought it was really homely in person. Ick, what a disappointment, especially that rear. What a waste of $45-$50k, even in bright red (my favorite color for sporty cars).

boxfan

Real action from Mazda!

Subject: Update on MAZDA6 combinations
From: CustomerAssistance

Hi Eric,

We have something wonderful to share with you about the MAZDA6!

We forwarded each and every comment, about the MAZDA6 build
combinations, to those people who make the decisions about product
planning.

The Product group has just added six new build combinations for the
MAZDA6. Of these six new codes, four are aimed directly at meeting
customer requests for greater availability of ABS/TCS on the Mazda6i.
These new combinations are currently scheduled to be part of December's
production run for January 2003 availability.

Here are the details about all six new buildable combinations:

- The new combinations allow you to configure a MAZDA6i with ABS/TCS
only (both MT and AT).
- We also have a new combination for a MAZDA6i AT with Premium Package
only.
- For enthusiast customers who highly value safety, we will now offer
a MAZDA6i MT with the Premium Package, ABS/TCS, and SAB/SAC.
- We have also listened to customers? requests to expand Sport Package
availability.
- We have added a build combination that creates a MAZDA6i MT with
only Premium Package and Sport Package.
- The sixth additional combination is a MAZDA6i AT with Premium and
Sport Packages, ABS/TCS, and SAB/SAC.

jskho

Got the same email too.

Looks like it really works.
Now lets ask for 6s manual with SAB/SAC as stand alone option...

maltb

Glad to see Mazda respond to a few renegades on the web. And you thought they'd never hear you!

the_big_h

that just about sounds like the car I would get, put the money where it counts the most and save the rest!

maple49

I like the looks of both the 6 and Accord. However, in my opinion, neither is going to become a classic (based on looks alone). Yes the Accord is kind of funky and yes the 6 looks like a Millenia. I don't think that is a bad thing.

Regarding dinu01's post above (3372), I agree with most if it except I don't think the 6 has proven itself to be a reliable, well made vehicle yet. I personally will need to give it some time before I agree. If I had to buy a car today I would give the reliability/build quality edge to the Honda. Maybe this will change in 12-24 months.

Good news about the pricing bundles. I think the 6 is nicely priced. In a few months I am sure there will be some really good deals. This MSRP thing will be very short lived.

Now if I could only see a 6....

damax07

To All,
here is a response I have just received from Mazda

Dear Maxime,

Great news! We know that you're excited about other versions of the
MAZDA6, so we wanted to share our newest information. Our prior
communications indicated that we did not yet have official confirmation
that other MAZDA6 versions would be built in the United States.

We are now happy to announce the MAZDA6 hatchback and wagon models will
indeed be built for the U.S. market. We don't yet have an ETA on build
times, but we know that it'll be at least a little while after the
MAZDA6 sedan has been in-market.

If you'd like to receive future updates like these, please just let us
know.

Zoom-Zoom!

Regards,

Jennifer Gray
Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

The Mazda6 - Mazda's all-new sports sedan! Drive it. You'll know.

dudleyr

Good to see that Mazda is listening. I would still like to see no restrictions on what optiions go with each other, but this is a huge step in the right direction.

dinu01

They listened! Wow! I'm really surprised. Way to go guys!

Dinu

zeong

I just got the same e-mail and someone already posted it here. I guess Mazdausa does listen to customer.

dsm6

Good for you, and thanks for listening!

vocus

Mazdafun: I hate the SC430. It's an ugly car all around, I think. Like some kind of space bubble or something. And the price? They are nuts! Same with the new 7 Series, I saw one on the road and it's ugly as well. What's going on with these carmakers?

Newcar: I drove a 2002 Millenia P as a loaner car (the 2.5 model). It felt underpowered, the handling was average, and the interior felt slightly cramped for my 6'3 inch body, with about the same rear seat room as my Jetta has. Their resale value is pretty bad as well, from what I have heard. I love the styling of the car though, but it ends there for me.

sparky52t

I drove by a VW dealership this morning and I do see your point. That VW logo is one big honkin' piece of chrome. I must disagree that it's the largest however. That honor goes to the Mercedes Benz logo on the back of their suv. That baby is as big as a dinner plate! Yeow!

johnclineii

As one of the people who groused the loudest at the option packages, I think I should join those thanking Mazda for listening to us! Way to go!

(Or should I say zoom-zoom...er, probably not, at least not YET!)

mazda6s

Yes, they forgot the 6s/MT with SAB/SAC. In fact, they didn't add any combos for the 6s/MT at all. Now there are 10 combos for the 6i/MT and still only 4 for the 6s/MT!

ickes_mobile

Try the Cadillac crest on the rear of the Escalade and Escalade EXT. WOW...

Great news on the option packages!

diploid

I think the Mazda logo is supposed to be a bird of some sort. Much better than their old logo (which looked like a devil to me).

ickes_mobile

looked like something from Van Gogh's "The Scream" or "Alien Autopsy" depending on your interests...

bobbyknight

are out now! The dealer in Bloomigton, Indiana has a steel gray i with premium and sport for ~21K. Steel gray in person is almost black while the brochure makes it look like a medium-gray.

Also, the sport package is well worth the extra money. The base looks very plain in comparison.

stickguy

Now that you got what you demanded with configurations, better rush out and buy one!

brucec35

Sometimes a first year model is so superior to existing competition that you should consider buying it anyway. I'd much rather have a Mazda 6 or new Saab 9-3 than a Camry, Maxima, or old Accord, even though they are proven reliable cars. The new Accord is tempting, but I still don't like the styling. I prefer a more aggressive look.

Camry- sloppy handling, boring, bland styling
2002 Accord - boring, bland styling
Maxima - hot engine, but rougher ride, a few plasticy interior bits, odd styling, and way too common for me.

As someone else said, if you just need an appliance to get from A to B, the above 3 are hard to beat. But if you want to like your car a lot, they may leave you wanting more.

FYI, Mazda 6 shoppers might want to consider the new Saab 9-3 Linear w/o the extra options. They're very similar in concept. They come standard with leather and stability control, unlike the 6, though base models have manual seats, no sunroof, so-so stereo, but they handle and feel great, have comparable acceleration to the 6, seats are very comfortable, it's pretty spacious, and they just exude quality. They also are said to be among the safest cars built. Toss in dealers willing to discount some (I'm told), 0% 36 month financing (2.9% for longer periods, I believe) and the car isn't much, if any, more than a loaded Mazda 6. They also have 36K mile service included, and most dealers provide loaners for all service visits, which helps balance the price equation further. I also suspect you may get a superior dealer experience with Saab, since they sell some pretty pricey cars compared to Mazda. I was pretty impressed with how I was treated on a test drive. Worth a look. I'd never considered a Saab in my life before the new 9-3 came out.

kcalta

Hey Mazda, take the final step and offer us poor
North Americans dynamic stability control(dsc), such that is offered on the 6 in Europe and Japan.
I know asking for the available navigation system and hid headlights would be futile(all bow before the marketing bean counters), but not offering an
available safety feature doesn't make much sense.
by offering dsc, Mazda could gain the safety advantage over the competition(accord, camry, altima). Mazda should also consider adding the rear headrests(standard in all 6's outside the US/Canada) due to the pitch of the rear seats, anyone over 5ft8in are going to have a sore neck on long trips due to lack of adjustable headrest.
I compeliment Mazda for making a 4-cylinder 5-speed sedan available with numerous safety options
(try finding a camry/accord 4-cylinder 5-speed with side & curtain airbags and abs with traction control on the lot!), I just wish they would go the final mile in terms of safety options available to their US/Canadian customers.

xeones

Its my understanding that American buyers view safety equipment beyond seatbelts as Luxury Items. But then Americans also think that SUVs are practical vehicals.

Don't blame mazda because John Q Public is more like Bubba Q Public. (just look at who we have in the white house)

mazdafun

They responded pretty quickly to market pressures.

dinu01

Yes it would be nice to have ABS, side curtains, traction ctrl, awd and the like in all cars, but some of these options are not a necessity.

Take ABS: If you live in an area where it doesn't snow or rain frequently, it's a complete waste of money to get it IMO. On dry pavement, brake hard and if you lock, release to turn and brake hard again.

Traction ctrl: same as above.

side airbags: nice to have - you never know

A lot of Americans are outraged DRLs are on their cars and that they have to wear a seatbelt and keep their gun in their trunk not in the passenger seat besides them. This is a backwards mentality IMO - but this isn't Crossfire, so let's leave it at that.

I would like to have permanent DRLs front AND rear, mandatory rear mud guards (helps a lot in heavy rain when you follow someone), a rear wiper on all cars (sedans too!), side and front airbags in my car. Now add ABS for a wet climate area and you're set.

Dinu