Mazda6 Sedan

17273757778342

Comments

  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    Hi, Anyone know if the new Mazda 6 engine is the same Duratec engine found in the Taurus? I know the MPV uses the same one. Thanks.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Tonight I stopped by the grocery store to pick up some potato's. All was fine and dandy til I come out of the store and see a buggy buried in my driver's side rear quarter panel. ARGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Do people have no consideration any more?????????? Needless to say I now have a nice ding to add to the scratches from when it played tag with the mailbox.

    kagedude: I am pretty sure that the 6's V6 is the Ford Duratec slightly modified. Some other Mazda-phile could probably confirm this.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    You really gotta do something about that Si-R.

    Cough * Get a 6 * Cough

    Dinu
  • bubacuenteebubacuentee Member Posts: 2
    I just test drove the 6. It is not a Ford engine. It is completely different.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    but you are right in saying that I have to do something about this car. Maybe I'll feel better in a couple of hours after the hurt wears off :(

    The 3.0L is a derivative of the Ford Duratec. This is from Edmunds' preview of the 6.

    "Like Nissan's Altima, a five-speed manual transmission will be standard with both the Mazda-engineered 2.3-liter four-cylinder and the Ford-sourced 3.0-liter V6 (optional on the four is a four-speed auto; the V6 can be equipped with an available five-speed slushbox). Both engines feature Mazda's S-VT Sequential Valve Timing mechanism that continuously varies inlet cam timing and phasing"
  • stretchsjestretchsje Member Posts: 700
    The rumors of the 2.3l engine being sourced from Ford are true and false. The engine was originally intended to be Ford and Mazda co-developed, but Ford let Mazda take over. So, the engine block started with Ford (Ford ranger 2.3l), but beyond that, Mazda designed it from scratch.

    Mazda put lots of new technologies into the 2.3l 4cyl engine. A lot of the more important advancements carried over to the 6cyl engine too, but the design did not start at the block. Hence, the 3.0l V6 is still referred to as a modified Duratech engine, while the 2.3l engine is basically a new engine.

    ---

    I test drove a 6i today. The dealer said he wouldn't have a manual tranny until May or June! I said I'd have to buy one elsewhere then :-)

    Anyway, he let me take the 6i out for a spin knowing he wouldn't make a deal, which I thought was nice. Acceleration with the 6i w/ auto is no better than a CamCord- and less torquey than the Camry. Since I want the i4, I was disappointed, but hope the 5spd helps out. Then again, I was nice, and wasn't pushing the card too hard.

    Everything else I could say we've heard before, except a few points. (I'm trying not to be redundant)

    There was a rattle beyond the steering wheel. I am not the first to report this.

    The base stereo does have the speed sensitive volume.

    The base stereo sounds hallow just like the Bose option, but has sufficient volume. Aftermarket speakers alone would probably be sufficient for audio enthusiasts.

    The sport package is way sexier than I thought possible. This was my first time seeing them back-to-back. It's a larger difference that I thought.

    The brakes catch REAL quick. Braking was strong, but not class-leading without ABS. I wish ABS was standard, cause I'm forced to choose between that or the sport package with the current options.

    If I had one complaint, though, it would be that the car was too refined to be fun. The engine wasn't loud enough and bumps were absorbed so well that I felt disconnected with the road. I like knowing when I'm stressing the engine or ruining my suspension. I think the Protege may have been a more fun experience for me, but I had a very bad (highway driving) test drive loop. I'll definately reserve judgement for a PROPER test drive :-)

    ---

    I've now seen a yellow, silver, and a black 6. Anyone see the red or blue? I think I'll like the red most, but want to see it first!
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    "Question - has anyone played with the radio and climate controls? How easy are they to grip, adjust? The US news reporter mentioned that they are flat."

    jjpeter: One article said they are "indent" knobs, which means they are recessed, a simple push pops them out for use. Some older cars had the same kind of buttons only smaller, the Mazda6 buttons, or knobs, are much larger and easy to use.

    If you look closely at the center stack you will see that it's the same setup as the climate controls on a Protegé. Probably the same system. Ditto for the audio controls, they are not indents.

    The V6 is the Duratec block with Mazda added parts for pistons, cams, and VVT. It is not the same engine in the Tribute and MPV.

    About the 2.5l V6, I didn't know the 626 used that engine and was quoting from an article where the author made no distinction between the 2.5l Miller Cycle and the 626 engine. Sorry for the confusion.

    Some reviewers say the 2.3l is best with the 5-speed manual, others say it works fine with the 4-speed sport AT. Test driving one yourself is the only way to know. If city driving is all you do the AT may be the way to go. If you have plenty of twisty country roads to drive over go for the manual.

    fowler3
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    The 626 used a Mazda 2.5L, not the Duratec 2.5L. They are different engines. The Miller-Cycle engine is a 2.3L and only used in the Millenia.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Do you feel the 2.3l and AT are inadequate for average drivers or just for those who like the ultimate driving experience...more like the Protegé? Did it feel it had better accelleration than the 2.0l Pro's engine, given the heavier weight?

    I'm trying to decide between the V6 and the 2.3L. I have a 2001 Pro with 2.0L w/AT and know what that is like. Where I live the roads, city streets, and highways are mostly flat straightaways. A few small hills, no mountains to climb. Most of my driving is 45mph to 55mph posted.

    I have driven the 6s w/AT and found it overpowered for my needs, hard to hold down to posted speed limits in the city. I know what you mean about the 6s being quiet, in a 45mph zone I was topping 70mph without realizing it. That was on a two lane country road with easy curves. No road noise, no engine noise, no wind noise to tell you anything. Always thought I would like that until the test drive. Now, I understand why one needs feedback.

    fowler3
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Now I am confused. :( What's even more confusing is to read reviews written by drivers in Australia and New Zealand with HP given as Watts. I thought only electric motors had watts.

    fowler3
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Maybe I was wrong?
  • speedracer3speedracer3 Member Posts: 650
    The 6's V6 Duratec engine is more than adequate for the car. It's a good proven engine. I would not put it in the same league with Nissan's VQ35...which is one of the best V6s in the world. The Mazda 6 is smaller and nimbler than the Altima, and the 6 does outshine the Alty in the handling department. The 6 also has a nicer interior than the Altima, but the Altima does not "suck".
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    I saw a blue 6 at the Mazda dealer last weekend. I liked it better than silver but less than black. Strange considering silver is usually one of my top color choices. I would rank the 6 colors in the following order:

    1. black
    2. blue
    3. silver
    4. white
    5. insert miscellanious color here because by this point I ain't buyin' one in any of these colors anyways.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    I forgot to mention colors. The 6s I test drove was the Redfire Red, looks similar to Candy Apple red with a lot of red metal flake in it. The trim was beige with a beige pinstripe on the upper door panels and fenders. Not sure pinstripes belong on this handsome car. The stripe looked old-fashioned on the 6s with those projector headlamps. What I mean about old-fashioned = pinstripes date back to the 19th Century as trim on wagons and buggies. The Mazda6 reminds me of the F-16 fighter and they don't have pinstripes!

    I prefer biege trim so that part was fine with me. Here's another thing -- I have never liked red cars, think the color ruins the car's lines. It's fine on ugly cars they need all the help they can get! I don't think of red as sporty -- until now.

    Redfire is not as dark as Millennium Red on the Protegés, but looks fine IMO. It isn't firetruck red either. It's a very nice color, best of the eight offered. It shows the car's contours beautifully with areas of highlight and shadow. Hard to keep clean, it may be worth the work. Should wax and polish to a high shine.

    I have seen the Silver, Steel Grey and White. The Silver isn't as pretty as the photos show it, it looks rather dull. The Steel Grey is too dark, too close to Black, too conservative. It should be lighter, better yet, it should be the special edition Titanium Grey used on the 2001 Miata! In White the Mazda6 looks sad, it is a dull shade with no life and hides the car's contours -- looks flatsided like the Camry.

    Haven't seen the Sepang Green, but think it may be a lighter version of the Sage Green used on the MPV, think silver with a green tint. The Lapis Blue is similar to Laser Blue on the MP3 -- bright! Someone here posted that they saw the Lapis Blue at a car show, it had beige trim. The brochure lists Grey as the trim color. Some markets may get color combinations not available in others, especially big city markets.

    fowler3
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    both engines are built by Ford based on Mazda blueprints. If you are unsure, go back and ask your contacts.
  • altersysaltersys Member Posts: 56
    The car I drove was indeed the auto.... I think I put that in the subject line but I'm sorry if I didn't :)

    I was surprised at how unnoticeable the upshifts felt. If I were to parallel this tranny's behavior to any other auto I've driven I'd say it felt a lot like the IS300. I wanted the 5spd manual and this auto was so good it's actually got me reconsidering my choice. I still need to drive the stick though... maybe it will reaffirm my preference.

    -Alt
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    I guess Mazda figures twenty years of oscillating center vents is enough.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Go to this URL for a photo of the Mazda6 in red, best pic I could find on the Net.


    http://www.car-list.com/newcars/2003/mazda6.html


    Early pre-production model, note the different Heat/AC controls, not production models.


    fowler3

  • diploiddiploid Member Posts: 2,286
    I was at the mall today and there was a Mazda6 on display (why manufacturers do this, I don't know - everyone else practically ignored both the 6 and the Land Rover Freelander sitting there).

    It was just as I expected - not too big, not too small. The biggest surprise had to have been the taillights, though. The pictures do them no justice - the lenses that are used have that fluid-like look to it. It looked very upscale.

    And that chrome bar running across the front was a bit too much, IMO. It works on the MPV because it's a bigger car, but they should've made it slimmer with the smaller 6.
  • capitanocapitano Member Posts: 509
    the Acura RSX Firepepper red. It's nice, but I prefer a burgundy.

    Went and checked my local dealer to see if they had gotten theirs in. Rep said that theirs had arrived on Friday and that they hold sold 6 so far. Rep seemed confident that the car was a winner.

    Sat in a steel gray one. The plastanium didn't bother me. The dash materials seemed fine, except for that little bin lid in the top center. Liked the vents as they remind me of the Alfa Romeo 156 - in fact the whole car reminds me of that car.

    The grey seat fabric felt rougher than what I am used to. No idea on how it will wear.

    Got a good seating position and I can sit behind myself.

    Asked the rep about what they's heard about hatch and wagon availability. He asked another guy, probably the SM, who said the spring. Then the rep added that they would be the last to know.
  • gee35coupegee35coupe Member Posts: 3,387
    The bodyside molding and stuff on cars. Used to be a day when the car was just as exciting from the side as it was from the front and rear. Now the sides of nearly all cars are slabs. No detail or anything. Even the G35 is like that. I'm buying myself another 1990 300ZX and an old 1993 Accord. The early 90's was the heyday of Japanese designs.
    The 6 is nice but as with most Japanese cars now there is no surface detailing. Nice car but I think I'll pass on this one.
  • silva6silva6 Member Posts: 4
    I noticed on the sticker that the engine was assembled in Mexico. I wonder if this is the same Mexico plant where the Focus is built. It makes sense, considering the rumors circulating about an upcoming Focus turbo, possibly using a 2.3L Mazda engine.
  • silva6silva6 Member Posts: 4
    I posted a message last week stating I would be picking up my 6 this week. It was a cloth 6s auto w/sport package and BOSE. When I went to pick up the car, the dealer let it slip that they are receiving a shipment next week and would have two sport models, one with leather and sunroof. I thought to myself, "Self, do you really want to buy this car w/57 miles on it, that has been demoed by umpteen people, or do you want to wait one week and drive off in one with no miles, a sunroof, AND is the color you wanted?" I think I made the right decision: I'm just going to wait until next week. It's expected no later than the 4th.

    The sales manager was a little P/O'd that I didnt buy right then, but he'll get over it :)
  • ncjudgencjudge Member Posts: 30
    I've been keeping up with this board for quite a while, and appreciate the informative comments. I'm looking forward to a test drive of the 6S with 5-speed.

    There appears to be some disagreement as to how much of the 6s 6-cyl engine is "Duratec" and how much Mazda. My feeling on it is that it really doesn't make a great deal of difference. I've owned an SVT Contour with a 2.5 Duratec 6-cyl for 5 years and it is a great engine. Gets great power out of a relatively small displacement. It's also been reliable for 88K miles. I'm not as familiar with the 3.0, but I've heard good things about it.

    If Mazda has added its own special touch to the Duratec, then that just makes a great engine even better in my view.

    BTW, this SVT Contour saved me from giving up completely on Ford. Glad to see that Mazda (and Ford)apparently has a car now that offers a similarly great driving experience.
  • coasterbobcoasterbob Member Posts: 32
  • coasterbobcoasterbob Member Posts: 32
    on the Mazda 6s? I think I want the s w/ auto, sport, leather sun roof, comfort pkg. Anyone get S-Plan pricing yet? Thanks.
  • accord7accord7 Member Posts: 96
    I owned a 323 many years ago, and it was quite a good car. My one big complaint had to do with the side sill area that rusted in a bad way. My Accord has a plastic piece for the sill which of course cannot rust. So I'm just wondering if the 6 has the steel side sill. It looks as if it does, and would likely rust in the colder climates because of road salt. This may sound petty, but it will be a factor in my decision for my next car.
  • protege_fanprotege_fan Member Posts: 2,405
    Buy a Saturn then? It won't rust.
    J/K! Hehe!
  • newcar31newcar31 Member Posts: 3,711
    I wouldn't worry too much about the 6 rusting any worse than an Accord. I know for a fact that Accords have their problem spot too. It's on the rear fender right behind the rear wheel. I've seen it on Accords as new as 97'. I'm in Mpls/St. Paul BTW and they use a ton of road salt and sand.
  • dinu01dinu01 Member Posts: 2,586
    Rust is a problem of the past I think. Like newcar31 I see all types of cars rusted in Toronto, Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, GM, you name it...

    The old Honda sheet metal didn't hold well - my 93 Civic had 2 holes obove the rear wheels in 2000, just 7 yrs old, so I wouldn't base my decision on this.

    And boy do we love salt here. If you lick the street after a snowstorm I bet it tastes quite salty - not that you should, but if you want to...

    Dinu
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    Tirerack now has wheels listed for the 6.
    www.tirerack.com
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    Why pay tirerack prices for alloys when the Premium Package includes 16-inch alloys, 8-way power driver's seat, and anti-theft perimeter alarm system for $800! Aren't tirerack prices closer to $1,895 per set? The above items are included on the Mazda6s in the base price of $21,620.

    Most of those aftermarket wheels are butt-ugly compared to Mazda's new 6 wheels.

    fowler3
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    It has felt tacked onto it.
    Would it not rot when it goes thro the elements?
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    All of the Focuses were getting the same felt-like material in their rear wheel wells over the past several years. I'm not aware of a single problem due to the element exposure.
  • fowler3fowler3 Member Posts: 1,919
    It may be synthetic and able to withstand mud and snow. Washing frequently will help to keep it clean.

    I haven't been able to get tirerack.com's Mazda6 wheels window to load. Either they were experimenting with it or don't have a Mazda6 graphic yet.

    fowler3
  • kagedudekagedude Member Posts: 407
    Hi. Thanks for all the response on Mazda's 6 cylinder engine derived from Ford. I really like the car and the way it looks and am thinking about getting the hatchback when it comes out. However, I am a little worried with Ford being in the picture since I came across Carpoint.com's rating on the Taurus Duratec engines and they had the worst rating on it after 5 years. Head gaskets was a major issue. Thanks.
  • the_big_hthe_big_h Member Posts: 1,583
    the only thing the 3.0L v6 shares with the Taurus is the damn flipping BLOCK!!!!!!! You know, it's like just a big piece of metal with no moving parts in there (pistons not withstanding).

    Everything else on that motor is Mazda-designed and engineered, IIRC....
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    As I understand it's the same engine (minus 20 hp) that Ford puts in the X-type Jaguar.
  • johnclineiijohnclineii Member Posts: 2,287
    If there are no moving parts there, why is it called a flipping block?
  • glideslopesglideslopes Member Posts: 431
    Guys, and Gals,

    Anyone who is informed knows the Duratec is a very good engine. I think some individuals confuse the Vulcan V-6 with the Duratec V-6, or more commonly, read one article and then refer to it as the easy reference to automobile bliss.

    Don't let these people who come in crapping on the Duratec incite you. Mazda is gaining market share everyday, and that is bound to irritate some.

    We know the quality of automobiles Mazda is manufacturing these days, it is right up there with anyone.

    Mark. : )
  • chikoochikoo Member Posts: 3,008
    I have test driven a Mazda MPv(with Ford Duratec) as well as a Mazda6 with Mazda Duratec and believe me when I say that both of them are completely different in terms of driving. The ford duratec is smooth but the mazda Duratec is AWESOME smooth revving...like silk coated with teflon!!!
  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    The Tributes and MPV get essentially the Ford Duratec and the mazda6 gets a mazda re-worked duratec.
    Both engines are good quality and should not be a concern to anyone...generally they are problem free engines and well mated to the vehicles.

    Like it was mentioned earlier, people are confusing other engines with this one...the worst was the 3.8 litre V6.. which was a ford disaster with huge head gasket problems.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Doesn't say alot for Ford that customers are so adamant about their engine not having that much of a Ford influence .....

    Hopefully, we can get out to drive a 6 tomorrow. V6 5-speed ideally.
  • clpurnellclpurnell Member Posts: 1,083
    If you are looking for a 6 try carsdirect.com and use zip 60644. They are selling for 500 over invoice. This is the Chicago Area so if you are anywhere near it might be worth while.

    Yes it is a reworked ford engine and I have been a ford hater but I think they have kinda turned the ship around and I am actually interested in a few of their products. They are much better engineered than the generals products. they still have a ways to go but definately on the right track.
  • rotarykidrotarykid Member Posts: 191
    like it or not it is made by ford and sold by mazda.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    And then what?
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    "Why pay tirerack prices for alloys when the Premium Package includes 16-inch alloys, 8-way power driver's seat, and anti-theft perimeter alarm system for $800! Aren't tirerack prices closer to $1,895 per set? The above items are included on the Mazda6s in the base price of $21,620.

    Most of those aftermarket wheels are butt-ugly compared to Mazda's new 6 wheels."

    Not really. Have you actually looked at tirerack? There are plenty of them for $200 each, or less, and there are a total of 41 choices so I doubt that all of them are butt-ugly. With the goofy options combos on the 6, some of us may choose to get the base 6i-MT and just put some aftermarket alloy wheels on it (or get the 6s-MT base and swap the 16s for 17s). And yes, the base model 6i-MT will be available. I've already seen it listed in some dealer's inventories.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    Be carefull with the aftermarket wheels.
    The most of them don't match the exact manufacturer's specifications.
    The car companies put a lot of work in the suspension geometry design.
    Things like an improper wheel offset can create a lot of problems in the long run (beginning with rubbing tires and ending with premature strut failures).
  • mazda6smazda6s Member Posts: 1,901
    It's not rocket science. As long as you get the correct bolt pattern, centerbore, offset and width, you're good to go.
  • vadpvadp Member Posts: 1,025
    And how many wheels will you end up with?
    Two or three out of hundreds? ;)
    (unless a you're a Civic owner)

    BTW what is the bolt pattern on the Mazda6?
    It looks like a five bolt judging by the pictures.
    Which is surprizing considering that a lot of FoMoCo cars are using the 4x108 design.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.