I stopped by Mazda dealer and the sales rep said he thought they would have one in on Thursday 7/29. I thought that was optimistic because they did not even have broushure. in yet.
I wouldn't use that as an indicator. The 09 Sonatas have been selling for months and the dealers still don't have brochures yet. Of course using Hyundai as an example may not be applicable either. They can't seem to get their website right either.
Yup, I thought the 5 spoke on the old Mazda6 was just about perfect because they were so easy to keep clean.
I have heard that the Sonata has a SE 4 cylinder on the '09's but have yet to see one in their literature or online pricing options. Maybe with gas prices they scrambled at the last minute and threw one in it and did not tell their printer.
The recent Motor Trend comparo has a 09 Sonata SE I4 auto in it. You would think that with millions(maybe billions) of dollars of payroll, Hyundai could employ at least a part-time Web expert that could keep their website up to date and accurate. Maybe, all the manufacturers are bad in this regard as I have recently been trying to get good current info from Hyundai and am having a very difficult time getting correct answers from dealers, customer service, website etc.
It just should not be that difficult to obtain accurate information on a product in these price ranges. It's pretty pathetic when you think about it. I can call Sony and get the exact info I need through phone or email on an item that costs less than $100.
Our first allocation mostly have VIN's instead of an order number now. My guess, which could very well be wrong, is we will see these cars by mid August at best.
We will be accepting S-Plan on the new Mazda6. This car is HUGE for Mazda. They need this car to get rolling, and FAST, which means a good lease program and special financing. No word yet on what support Mazda is going to give it. A really big ad campaign is needed too, and I'm not talking about the cheesy ones Mazda is known for
I don't know, seems like losing 10% or so of sales right off the bat by dumping the 5-door isn't really a good way to get sales going fast. Unless of course if they think they can make up the loss because the new model is really stylish. I work for a small employee-owned company and we would be unhappy to lose that much of our sales on a new product.
I personally am a fan of the 5 door. None the less, most big selling midsizers don't have a hatch version and if this car is successful it will be so regardless of the availability of the 5 door. Kind of like those that are complaining about no manual with the V6. This is a miniscule percentage of sales, but I suppose you can argue that Mazda would be giving away sales of those who refuse to buy an auto.
I look at this situation as Mazda providing a very attractive and reasonably priced car for those who won't or can't afford more expensive ($30,000+) vehicles.
Time will tell how successful the new 6 will be. Jim Sullivan stated that Mazda needed North American focused products. I think Jim is on the wrong path and I believe the global Mazda6 would sell better than the NA focused 6. Mazda has gone larger, heavier and less fuel efficient with the 6 and I think this is a strategy lacking long term planning and vision.
quote Jim Sullivan- "The previous-generation Mazda6 was built to fit the needs of the global market," he said. "The Mazda6 that was built in Japan was identical to the one that was built here. We need North American-focused product now, and we've done that."
Holding Mazda back in the United States is a shortage of its small Mazda3 car and Mazda5 minivan.
"We are limited on production, and we're limited on volume because we're selling them when we get our hands on them," O'Sullivan said.
"I need substantially more Mazda3s and Mazda5s in this market -- several thousands more. I've got my hands up." -end quote
It is darn ironic that the global design Mazda3 is the best selling Mazda without having a NA focused design just for NA. Also ironic that global designed Mazda5 is in short supply.
Jim criticized dealers for asking for a pickup when a pickup does not fit the Mazda brand. Here again, I disagree, Mazda sells a pickup everywhere except US and the BT-50 would be a nice addition to Mazda in the US and would fit the brand. The problem is that Mazda allowed Ford to sell it's Ranger as a Mazda in the US when Mazda had and still has a superior product in the BT-50 to sell.
The hatch version of the 6 did not sell well at all in some areas, and in some areas sales were good. Roughly 30% of sales at local dealer were hatch. Wagons were difficult to sell.
I wish Mazda well with the current 6 as I like Mazda products and want them to continue to be successful, I just don't like the changes made to the NA version of the 6 and I have the extreme view that a V6 was not even needed.
Midsize cars with four cylinders don't sell in the US. Hatches don't sell in the US. Small cars with premium features don't sell in the US. Fuel economy is not important in the US. Well...........what was true last year may not be true this year.......
First of all, the 6 is certainly not larger than its competition. Altima, Camry and Accord are all similar sized and using similar powertrains.
I guess you can critisize Mazda for not being ahead of the curve but it's obvious that no one was attuned to what was going to happen to oil prices this year. It is legitimate to say that Mazda had the ability to go with the euro-jdm model since it exists and was certainly not an unacceptable vehicle for the NA market. Once again, if I had my druthers I'd choose the euro-jdm 5 door but I can't critisize Mazda for a decision that they needed a bigger car to compete here since the current smaller 6 never was competitive saleswise with the others. Don't forget that the 2002 Altima was a much larger car than its predicessor and it was that change that brought about the vehicle becoming a real competitor with CamCord.
I think we should be glad we have an alternative to the fugly Accord and the blander than bland Camry (SE is an exception). I currently own the Altima (2003) but have never been in love with the style. 4cyl. gets me 22 city-29 highway (about what the new 6 is expected to get.) A mile or two more mpg wouldn't sway my choice. If this car is to big for some there is always the new 3 which will be out in a year or so. Hey, I wish they still made the Protege5.
I agree with most of Altimate's comments. A smart marketing move would be to bring in the Euro/World 5-Door and Wagon now that Ford has seen the light. I own a 2007 6 5-Door and love it. Also, BTW, I also wish they still made the Protege5. My wife bought one in 2002 and loved it. I'm looking forward to the new 3. From what I've seen on Leftlane it looks great. :shades:
fully agreed. They can still bring a euro version w/hatch and wagon and call it "Mazda 6 Euro". Let the consumers choose between 2 cars in your brand, as opposed to the competition. Now that development is done for both cars, this is a best option, imho.
Midsize cars with four cylinders don't sell in the US.........what was true last year may not be true this year.......
You certainly are correct about that, I believe I read that Fusion sales are now 70% 4 cylinder and GM is selling like 75% 4 cylinders in vehicles where buyers have a choice. Predicting that in advance is the difficult part, however. the real "blame" lies with the American consumer...who are (thank goodness...actually, thanks to gas prices) finally seemingly over this silly love affair with the SUV.
The outgoing version did not have a hatch in US initally, either. I doubt they would now develop a US only hatch, though. If they brought the Euro one with only minor changes, I don't know that they would need to call in anything other than the Mazda6 5 door...or maybe the Mazda6 5 door .
Well, I tried to get a bit of info on the 6 today by going to a local dealer (Troy, MI).
After standing in the showroom for approximately 15 minutes without anyone coming near me, I left. It was busy and the salepeople seemed to be with customers but there was a receptionist and several managment types in plain view of me and they were more than happy to ignore me. Now I know why I've been out of the new car market for almost 6 years. It's not a lot fun. My profession sadly forces me to deal almost daily with incompetant civil service types and I'm ususally beside myself after talking to these people. This probably makes the car buying experience that much more aggravating to me since I get enough of this abuse at work.
All I really wanted to find out today is whether this dealer would take S-Plan on the 6. I guess I'll try email for this type of thing.
Hi Altima, You must live in the Detorit area. I also went to Suburban Mazda (Troy, MI.) were I bought my 2007 6 5-door and asked for a brochure. They didn't have anything yet. I looked at the model line-up and pricing at MazdaUSA.com and they've got it all screwed up. My 2007 was a i4 Touring w/ Sunroof, heated leather(poor quality leather) and 6-CD changer standard. The new model packages and pricing are not as good. Rodman :shades:
I am getting ready to return my leased G35 by October. I am planning on going a little more economical this time and the Accord in on my short list. I would sure like to add the new Mazda6 but I'm really concerned how well they are going to lease. I'm sure hoping they come with some killer lease rates that allow the 6 to be on par with the Accord with regards to leasing.
2005 G35 Sedan 2007 G35 Sedan 2008 G37 Sedan 2010 G37 Coupe 2012 G37 Sedan 2014 Q50 RWD 2017 Q60 3.0t RWD 2018 QX60 RWD
I picked up a brochure yesterday. I am still not sold on the styling, and while it grew in the back seat the driver's area is about the same.
It looks like you have to move up to the Touring model now to get a sunroof. Thats not too big a deal to me because I would probably have gone with the Touring anyway but it mat alienate some.
The 17" alloys look awful and will be a bear to keep clean and the !8" alloys are not available with the 2.5L. If the brake dust is as bad as my '03 wagon was they may need to be replaced.
I am hoping their is still a good selection of "08's around when the '09 gets here so I can compare them side by side. If the 2.5L is not a big jump over the 2.3L I may just save the $5k and go with the '08.
My first Mazda6 is on a truck headed to my dealer as we speak. It's an s GT in Performance White. I should have this car early next week. I will check back once I give it a test drive!
Do you have any idea what dealers are planning on charging for the new 6 when it arrives. I we looking at sticker for a while? also any idea on lease residuals/MF's?
2005 G35 Sedan 2007 G35 Sedan 2008 G37 Sedan 2010 G37 Coupe 2012 G37 Sedan 2014 Q50 RWD 2017 Q60 3.0t RWD 2018 QX60 RWD
All dealers were given 7 Mazda6's speced the way Mazda wanted. Dealers had no say. Those first 7 are making their way from the factory (Flat Rock, MI) to their respective ports. Mine here in the North East in Jersey City, NJ. I have one on the truck, and 3 others sitting at the port.
I think Mazda is trying to give every dealer one at the same time, and filter them out from there to be fair to everyone.
...and I'm still disappointed...at least with the color choices. Anyone wanting a stick had better like dark gray, red, silver or blk...and be prepared to get ONLY the black interior.
I was at my dealership yesterday here in Grand Rapids, MI and my salesman said their first 6's will arrive this week. I was looking at the brochure and have some reservations as well. My wife asked if I'd seriously consider it and the salesman stepped in and said its not for me. He says its not an enthusiast's car. BTW, I have a 2006 3 hatch and my wife drives a 2008 5. He expects the demographic to be primarily 35+ yrs. I'll still test drive it for sure.
I too am disappointed with the color limitations on manual transmission models. I had my mind made up about buying a Black Cherry/Beige interior 09 Mazda 6 but now I am Zoom Zooming away from Mazda. Why should the transmission have an effect on color choices? The availability of a manual transmission is one thing that lures buyers away from the big three. Another thing worth mentioning is that the new Mazda 6 does NOT have a stainless steel exhaust system. The car companies generally claim the reason for this is to save weight. I say it is to cut manufacturing costs.
Do the previous model yrs have stainless? Do most other midsizers have stainless? Is having the stainless a lot better and why? I can understand that the system will not rust out as soon, or at all I guess, but are there other big advantages and are they big enough to really be concerned about? Tks.
A number of other cars have SS exhaust - I assume it's mainly for longevity. For the typical customer that keeps their car for 7-8 years, it's a non issue.
I had a 93 LaSabre that had the exhaust system replaced under warranty at about three years old. Never put an exhaust system on it and gave it away last year. To tell you the truth, I don't know if it had a SS exhaust system or not?
Now that the cars are actually here, and the Mazda website has put them front and center, will our Edmunds host be moving this thread off future vehicles and onto the Mazda thread as the 2009 Mazda6? Might be a way to generate some more comments from more folks who would be looking for the discussion on the Mazda thread.
Rather than complaining to other consumers every week... Mazda North American Operations P.O. Box 19734 Irvine, CA 92623-9734 Attn: Customer Assistance Center 1-800-222-5500 :P
Hey, I think I figured out why the color choices for MT models are so limited. That's so they won't sell very many and then they can say, "see, the manual transmission models don't sell, everybody wants an automatic".
Tuesday means Mazda chat night! The chat opens at 8:45 pm ET and runs until 10 pm ET. I hope you're able to join us tonight to meet and greet with your fellow CarSpace members! See you there!
Ok everyone, here we go. I finally drove both V6 and I4 versions of the 2009 Mazda6 with the automatic transmissions. Here are my thoughts....
Let's start with the 4 cyl. I drove the GT trim. First off, it is a very very comfortable car. Seats are firm, yet supportive and wide. Since I already own a first gen Mazda6, the control placement looked very familiar and easy to use. Mazda did a very good job of not giving us unnecessesary buttons and controls. Now I'm comfortable and ready to drive. I like the "push to start" button, and when you turn the car on, there is a nice warming series of sounds that go off. I assume that is part of the "welcome mode". The engine from the start sounds just like the 2.3L. So, i put it into drive and off I go. It was 90 degrees here today, so I had the inside temp set at 60 (A/C on). Acceleration at first was sluggish, however, at around 2,000 rpm's the car had life (more so then the 2.3L which did not take off until 3,000 rpm's). The engine is much quieter then the 2.3L and is very very smooth. The tranny also shifted seamlessly in all 5 gears. This car is a bit quicker then the first gen Mazda6. Well, we all know that Mazda is not about just 0-60, so, my next task was to hit the back roads of CT and take on some corners. The steering is just as crisp as the first gen, however, the car does not respond as quick, but, better then the Accord and way better then the Camry (both I drove last night anticipating my Mazda6 drive today). Body roll is kept to a minimum, and the tires gripped the road quite well. Braking is what is it on my Mazda6, firm and very responsive. The car does not do a nose dive in heavy braking situations.
While driving, I left the audio system off so I can hear the road noise and engine sounds. Both have been dramatically reduced to very faint sounds. I put the fuel econ system to work and did not get an accurate reading for the 15 miles I put on it. I would assume a few tank fulls are required for optimum accuracy.
Now for the V6. Again, it is a GT. The interior is the exact same. The engine has a little deep sound, just like the CX-9 (same engine). Off the line was a bit slower then I expected. Once 2nd gear kicked in, the car took off and I was pushed into my seat a bit. Now that's what I'm talkin about!! The Aisin 6-speed tranny is very smooth and there is no shift shock or gear hunting that I observed. Very fun car to drive simply because of the power the car has. It is not as fast as a Mazdaspeed6, nor as sharp, however still very fun and capable of suiting the performance desires of those looking for a V6 and are content with an auto tranny.
Overall, I really like the car. I really really like the interior the best. Very high quality. IMO it is far superior to the Camry and Altima in terms of materials used and build quality. It is on par with Honda in those areas, however, I give the Mazda6 the nod because it's user friendly lay out. The exterior leaves something to be desired. I like the front and side profiles, 18" alloys. the rear from some angles looks funny and I do not car for the 17" "snow flake" rims.
Mazda should have a hit on their hands. I suggest you all go drive it and form your own opinions. Take mine for what they are worth. I do think Mazda did a good job.
Thanks for all the info. How did the quality of the GT interior compare to the Sport model that you got in. I realize there are more bells and whistles in the GT but how the material quality?
Also, are the snowflake alloys the only choice for wheels on the GT? What about the Touring? The interior has now has very similar dimensions to the Accord. How was it for roominess like shoulder room in comparison to the first generation?
You're right, I'll have to go check it out when my local dealer gets some in and compare to my 07 SV I4 auto.
The service manager called me yesterday to say that the truck just pulled up with a few new Mazda6's on board, so I stopped after work to check them out. They had six of them: 2 S GT (performance white, kona blue), 2 I GT (black cherry and kona blue), 1 S touring (performance white), and 1 I touring (comet gray). They had not been prepped for showroom duty, so I wasn't allowed to drive them, but I spent some time in the S GT (what I most likely would buy).
Styling: Always purely subjective, I know, but as many others have said, pictures don't do it justice. The RX-8 fenders may seem awkward in pics, but are much smoother in person, and are definitely unique. The headlights look great in person, and the front end doesn't look as bland. The rear end is sporty, with the LED tails and the slightly-lipped trunklid. The V6 exhaust cutouts aren't the best, but at least they look better executed than the MS6. The 4-cylinder exhaust is only a single setup (with dual outlets) on the passenger side, and not too impressive in my book. The rear wing spoiler is now a dealer accessory. Overall: A very modern, smooth design, not blocky and awkward like the Accord, more exciting than a Camry, a large step above the Altima, and it makes the current 6 look like it was from 1987. Again, IMO.
Interior: One word: classy. This is leagues above my current '04 6, both in materials and fit-and-finish. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive, with improved-quality leather. The dash and gauges are easily readable, and the orange lighting with blue halos around the gauges are subtle but nice. As Aviboy mentioned, controls are easy to find and sensibly laid out (unlike the 87 buttons the Accord uses). My only gripe is the push-button start button placed in the lower left corner of the center stack, which could seem to be easily brushed or pushed in day-to-day use. The auto climate control system FINALLY has dual temperature zones, and works well, cooling down a hot car in minutes, and the steering controls are easy to use, and include Bluetooth controls as well. In terms of materials and fit-and-finish, it handily beats the Camry, Altima, and every other midsize sedan on the market today, and it's even better than the almighty Accord (which seemed to cheap out on the materials for the current gen).
IMO, the boy-racers that liked the first-gen may be disappointed, but Mazda did what they needed to do to make this car competitive against the Accord, Camry, and Altima. It's a HUGE step up in fit-and-finish, styling, and class.
Thanks for the review. You must be at a larger Mazda dealer to get your first shipment so early. I called 3 dealers in the Philadelphia area and none are expecting their first 6 until Friday this week.
mz6greyghost - did you get to sit in the Touring model with the cloth seats. Hopefully the material is better the the cloth in my '03 .
We do have a i Sport in Onyx Black with the beige interior. The seat material is much better then the 1st gen. There is no "zebra" finish around the center console, which I really really like in the Touring and GT trims. The gauges are not electroilluminecent, but rather traditional white numbers and a black background. The door materials are soft to the touch, as well as the door fabric. For an entry level Mazda6, it is much much better then the 08 i Value Edition, and light years ahead of your 2003. The 16" wheel covers are not as bad as I suspected. They are nicer then the Accord and Camry covers, but, Nissan does a better job with their Altima's covers.
Interior room is vastly improved. I spent much of my free time yesterday driving the Mazda6's and poking around in them trying to learn the new features. When I went home in my 2005, I felt cramped. I peered into my back seat and saw how much smaller the 1st gen really is. What I really like about the 2009 is even though there is a lot of room, the drivers position still gives you a "cockpit type feel". I am 6'3" and had plenty of head room (even with a moon roof) lots of shoulder room and more then enough leg room. The rear space is plenty for 2 very large adults. Three kids can fit back there with ease.
I see you agree with me about the interior of the new Mazda6 and how it is really now best in class. You also own a new Altima in addition to your Mazda6, right?
I see you agree with me about the interior of the new Mazda6 and how it is really now best in class. You also own a new Altima in addition to your Mazda6, right?
Correct. A 2007 2.5S with Convenience Plus package to be exact.
The push-button start system is almost identical in both cars. The Altima also has electroluminescent gauges, but they're white and orange, which IMO is too harsh on the eyes compared to the 6. The 6 has better plastic textures, along with the "zebra" (that you mentioned) and silver trim on the center console and dash, which IMO is also a step up from the Altima, which is all black, and somber-looking in comparison.
I've also spent some time in a '08 Accord and Malibu LTZ (both owned by co-workers), and I'll agree, the 6 as a whole is best-in-class as far as the interior is concerned.
Comments
I wouldn't use that as an indicator. The 09 Sonatas have been selling for months and the dealers still don't have brochures yet. Of course using Hyundai as an example may not be applicable either. They can't seem to get their website right either.
I have heard that the Sonata has a SE 4 cylinder on the '09's but have yet to see one in their literature or online pricing options. Maybe with gas prices they scrambled at the last minute and threw one in it and did not tell their printer.
It just should not be that difficult to obtain accurate information on a product in these price ranges. It's pretty pathetic when you think about it. I can call Sony and get the exact info I need through phone or email on an item that costs less than $100.
We will be accepting S-Plan on the new Mazda6. This car is HUGE for Mazda. They need this car to get rolling, and FAST, which means a good lease program and special financing. No word yet on what support Mazda is going to give it. A really big ad campaign is needed too, and I'm not talking about the cheesy ones Mazda is known for
I look at this situation as Mazda providing a very attractive and reasonably priced car for those who won't or can't afford more expensive ($30,000+) vehicles.
I think Jim is on the wrong path and I believe the global Mazda6 would sell better than the NA focused 6. Mazda has gone larger, heavier and less fuel efficient with the 6 and I think this is a strategy lacking long term planning and vision.
quote Jim Sullivan-
"The previous-generation Mazda6 was built to fit the needs of the global market," he said. "The Mazda6 that was built in Japan was identical to the one that was built here. We need North American-focused product now, and we've done that."
Holding Mazda back in the United States is a shortage of its small Mazda3 car and Mazda5 minivan.
"We are limited on production, and we're limited on volume because we're selling them when we get our hands on them," O'Sullivan said.
"I need substantially more Mazda3s and Mazda5s in this market -- several thousands more. I've got my hands up." -end quote
It is darn ironic that the global design Mazda3 is the best selling Mazda without having a NA focused design just for NA. Also ironic that global designed Mazda5 is in short supply.
Jim criticized dealers for asking for a pickup when a pickup does not fit the Mazda brand. Here again, I disagree, Mazda sells a pickup everywhere except US and the BT-50 would be a nice addition to Mazda in the US and would fit the brand. The problem is that Mazda allowed Ford to sell it's Ranger as a Mazda in the US when Mazda had and still has a superior product in the BT-50 to sell.
The hatch version of the 6 did not sell well at all in some areas, and in some areas sales were good. Roughly 30% of sales at local dealer were hatch. Wagons were difficult to sell.
I wish Mazda well with the current 6 as I like Mazda products and want them to continue to be successful, I just don't like the changes made to the NA version of the 6 and I have the extreme view that a V6 was not even needed.
Midsize cars with four cylinders don't sell in the US. Hatches don't sell in the US. Small cars with premium features don't sell in the US. Fuel economy is not important in the US.
Well...........what was true last year may not be true this year.......
I guess you can critisize Mazda for not being ahead of the curve but it's obvious that no one was attuned to what was going to happen to oil prices this year. It is legitimate to say that Mazda had the ability to go with the euro-jdm model since it exists and was certainly not an unacceptable vehicle for the NA market. Once again, if I had my druthers I'd choose the euro-jdm 5 door but I can't critisize Mazda for a decision that they needed a bigger car to compete here since the current smaller 6 never was competitive saleswise with the others. Don't forget that the 2002 Altima was a much larger car than its predicessor and it was that change that brought about the vehicle becoming a real competitor with CamCord.
I think we should be glad we have an alternative to the fugly Accord and the blander than bland Camry (SE is an exception). I currently own the Altima (2003) but have never been in love with the style. 4cyl. gets me 22 city-29 highway (about what the new 6 is expected to get.) A mile or two more mpg wouldn't sway my choice. If this car is to big for some there is always the new 3 which will be out in a year or so. Hey, I wish they still made the Protege5.
You certainly are correct about that, I believe I read that Fusion sales are now 70% 4 cylinder and GM is selling like 75% 4 cylinders in vehicles where buyers have a choice. Predicting that in advance is the difficult part, however. the real "blame" lies with the American consumer...who are (thank goodness...actually, thanks to gas prices) finally seemingly over this silly love affair with the SUV.
The outgoing version did not have a hatch in US initally, either. I doubt they would now develop a US only hatch, though. If they brought the Euro one with only minor changes, I don't know that they would need to call in anything other than the Mazda6 5 door...or maybe the Mazda6 5 door
After standing in the showroom for approximately 15 minutes without anyone coming near me, I left. It was busy and the salepeople seemed to be with customers but there was a receptionist and several managment types in plain view of me and they were more than happy to ignore me. Now I know why I've been out of the new car market for almost 6 years. It's not a lot fun. My profession sadly forces me to deal almost daily with incompetant civil service types and I'm ususally beside myself after talking to these people. This probably makes the car buying experience that much more aggravating to me since I get enough of this abuse at work.
All I really wanted to find out today is whether this dealer would take S-Plan on the 6. I guess I'll try email for this type of thing.
You must live in the Detorit area. I also went to Suburban Mazda (Troy, MI.) were I bought my 2007 6 5-door and asked for a brochure. They didn't have anything yet. I looked at the model line-up and pricing at MazdaUSA.com and they've got it all screwed up.
My 2007 was a i4 Touring w/ Sunroof, heated leather(poor quality leather) and 6-CD changer standard. The new model packages and pricing are not as good.
Rodman :shades:
2005 G35 Sedan2007 G35 Sedan
2008 G37 Sedan
2010 G37 Coupe
2012 G37 Sedan
2014 Q50 RWD
2017 Q60 3.0t RWD
2018 QX60 RWD
http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2009-6_us-spec/800x600/wallpaper_7c.htm
http://www.netcarshow.com/mazda/2009-6_us-spec/800x600/wallpaper_7d.htm
It looks like you have to move up to the Touring model now to get a sunroof. Thats not too big a deal to me because I would probably have gone with the Touring anyway but it mat alienate some.
The 17" alloys look awful and will be a bear to keep clean and the !8" alloys are not available with the 2.5L. If the brake dust is as bad as my '03 wagon was they may need to be replaced.
I am hoping their is still a good selection of "08's around when the '09 gets here so I can compare them side by side. If the 2.5L is not a big jump over the 2.3L I may just save the $5k and go with the '08.
My first Mazda6 is on a truck headed to my dealer as we speak. It's an s GT in Performance White. I should have this car early next week. I will check back once I give it a test drive!
2005 G35 Sedan2007 G35 Sedan
2008 G37 Sedan
2010 G37 Coupe
2012 G37 Sedan
2014 Q50 RWD
2017 Q60 3.0t RWD
2018 QX60 RWD
I think Mazda is trying to give every dealer one at the same time, and filter them out from there to be fair to everyone.
36 month lease residual is 54%
2005 G35 Sedan2007 G35 Sedan
2008 G37 Sedan
2010 G37 Coupe
2012 G37 Sedan
2014 Q50 RWD
2017 Q60 3.0t RWD
2018 QX60 RWD
Mazda North American Operations
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623-9734
Attn: Customer Assistance Center
1-800-222-5500
:P
See you there!
Let's start with the 4 cyl. I drove the GT trim. First off, it is a very very comfortable car. Seats are firm, yet supportive and wide. Since I already own a first gen Mazda6, the control placement looked very familiar and easy to use. Mazda did a very good job of not giving us unnecessesary buttons and controls. Now I'm comfortable and ready to drive. I like the "push to start" button, and when you turn the car on, there is a nice warming series of sounds that go off. I assume that is part of the "welcome mode". The engine from the start sounds just like the 2.3L. So, i put it into drive and off I go. It was 90 degrees here today, so I had the inside temp set at 60 (A/C on). Acceleration at first was sluggish, however, at around 2,000 rpm's the car had life (more so then the 2.3L which did not take off until 3,000 rpm's). The engine is much quieter then the 2.3L and is very very smooth. The tranny also shifted seamlessly in all 5 gears. This car is a bit quicker then the first gen Mazda6. Well, we all know that Mazda is not about just 0-60, so, my next task was to hit the back roads of CT and take on some corners. The steering is just as crisp as the first gen, however, the car does not respond as quick, but, better then the Accord and way better then the Camry (both I drove last night anticipating my Mazda6 drive today). Body roll is kept to a minimum, and the tires gripped the road quite well. Braking is what is it on my Mazda6, firm and very responsive. The car does not do a nose dive in heavy braking situations.
While driving, I left the audio system off so I can hear the road noise and engine sounds. Both have been dramatically reduced to very faint sounds. I put the fuel econ system to work and did not get an accurate reading for the 15 miles I put on it. I would assume a few tank fulls are required for optimum accuracy.
Now for the V6. Again, it is a GT. The interior is the exact same. The engine has a little deep sound, just like the CX-9 (same engine). Off the line was a bit slower then I expected. Once 2nd gear kicked in, the car took off and I was pushed into my seat a bit. Now that's what I'm talkin about!! The Aisin 6-speed tranny is very smooth and there is no shift shock or gear hunting that I observed. Very fun car to drive simply because of the power the car has. It is not as fast as a Mazdaspeed6, nor as sharp, however still very fun and capable of suiting the performance desires of those looking for a V6 and are content with an auto tranny.
Overall, I really like the car. I really really like the interior the best. Very high quality. IMO it is far superior to the Camry and Altima in terms of materials used and build quality. It is on par with Honda in those areas, however, I give the Mazda6 the nod because it's user friendly lay out. The exterior leaves something to be desired. I like the front and side profiles, 18" alloys. the rear from some angles looks funny and I do not car for the 17" "snow flake" rims.
Mazda should have a hit on their hands. I suggest you all go drive it and form your own opinions. Take mine for what they are worth. I do think Mazda did a good job.
Also, are the snowflake alloys the only choice for wheels on the GT? What about the Touring? The interior has now has very similar dimensions to the Accord. How was it for roominess like shoulder room in comparison to the first generation?
You're right, I'll have to go check it out when my local dealer gets some in and compare to my 07 SV I4 auto.
Styling: Always purely subjective, I know, but as many others have said, pictures don't do it justice. The RX-8 fenders may seem awkward in pics, but are much smoother in person, and are definitely unique. The headlights look great in person, and the front end doesn't look as bland. The rear end is sporty, with the LED tails and the slightly-lipped trunklid. The V6 exhaust cutouts aren't the best, but at least they look better executed than the MS6. The 4-cylinder exhaust is only a single setup (with dual outlets) on the passenger side, and not too impressive in my book. The rear wing spoiler is now a dealer accessory. Overall: A very modern, smooth design, not blocky and awkward like the Accord, more exciting than a Camry, a large step above the Altima, and it makes the current 6 look like it was from 1987. Again, IMO.
Interior: One word: classy. This is leagues above my current '04 6, both in materials and fit-and-finish. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive, with improved-quality leather. The dash and gauges are easily readable, and the orange lighting with blue halos around the gauges are subtle but nice. As Aviboy mentioned, controls are easy to find and sensibly laid out (unlike the 87 buttons the Accord uses). My only gripe is the push-button start button placed in the lower left corner of the center stack, which could seem to be easily brushed or pushed in day-to-day use. The auto climate control system FINALLY has dual temperature zones, and works well, cooling down a hot car in minutes, and the steering controls are easy to use, and include Bluetooth controls as well. In terms of materials and fit-and-finish, it handily beats the Camry, Altima, and every other midsize sedan on the market today, and it's even better than the almighty Accord (which seemed to cheap out on the materials for the current gen).
IMO, the boy-racers that liked the first-gen may be disappointed, but Mazda did what they needed to do to make this car competitive against the Accord, Camry, and Altima. It's a HUGE step up in fit-and-finish, styling, and class.
Driving impressions are forthcoming (hopefully).
mz6greyghost - did you get to sit in the Touring model with the cloth seats. Hopefully the material is better the the cloth in my '03 .
Interior room is vastly improved. I spent much of my free time yesterday driving the Mazda6's and poking around in them trying to learn the new features. When I went home in my 2005, I felt cramped. I peered into my back seat and saw how much smaller the 1st gen really is. What I really like about the 2009 is even though there is a lot of room, the drivers position still gives you a "cockpit type feel". I am 6'3" and had plenty of head room (even with a moon roof) lots of shoulder room and more then enough leg room. The rear space is plenty for 2 very large adults. Three kids can fit back there with ease.
Correct. A 2007 2.5S with Convenience Plus package to be exact.
The push-button start system is almost identical in both cars. The Altima also has electroluminescent gauges, but they're white and orange, which IMO is too harsh on the eyes compared to the 6. The 6 has better plastic textures, along with the "zebra" (that you mentioned) and silver trim on the center console and dash, which IMO is also a step up from the Altima, which is all black, and somber-looking in comparison.
I've also spent some time in a '08 Accord and Malibu LTZ (both owned by co-workers), and I'll agree, the 6 as a whole is best-in-class as far as the interior is concerned.