2009 Mazda6

backy

How do you think the interior of the Mazda6 compares to that of the 2009 Sonata, which has been favorably compared to other mid-sizers?

aviboy97

I have not been in a 2009 Sonata. I have heard very good things about that car too.

geneseedepot

Some dealers have pics up already...the base model without the fog lights looks kinda bare from the front with that large dark swath under the bumper. The way they cap the holes for the fogs looks pretty cheap. Other than that, looks pretty nice for a base model.

geneseedepot

I guess "cheap" isn't a good description - it's not any different than any other fog light hole being plugged. The fact that there isn't a designed "place" for the fog lights makes it look weird when nothing is there.

austinman7

aviboy97,

The 2009 Mazda6 has almost 6 cubic feet more interior volume that its predecessor. Does it seem to you that the increase is split 50/50 between front and back seating areas, or more to one than the other, and how noticable do you think it is overall? And, how is headroom in the rear, in light of the roofline that slopes more like a coupe than sedan?

Also, do you feel like you have a commanding driving view? Some cars, as they raise the beltline to encase you more in the car (good idea for safety) leave you with a kind of tunnel vision effect out the front. I found this to be true, for me, in the new Malibu, which is an overall nice car.

Thanks.

mz6greyghost

If I may say so...

Does it seem to you that the increase is split 50/50 between front and back seating areas, or more to one than the other, and how noticable do you think it is overall?

I noticed a slight difference in the front seat, but a HUGE difference in back, so I think the added length and volume went to rear seat passengers more than the front.

Also, do you feel like you have a commanding driving view?

I didn't drive it, but sitting behind the wheel in the '09 felt no different vision-wise compared to my '04, which IMO has a lower cowl than the Altima and Malibu.

aviboy97

Right on.

I did find more shoulder width room in the front. The majority of the room improvement has been made in the rear. Even with the extreme rear window rake, there is plenty of head room.

I did not notice any impaired vision issues behind the wheel. I really found visibility to be pretty good, even with a high belt line.

exit123

Out of curiousity I looked at pricing vs the Accord and it looks very comparable. In fact, I'll bet that if you compared the Altima/Accord/Camry/Malibu/Mazda6 they would all be priced very close. Features and size are very similar too. So, I have to wonder, why would people choose the Mazda6 over the others, as it looks like Mazda has created just another "me too" midsize sedan. Ok, it looks cooler (I think it looks like a Lexus IS 250) and early reports are that it handles better, but quality is not likely to match Toyota or Honda. Since it has already been stated by some here that the previous gen Mazda6 was a failure because most people won't buy it just for better styling and handling, why would that change with the new model?

kingpcgeek

Chances are I won't get a Mazda6 because I lease cars. The lease payment of a similarly priced Accord and Mazda6 are going to be substantially different because the residuals are so much better on a Honda. That is why I would never bother to step on a Hyundai lot even if the Sonata is a good car and has a great price.

jmahtews13

I don't know what kind of lease payment you are looking for but my dealer said a payment for an i Touring is going to be about $300 to $360.

mz6greyghost

It's not what the previous-gen had (the "better styling and handling", as you said), it was what the previous-gen did NOT have (a larger back seat, better quality interior, ESC, better horsepower) that hurt sales IMO.

kingpcgeek

An Accord EX-L V6 can be leased for $350 - $375. Heck I have a deal in front of me for an Acura TL with $800 down for $380 a month for 36 months.

backy

Yes. In fact, if the 2008 Mazda6i VE had ESC, it would be high on my "consider" list for my next car. It may not be the roomiest mid-sizer, but it's roomy enough in back for my needs, is fun to drive, good looking, and a heckofa value.

aviboy97

From my first impression, the 09 Mazda6 is of higher quality then Toyota Camry. Build quality is on par with Honda Accord, however, the interior is more user friendly. Neither Honda, Toyota or Nissan have an edge in quality over the new Mazda6. None. Both engines are also very smooth, not raspy, and all tranny's shift seamlessly.

Now, if you are talking reliability, then it is documented that Honda and Toyota have a better track record, however, the Mazda6 is a recommended buy with every consumer publication.

Bottom line, Mazda stepped up to the plate and they can seriously be a contender in the mid-sized market. Remember, competition improves the breed. Honda and Toyota are not going to run away with sale after sale like they always have with the way others have stepped up in this segment (Altima/Sonata and Mazda6).

chikoo

We have a 1999 ES300, 2001 RX300, 2006 Odyssey and the 2003 Mazda6s (and 1999 Protege ES - totalled after 5 years).

Personal preferences aside, the reliability of all 5 vehicles are identical, in that none have seen the shop any more than the other or have problems popping every now and then. touchwood.

madpistol

Unfortunately, the midsize car market is all about consumer acceptance; if the majority of consumers likes the car, then the car will be a sales success. My family has been a straight-ticket Toyota for the last 10 years. However, I bought an Altima this time around. Why? Because I believe that it's a better car for the money than the Camry... and the Camry corners like a cow. :P

If Mazda captures the "Best Car for the Money" title, then it's sure to be a success.

snoopy316

I just got back from my local Mazda Dealership here in CT. They claimed to be the only mazda dealer in the state that had this car in stock. I took it out for a test drive and was very impressed with it.

It was a 2009 Mazda 6, v6 Grand Touring. The car drove unbelievable. It was very powerful, the inside was very nice, and the build quality was very good as well. I have driven the Lexus is350 and it reminds me of that car very much. The interior is very similar and the exterior has some shades of the Lexus.

The Mazda6 felt like a luxury car and i have to admit i was very impressed. The ride was extremely quiet, Mazda has completely outdone themselves with this car. When more come in stock, I will def be buying one.

If you didn't like the way the car looked in the pictures online, go see one in person, its much better.

austinman7

Stopped by my local dealer after work tonight and found they had three in stock -- an s GT, i GT, and i Sport. My initial overall impression -- this is a very cool car.

I didn't have time to drive one, but since my salesperson wasn't working today, they left me alone (a rare treat, in my car shopping experience) to explore the s GT in the showroom. It was black cherry -- a really nice color. Beige leather. Moonroof. Just from these initial observations, sitting in it, walking around it, etc., I would put it at least one light year ahead of its predecessor, maybe two.

I found the interior to be spacious, comfy, and accomodating. A nitpick -- the side of the center console is a little closer to my leg than I prefer, but it didn't touch, so no big deal. I loved the ergonomics from the driver's seat -- nice view forward, and everything seemed to be well laid out. The back seat was the biggest surprise, considering the coupe-like slope of the roofline. Headroom (for this six-footer) was very impressive -- I really wasn't close to touching. They've scooped the seats out a little to help in this regard. Legroom was just so nice. Reminds me of the new '08 Accord that I also shopped. The back seat overall is very inviting -- I felt I could be very comfy back there, even for an extended trip.

Since I haven't driven it, that's about it. I like the exterior styling -- it says sporty much more than the Camry or Accord, IMO. Besides the black cherry, the i GT was silver (very pleasing) and the i Sport was Sangria red -- fine if you like a strong red.

I'm going to trade my 04 4 cyl. Accord for a V6 sedan very soon. I've paid serious shopping attention so far to Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion, and Malibu. I would put this new Mazda6 at the top of the list for the moment -- test drive pending, of course. Nice job, Mazda!

altimate

I did confirm today with a local dealer that S-Plan is available on the M6. Since I have no desire to pay near sticker given the many deals that are out there that is significant.

Aviboy, do you know the exact discount off of MSRP under S-Plan. I think X-Plan was something like 2% under invoice. I'd appreciate the info if you have it.

Also, I'm not in love with the 17"s and wonder whether a dealer might be willing to switch with some aftermarkets that they may have access to. In your experience is this something that they might do?

aviboy97

They are lying! I am a CT dealer, and I have 4 in stock. I've had them since Monday. Who is your local dealer?

aviboy97

Aviboy, do you know the exact discount off of MSRP under S-Plan. I think X-Plan was something like 2% under invoice. I'd appreciate the info if you have it.

Mazda only offers S-Plan for participating companies, which is invoice. If you are an employee of Mazda Motor Corp. you get E-Plan, while is well below invoice.

I'll be honest with you, in sales it's always about making all you can when you can. However, after negotiation's have reached a stand still and it's worth making the deal, I make it. That's all I can really say. If someone comes in and offers me $500 over invoice, I'm going to try and get $1,000. If I can't, I can't. No biggie and I make waht ever I can get within reason. Make sense?

m6user

So, I have to wonder, why would people choose the Mazda6 over the others, as it looks like Mazda has created just another "me too" midsize sedan. Ok, it looks cooler (I think it looks like a Lexus IS 250) and early reports are that it handles better, but quality is not likely to match Toyota or Honda.

They would buy it because it looks cooler and handles better. Gee, you answered your own question. As far as quality goes, I have a 07 M6 VE I4 auto and just turned 16,000 miles with it. It has been to the Mazda dealer exactly three times in the year I've had it and each time was for routine oil change/rotation. One of those times I had to have one of the exhaust hangers adjusted which took all of 2 minutes. I had never owned a Mazda before but so far this car has been pretty much perfect. I know people with Camrys and Accords that have been in the shop for repairs several times in their first year of ownership. I fully realize I may be lucky but I also own a Tundra and that has not been trouble free either....new tranny 43000 miles. Anyway, I think the quality issue among these mid-sizers is becoming less of an issue.

mz6greyghost

How about my '04 6S sedan. It's got 69K hard miles on it, and the only issue I've had? A bad gas cap that tripped the CEL, replaced under warranty. No rattles, no recurring problems, no outstanding issues. This is compared to a co-workers '04 Accord that was back at the dealer a half dozen times for a variety of issues, followed by his brand-new '08 V6 that's causing the car to noticeably jerk when the fuel-saving feature kicks in, either that or the transmission is already on it's way out (he has less than 10K miles on it). The dealer can't figure it out just yet.

m6user is right. The quality issues between brands is virtually non-existent. It's convincing the general public that's going to be the challenge...

jmahtews13

Does anyone have any information on when Metro Detroit dealers will be getting the new 6s in or if any of them have any?

minarets2

i caled and asked today and none had any and none expected them soon. maybe it was just a typical "know-nothing" ales guy or poor communication between managment, but one dealer said they expected it sometime next week and the the 3 others said they expected it sometime by the end of the month.

surely it wont take that long

altimate

I was told at Suburban Mazda in Troy, Mi today that they are expecting vehicles in tomorrow (Thursday).

altimate

I just checked Mazda's cite and the indication is that S-Plan requires a relationship with a Mazda NA employee. I have a relative who is a Ford Motor employee and assumed that I could be eligible through him. Am I right or wrong?

maxamillion1

...they don't exist...yet...which doesn't surprise me...but what got me is when I called a local dealership in Greenville, SC and the salesmen told me they wouldn't be getting 09 Mazda6 models until November (LOL) I just hung up the phone. :P

sevenseas

I used to own a Mazda6 V6 (before an auto accident totalled it) , first year it came out. I'll be honest to say I did not like the Jatco transmission that came with it but Mazda replaced it with future model years. Other than some very minor recalls and interior design gripes I found it to be a reliable, fun car to drive. I have rented the Mazda6 4 cyl on two occasions and liked the fact that it was more tossable due to lighter engine. But I always felt their 4 cyl engine was weak. I have also rented out 4 cyl Honda Accords on two occasions and was very impressed with their engine which felt very responsive and powerful (for a 4 cyl engine). But interior build quality was weak. I currently own a Lexus IS300 and as much as I love the inline 6 engine, handling and build quality, comfort is lacking with its stock seats. By next near I plan on selling the car and will definitely have the newly designed 4 cyl Mazda6 on my list, now that Mazda has increased the power.

kingpcgeek

When I log in into the fordpartner.com web site with my company's partner code, the price lists for Mazda say S-Plan, and I am not a Mazda employee. In fact when going to a particular vehicle page it reads:

Mazda S-Plan is the highest discount currently available for Partner Recognition participants on Mazda vehicles. MAZDASPEED6 is not eligible for purchase or lease utilizing S-Plan.

aviboy97

That is correct. I think you meant to type "Mazdaspeed3". Mazda does not allow S-Plan on the Mazdaspeed3.

"Partner Recognition" is defined as companies that have a deal with Ford Motor Company and Mazda falls under that umbrella.

kingpcgeek

That is correct. I think you meant to type "Mazdaspeed3". Mazda does not allow S-Plan on the Mazdaspeed3.

That was a cut and paste from the web site.

aviboy97

Just to compare, my 2005 next to a 2009....

See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com<img src="

aviboy97

See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com<img src="

mlang2000

Still waiting for the 6 to arrive here. Just this morning I was quoted for a 3 year 36k mile lease with $0 down on a loaded with every option 09 Camry SE V6 with an MSRP just under $31,000. It goes for $354 + tax per month. Will a V6 GT with Bose & moonroof lease for that or less?

hoysum81

i just got the new 2009 mazda 6 yesterday from koeppel mazda. i have done so much research on cars for the past few days, weeks. spent countless hours. finally, i was going to get the altima, but luckily i didnt. i have test drove the new accord, the altima, and i have a 2009 camry SE. this 09 mazda 6 looks better then them all. i used to think the camry SE looks nice, but now, i think the new mazda 6 is the nicest. its beautiful, from outside to inside. also, it drives better then them all. 3.5 altima drives really good too, but not as good as the 09 mazda 6. my girlfriend hate cars, every car is like a machine to her, but when she saw this car yesterday, she was in awe. she really likes it. she thinks its beautiful, which it is. i have even test drove acura cars also. none of them compare to my 09 mazda 6 V6. its not perfect, but for the price, i dont see how you can complain, this car has it all. I am in love.
P.S. the dealer gave me $1500 off the msrp. i was the first person to get this car. i am not sure about other dealers, but koeppel is like the biggest mazda dealer, and they told me this is the first 09 mazda 6 sold in new york.

m6user

Congrats on your new 6. I see you are a new member so you should be aware of the rules. We expect a full scale review within the next few days and then we expect regular updates on quality, reliability, maint, etc. Oh, also you must post your mpg results also.

Just kidding but since you are the first to post about owning a new Mazda6 I, for one, am most curious to hear more about it as you experience it more.

austinman7

Congratulations on your purchase! Did you get the sport, touring, or grand touring?
What are the colors, exterior and interior?

Like many others here, I would encourage you to let us know your thoughts. Some of us (including me) are at the point of purchase and would really appreciate your feedback, good and bad (hopefully there won't be too much of the bad!). It would also be interesting to know your girlfriend's thoughts, since some of us may have that to consider also.

hoysum81

Hello everyone. that was a good one m6user, at first, i really thought those were the rules, haha. So far, after 2 days or so of driving it, no complains. like i said before, i had a 2009 camry SE, but it was a V4, so it only had 158 hp, which is the reason i sold it. that car had no power, no acceleration. It was really nice outside, but inside was very plain also, nothing special. the more i look at my mazda 6, the more i am in awe of it. its beautiful, especially the orange lights on the dashboard. but the main reason i am in love with this car is because it drives really really good. I can honestly say its as quiet as a camry, but way faster. smoother, quicker. my girlfriend loves the car, my mom loves it also. for the people that are looking for cars now, trust me. I have done countless research, test driven the so called 'good cars' and none of them are better then the 2009 mazda 6. I have a feeling this car will win MotorTrend's Car of the year award. crossing my fingers. by the way, i have a mazda 6 GT V6. I have not drove the V4, so really cant comment on that, but the V6 will definitely not disappoint. I know the V6 drinks more gas, but this is how i look at it. either way, you are going to spend money on gas, why not pay a little more and get the one that drives better. life is all about being happy, dont let a few miles less per gallon or so get prevent you from enjoying your ride, enjoying life. But if you test drive the V4 and think that is enough power for you, then that is good also. buy the car that makes you most happy.

mackrel

I also bought mine on Aug 6 (yesterday): Silver, V6, GT... What a well-put-together machine! The car handles like it's much lighter; it hugs into turns; it accelerates out of corners with authority; and gets up and goes from a dead stop. From the way it handles, it's hard to believe that it's bigger than the '08. Inside, it's roomy, and my head doesn't hit the roof (I'm 6'1") like the IS, C-Class, 3-series, and Altima coupe. The controls are intuitive and sleek, but not as busy and cluttered as the '09 TSX or '09 Accord V6. There's plenty of room in the back for a full-sized adult. I've spent three months looking at this car online, reading everything that is out there, and all of the positive reviews are true. This car is a genuine re-invention. I like what Car&Driver wrote. It should be called the Mazda7. The thing that is going to set this car apart is what you get for the money. I didn't get the Nav, but I did get the Moonroof/Bose package. Even with this upgrade, it didn't break my wallet at $30K. Look around. Where else do you get integrated Bluetooth, Xenon, the new Blindspot sensor system, rain-sensing wipers, a variable timed engine, push-button start, 272 horses mated to a real sports-tuned suspension, and all the new 21st Century features wrapped inside a sleek, modern body style? You don't. The TSX is nice, but costs more for less. The Accord V6 coupe is a hollow shell compared to this car. The G35 is tired. Lexus and BMW and Mecedes are nice, but way over-priced for what you get. The Camry is not even a comparison. Trust me, I did my homework and test drove all of these cars, and still wanted the Mazda6. My dealer sold me the one off their showcase pedestal in their showroom. It took 'em 20 minutes to get it out the showroom doors, but man was it worth it. Kudos, Mazda. You clearly got this one right.

So. California

hoysum81

hey mackrel, just curious. how much did you pay for the mazda 6? i got mines for 29300 around after 1500 off msrp and 32600 after taxes and everything else. i hope i did not overpay for mines. thanks man.

caraddict2

Great pictures of the new mazda 6, if possible could you shoot some shots from the sides and rear of the cars. I've got the new car itch.... and right now I've narrowed it down to the 2009 mazda 6 or hyundai genesis. I never though I'd own either brand, goes to show you how far these companies have come. Jerry

aviboy97

This is very good news to see the first owners opinions of the new Mazda6. Keep 'em coming!! I really like what I am hearing!

austinman7

While looking over the new Mazda6's the other day, I noticed that this dealership is putting nitrogen in the tires of new cars and charging $35 for the service.

Anyone know what that's all about? I never heard of this.

I've got an appointment to drive a V6 GT after work today. Can't wait.

samiam_68

Putting nitrogen in the tires is the same as putting a magnet on your fuel line to increase MPG - it's a bunch of BS that the dealer profits from. Tell them you don't want it. Regular air is already 78% nitrogen anyway.

rdm925

Hi Aviboy97,
You have a nice blue 6. From the photos it looks like a 5-door. Is it a 5-door ? I have a Bright Island Blue 2007 5-door 6i Touring. I love it. :shades:

m6user

Putting nitrogen in the tires is the same as putting a magnet on your fuel line to increase MPG - it's a bunch of BS that the dealer profits from

It's almost the same. There is a small advantage to filling tires with nitrogen even if you only get another 22% percent of it versus regular air. Nitrogen molecules are larger so they tend not to leak through the rubber as fast and they don't attract as much moisture as oxygen molecules. The benefit is fairly small but real. It may help keep moisture out of alloy wheels and give you more time between having to put air in your tires.

Some dealers charge as much $99 for this add-on so $35 is reasonble in comparison. A lot of tire retailers are putting nitrogen in new tires as an added benefit for free or for $4.00-8.00 each. I would take if it were thrown in with a set of new tires with the promise to top off when needed.

When dealers charge exhorbitant fees for it, among other useless items, and use it as an add-on sticker in addition to the MSRP it is a total turn off to me. It is just like putting a sign up in the dealership window saying "We're going to try to screw you from day one".

aviboy97

Thank you. Yeah, I have a 5-door. The color is Lapis Blue. It was available from 03-06

austinman7

Stopped by after work this evening and got behind the wheel of an 09 Mazda6 s Grand Touring, cherry black, beige interior. What a sweet ride. I've found my next car, no question about it.

Smooth, powerful, quiet, comfortable, spacious. I really can't even nitpick anything -- seems pointless when this car does everything I want it to, and so well, in such style.

Transmission was so smooth. It turned about 2000 rpm at 70 mph -- love it. Plenty of power for me off the line, 30 to 50, whatever. They've taken the road noise out -- such a pleasure to hear the quietness. I put the seat up high enough to get a nice view out over the hood, and still had head room, even with a moonroof, and I'm a six-footer with a fair amount of my height in my upper body.

Honest, I don't work for Mazda. I'm not writing ad copy for them. It's just that I've driven the latest V6 models of Accord, Camry, Altima, Malibu, and Fusion (I won't even put my test drive of the G6 in this mix -- it just doesn't match up here), and this Mazda6 is my pick, hands down. I've been driving an Accord almost 5 years, love it for a 4 cyl., but am totally turned off by the new VCM (6-4-3 cylinder activation) V6 in the 08 Accord. Hate the CVT in the Altima. Camry is just too bland. Malibu is probably my second choice, but a distant second to this GT.

Now all I have to do is settle on the sport, touring, or grand touring, and find one in some dealer's inventory that fits the bill. Should be fun. This is a heckuva car, the one I've been looking for.

mackrel

You got a deal. Two dealers I worked with wouldn't budge on MSRP. I paid $34K, but I still think it's a deal when you consider all of the car's features.