Mazda6 Sedan

ramped1 · January 2004

The S plan has been discussed quite bit on one of the smart shopper boards, though I can't remember which one. You may want to hunt around over there. The loyalty discount should show up on the TMV link here at Edmunds if it still is in effect.

rodlcw · January 2004

1. Clicking sound when turning. Replaced Turn Signal switch. No more noise.

2. Brakes noise when turning and stopping. Installed updated front Caliper hardware per service bulletin. Seems to have fixed it, at least for the 3 days since they did this.

3. Noise with automatic shift lever. Lubricated shift linkage. FYI: short time after I bought car the Manual-matic part was sticking and they said the factory had not put in lubricant on some cars. Seems to be ok now.

4. Right Rear bumper protrudes where it meets the right rear 1/4 panel. Removed and re-installed properly. Still not perfect, but better.

I also had the leak at the trans-axle short time after bought.

I think I have now have had enough of the "first year" problems.

mazda6s · January 2004

"I don't think anyone said that just because one car sells more than the other that it is automatically the better car."

No, but you imply that. Otherwise, what's your point in quoting sales numbers for otherwise comparable cars? Unless you want to prove which car is more popular, which we already know.

"I think the point is that Mazda either didn't meet or barely met their own sales projections for the 6 even with the use of special financing and rebates."

Which is it, "didn't meet" or "barely met"? I guess it depends which source you trust for the real sales goals (BTW, you would have to be a Mazda insider to know the actual sales goals). And I think you're confusing sales goals with "sales projections".

anonymousposts · January 2004

I didn't quote sales numbers of any other models in my post.

Sales goals. Sales projections. Same thing. Why would Mazda's goal be any less or any more than their sales projections and vice versa.

moose54 · January 2004

The dealership that I'm using is waiting (national backorder) for the updated brake hardware to take care of the noisy brakes. My right front rotor has a groove etched into it. Were any of your rotors grooved? Were the brake parts readily available to fix your problem? Do you know the number for the technical service bulletin pertaining to the brake issue? Your response will be greatly appreciated.

rock44x · January 2004

thinking about getting a m6 5 door for it size and power v6 220 hp 5 speed auto,
but like the build quality of the m3s breakable side mirrors, nav, the same seating as the rx-8, standard clear tail lights and better looking rims.
now if the m6i/s is a higher model then the m3s why does m3s have higher model stuff then the m6i/s

jstandefer · January 2004

The Mazda Owner Loyalty rebate is only available on the Mazda3 right now.

As for S-Plan pricing, I can't think of anything negative about it. It is practically impossible to get that kind of price through negotiations. A plus side of the S-Plan is that you can get that price on Mazda6's equipped with the Sport Package. Rebates don't apply to Sport Package-equipped cars, although the special financing might. And remember, if you take the special financing, you can't take the rebate, and vice-versa. Good luck!

jstandefer · January 2004

Mazda's C-platform cars (Familia/GLC/323/Protege/3) have almost always been Mazda's most popular model worldwide. Here in the U.S., the Protege surpassed the 626 as Mazda's best-seller in the past few years. Based on this history, Mazda is more inclined to concentrate the most effort and marketing on the Mazda3. The Mazda3's demographics are also younger than the Mazda6, and market trends show that the younger demographics are more interested in HIDs, navigation systems, and flashier styling (exterior, interior, and larger wheels).

In the past week, I have been seeing more Mazda3s on the road than Mazda6s, all of them hatchbacks. If Mazda finds that they have to offer rebates and 0% financing to move the 6, the last thing they want to do is add more options. Perhaps they will in the future if Mazda6 sales pick up, but so far, sales in the U.S. have been less than what Mazda was predicting. We'll see what happens.

On paper, the Mazda3 is highly competitive in size, power, equipment, and price compared to its competitors. The Mazda6 doesn't stack up as well compared to the competition. Behind-the-wheel comparisons are a completely different story... but Mazda has to get the people into the dealerships before that happens. That's where aggressive marketing campaigns come into play...

carguy58 · January 2004

Mazda 6 commercials on TV in order for the 6 to sell well. The 3 will be a smash hit. The 6 was supposed to be a smash hit and now the 3 is stealing its thunder a little. Thats kinda dissapointing in a way.

I think what Mazda might want to do with the 6 is put a more upscale center stack in it in terms of interior plasic's. I mean the 6 is a good car but the 3 is in Jetta territory now which isn't good for the 6. With the last generation of 626's and Protege's Mazda did focus more on marketing the Protege more than the 626. That has to change with the 6.

Conclusion: better catchy commercials for the 6. Mazda just doesn't keep their commercials fresh and running like the Japanese Big 3 do. They must do that in order to be competitive in the US. Mazda never kept commercials on the Millenia running and it was defunct.

stickguy · January 2004

The 3 can actually help 6 sales also (along with stealing some). You may get some people in to look at the 3 that get upsold to a 6 (bigger back seat, v6, whatever).

Plus, if the 3 is a smash, Mazda can make a reasonable case to make the 6 bigger.

An even better idea, IMHO, is a third sedan, bigger and mure luxo than the 6, to replace (at least conceptually) the Millenia. That way, the 6 and (9?) would somewhat blanket the Camcord in size and content.

rock44x · January 2004

that make senes but does that make the m3s a better buy than a m6i/s

mazda6s · January 2004

I've been struggling with the same MZ3/MZ6 decision as you. The best thing to do is to do a couple of back-to-back test drives. Unless you absolutely must have the NAV or break-away mirrors, that's the best way to decide.

jstandefer · January 2004

I feel the 6i offers more value. It's larger, quieter, smoother riding, and generally more refined. The 6's interior materials are generally better and the 6 is a lot more practical compared to the 3s sedan because of its larger trunk that has a much, much larger opening. Fuel economy is just about equal between the two. And a 6i is not much more than a 3s sedan.

But, better value can be thrown to either the 3 or 6 depending on what you want. If you want the practicality of a hatchback, then the 3s 5-door has the 6 beat until the 6 hatchback hits the market. If you value overall performance, then the 3's lighter weight and better engine tuning destroys the 6i. The 6s is barely quicker than a 3s, especially when equipped with an automatic, and the 3 still has the handling advantage. If aftermarket tuning is your forté, the 3 will have more parts available. Styling is subjective, but the 3 is definitely the flashier car.

This may be a sore subject, but the 3's engines and transmissions are built in Japan, along with its assembly. The 6's engine is built in Mexico or U.S., transmissions from Japan, and assembly in the U.S. Traditionally, Mazda's most reliable and highest quality cars and trucks are built in Japan. The 626, MX-6, Truck, and Tribute (all built in the U.S.) have had less than steller (though not bad) quality and reliability. The 6 is still up in the air, but it has had its share of issues that the Japanese-built 6's and Atenza's haven't had.

As mazda6s stated above, you need to just get in and drive the two of them back-to-back. What appeals to you more? The 6's extra refinement and room? The 3's extra performance and flash? The 6's available V6, power seat, and traction control? The3's available HID/nav/TPMS/break-away mirrors?

For $19,605 you can get a 3s hatchback or sedan (MTX) with leather, ABS, SAB, SAC, moonroof, 6-CD, sport package, fog lights, 17" wheels, and electroluminescent gauges. A 6i with that equipment will run you $24,515; a 6s $26,060 (the 6's will have power/heated seats and traction control). For an extra $2,940 on the 3, you can add all of the stuff that the 6 really should be available with... navigation, xenon HID, and tire pressure monitoring. Hmmm... what was I saying about the 6 being a better value?

Bottom line: The best value and most satisfaction lies in the car you like the best. Buy what your heart beats fastest for... you can't go wrong either way.

mazda6s · January 2004

I think your analysis is right on the money. However, I would add that when I was driving the 3s I sometimes felt like I was driving a more "integrated" package, like the car felt more balanced as a whole. Also, the Mazda6 5-door (a.k.a hatchback) will be arriving at dealers soon, and that puts a little different spin on the choices. I'm still leaning towards the Mazda6 5-door myself, but as always, that is "subject to change without notice".

audia8q · January 2004

thanks to the MZ6, mazda actually increased market share for 2003. Not a big increase but still heading in the right direction. Nissan, VW and Mits all lost market share. This year should be Mazda's best ever.

forbes3 · January 2004

I would like to see a better manual shifter/clutch system in the 6. I find the one used in the 3 to be more refined and with shorter throws in the clutch. I found the shifter to be a tad notchy in the 6 and the clutch to be long. Might be just a factor of what I am used to also.

billwfriend · January 2004

My wife, our 9 month-old daughter, and I will be driving 2500-3000 total miles this summer (to Colorado and back) for 11 days total...and the Mazda6 will only be $22 more than a Ford Escort to rent ($369.36 vs $388.77) w/unlimited miles.

I'm a little leary about taking either of our vehicles on such a long ...a 97 Stratus with 72K and a 00 JGC with 94K currently.

I'm sure Hertz will have an automatic with the 4-cylinder engine...how does the 160hp engine do in the mountains? I was surprised how sluggish my JGC was with the 195hp 6-cyl last year...my Dad's Pontiac Vibe with the little 123hp did better...

So...sell me on renting the Mazda6...:)

the_big_h · January 2004

you don't want to be in a compact (which the Escort is) for a 3000 mile trip.

i think you'll really enjoy driving the 6 on a long road trip

tomcat630 · January 2004

What would help Mazda is more sales of the 6i, four cylinder cars. Something like 80% of Cam-cord sales are these bread/butter cars.

Non enthusiasts will buy a safe choice and when they hear 'Mazda6', they think of the old 626 and say "no"

the_big_h · January 2004

i'd rather mazda sell more higher-equipped 6's than the bottom-feeding transpotation appliances.

you always want to sell a product that's desirable for reasons beyond basic needs :-)

well driving fun may be a basic requirement for the car enthusiasts on this forum ;-)

kaiserhead · January 2004

Why does Edmunds display that photo of the base model Mazda6 with awful plastic wheel covers, its sooooo bad and doesn't do the car justice. Lets email them and have them change it, who would buy a Mazda6 without alloys anyway????

ramped1 · January 2004

"who would buy a Mazda6 without alloys anyway???? "

Why don't you ask Mazda? It is the one equipping its base 6i with those low-rent hubcaps.

the_big_h · January 2004

'value leader'

but I agree, most of the base 6i's I've seen on the road has at least the 16" alloys on them as optional equipments.

the picture on Edmunds should display the 'best side' of the 6.

pat · January 2004

Tell them what you think - the Help link at the very bottom of the page is the best way to provide feedback.

kaiserhead · January 2004

The first 6 I saw on the road was the base model with those caps, not a good introduction to their top car. I've seen better caps at AutoZone or Canadian Tire. What's wrong with Mazda, the caps on the Protege were much better, at least use those if they fit.

kaiserhead · January 2004

Comments sent.

pat · January 2004

Good! Let us know what response you get.

mazda6s · January 2004

Take the Madza6. The 4cyl auto will be a little sluggish at higher altitudes especially with the AC running, but no worse than some other rentals.
If you get to Colorado Springs, drive the road up Pike's Peak, but don't take the family as it's a little dangerous (shear drop with no guard rails in some places). Or, for a safer adventure, take the cogwheel train up the Peak and take the family, you'll never forget it.

rock44x · January 2004

i agree with the_big_h,if mazda make better car that are more driven enthusiasts type cars like a poor man BMW, they can grab a part of the market that Toyota and Honda don't touch. mazda should make fun to drive and look at car, with crazy opt. like 18/19 inch rims, Turbo kits, and mazdaspeed parts,(look at nissan). driven enthusiasts not only buy car they become loyal car buyer, that the can every year it changes.(Accords,Maxima,Camry)

tnisace86 · January 2004

how performance driven is the 6? It kinda seems like Mazda is trying to put out two cars which are both performance driven, which seems kinda strange. Seems like performance is the namesake of the 3, and comfort is more for the 6.

jstandefer · January 2004

The only reason manufacturers like Nissan can sell "crazy options" is because they sell lots and lots of base models with 4-cylinder engines and plastic wheel covers. Mazda is too busy trying to get people to even take a second glance at the 6... they don't have time to concentrate on options that a very minute percentage of buyers will spring for. Besides, Mazda relies on the aftermarket to take care of that for them. Unfortunately, the aftermarket doesn't like Mazda very much (other than the RX-7 and Miata). Mazda vehicles are too difficult to tune (over-bearing electronic nannies) and too few to recuperate R&D costs and actually turn a decent profit.

I don't understand why Mazda sells a 6 with wheel covers. They should really make the 16" alloys as standard equipment. I could understand if they wanted to sell the 16" alloys as an accessory for extra profit, but they only offer the 17's (you can order the 16's from parts, but for the same price you can buy ultra-lightweight multi-piece racing alloys and the associated Z-rated rubber).

I can't stand the way the plastic wheel covers look on the 6. They don't match the car at all and are definitely better suited (and very similar to) for the bulky-looking 626. Unfortunately, I have to stare at them almost every day. The dealership had such a great price on the car, I figured I could buy wheels and the appearance package and still stay under $20k. Unfortunately, problems appeared and that plan went out the window. I have a Hyundai Elantra loaner right now (mighty impressive and powerful for its price), and its plastic wheel covers actually look quite good and you could easily mistake them for alloys (at night).

bostongio · January 2004

True car enthusiasts don't just make assumptions about a new car based upon an old car by the same manufacturer. True car enthusiasts do a lot of research and a lot of test driving before making a choice (especially the ones who can't afford to change cars every 3 years).

That's what I did. I made no assumptions going into my new car buying process when I actually began nearly a year or more ago... While I had owned a 323 hatchback while in grad school, I didn't have any warm fuzzy feelings for the car (it was utilitarian, it did the job). I've been driving a Nissan Maxima, so obviously I took a look at their offerings. Honda, Acura, VW, Mitsu, and even Hyundai.

When I finished my research and test drives, it was clear that the 6 wasn't like most of the other cars I drove. It had a fun driving form factor that just couldn't be matched! It felt like a true driver's car, and not in the way of some VW marketing slogan. It felt connected to the road without being harsh, and the cornering was just superb. The Mazda engineers really nailed the experience on the head with this one.

Do I have nitpicks about the car? Sure I do, but then again, I'd have that with any car. After living without any cupholders for the past 7 years, I can overlook just about anything if the driving experience doesn't disappoint. And I can honestly say, in the Mazda6, you won't be disappointed.

carguy58 · January 2004

gained market share last year not lost market share in the US. Mazda gained a little but not alot. Mazda did pass Mitsu in overall vehicle sales for 2003. VW did lose markt share because they can't get a handle on their "quality control". Mitsu had nothing to offer in 2003 over any of the competition so thats why they lost market share. Their exterior styling direction is one of the worst in the industry. However they are offering the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty's for 2004 so lets see if that ups sales for Mitsu this year.

About wheel covers you can always replace them. I don't think thats a big deal.

thegreatvudini · January 2004

Get the 6! For less than a penny more per mile (than the Escort), you get to drive a car that got over 50 international awards. Or $2 more per day. I bet you will have more than 2 grins per day driving the 6! That's 1 buck per grin.

Who knows? You might get rid of what you're driving and get a 6 for yourself...

rock44x · January 2004

what i'm say is that mazda can't go after Toyota and Honda , and nissan making the same cars they make, look at Subaru's wrx so popular cause there isn't anything on the market like it at that price. mazda being under ford can only get so big. so why can't they be the young driven enthusiasts brand of ford and not a bottom feeder.

ps, jstandefer i see you like the "crazy options", you make a good point

jstandefer · January 2004

Mazda isn't Ford's bottom feeder. In terms of current sales, it sure seems that way. However, I don't think Ford has any plans for Mazda to become a contender for any sales records. Instead, Ford is positioning Mazda as their answer to BMW. I feel that the Mazda3 is their first serious stab at beginning to move Mazda up-market. Depending on the success of the 3's top (expensive) models, I think we will see the 6's options list begin to grow and become more powerful, more refined, and more expensive.

Ford's biggest challenge is to bring the Mazda nameplate to near-premium status, much in the way that VW is becoming. I think we'll see a return of the RX-7 and possibly an RX-3. It is interesting to see Mazda finally shy away from trying to compete head on with the Japanese Big-3. Less emphasis is being placed on bigger-is-better, while more emphasis is being placed on performance and style.

The new Mazda3 (in S form) really doesn't compete with much on the market anymore. It's more expensive than a compact, but cheaper than a mid-size. It packs the performance advantages of the smaller, lighter platform and combines that with the refinement and upscale features of a midsize. I think we'll see the 6 begin to slot between a midsize and a near-luxury sedan. Think of it fitting between the Camry and ES330, or the Accord and TL. Unfortunately, it's going to be a roller coaster ride, but I hope it works.

cheesehead6 · January 2004

For a brief moment I thought I might get an answer to this question from a Flat Rock worker on another thread, but he felt he could not respond.

To those of you who have recently ordered cars from the factory as opposed to buying one off a dealer's lot: how much time did it take between your order going into the system and arrival of the vehicle at the dealer?

My self-interested motive in asking the question is that I'm afraid the attractive incentives now available on the 6 might have disappeared if my car arrives after March 1st.

Thanks much

redc0ugar · January 2004

HE! I'm a SHE! I cannot answer your question of time frame, because the only time frame I have knowledge of....is the time it takes me to complete my job on each car. I'm not privy to order & completion dates. The dealership people that lurk in here, would be able to help you. I can tell you this ... at one point my Husband and I had considered ordering a hatch. We were advised by Management @ AAI and the Dealership that the estimated date of delivery would take approximately 3 months.

cheesehead6 · January 2004

Sorry about that, Ms. RedcOugar. I had a 50% chance of being right--but was wrong in the end. Thanks for your story about hatch time, though.

mazda6s · January 2004

Actually since most of the people in here are guys, your chances were much better than 50%.

On ordering, you probably know that dealers only have a short time window each month during which they can order cars. So, if you miss that by a day, you have almost a full month before the order will actually be placed. Then it may be several weeks before it gets built, assuming it's an option combo they can build at that time. Then you gotta wait for delivery. This is why nobody can give you a time frame that's even an approximation.

cheesehead6 · January 2004

Thanks for this. As it happened, the order went in, according the dealer,just before the January window closed. So that's good. I only wonder if they can produce and ship the thing before March 1st and the next change in incentives.

vkar · January 2004

Have folks started receiving recall letters?

thegreatvudini · January 2004

I have had my yellow s since September. No recall notice on any subject.. But the good news is: no rust, no smell, no nothing. Just sweet zoom-zoomin'.

BTW, what are all the outstanding recalls on the 6?

carguy58 · January 2004

Remember when both Nissan and Mazda after 1994 tried to compete with Honda and Toyota by blanding down their exterior styling. Just like the 95 Protege, and 98 626 weren't recived well by Mazda's loyal buyers Nissan loyal buyers rejected the 95 Maxima, 95 Sentra, and 98 Altima so Nissan was never were a Honda or Toyota beater. I know a former 2000 Altima owner who rejected the newer Altima's because Nissan changed their styling direction.

Nissan a couple years ago got alot of press in Business Magazines just like GM is now. When you name drop the likes of Carl Ghosn or Bob Lutz in a magazine people pay attention. Mazda doesn't have one of those guys to name drop in a magazine article. Mark Fields was the cloeset thing you could name drop in a magazine article but now he's leading Ford's luxury divisions: Lincoln, and Volvo. Fields did a great job at Mazda while he was there.

jstandefer · January 2004

I think that is one of Mazda's greatest internal problems. It seems like everytime I look at a Mazda Press Release, there's a new CEO. I agree that Fields did an outstanding job at Mazda. But, his time in the big seat was too short... long enough to change Mazda's direction, but too short to see it through. I hope he does well leading Ford PAG. Ford has set some extremely high standards for PAG, and probably spent too much time and effort concentrating on that effort, and too little time trying to develop their mainstream marques. As a result, Ford, Mercury, and Mazda are playing a catch-up game.

With the new CEO, I think the musical chairs will stop. They are putting the Japanese back into Mazda, and that's a good thing.

jstandefer · January 2004

From what I have been hearing, the fuel odor recall has been pushed back due to a major shortage of parts. Supposedly, Mazda will send out the notices on 2/9/04.

thegreatvudini · January 2004

In the 6 is put in the wrong place. This happens to me quite often: trying to find a good position for the center vent, I inadvertently press the hazard button. Granted, it's only for a second or two, but the point is, it shouldn't happen. There are plenty of places to better position the hazard: somewhere lower, or on the steering wheel neck. You shouldn't hit something inadvertently if you do not intend to do so. There: my one beef with (along with the wide turn...)

dayokayode · January 2004

I currently work for an intl org in Costa Rica, where cars are extremely expensive and engine choices on certain cars are limited; luckily we don't have to pay taxes. For example, the v6 model of the Mazda6 is not available (the Mazda 3 only comes with a ~105hp engine). Although I liked the 04 160hp Mazda 6, it comes with even less equipment than one would get in the States at a higher price and the sales guy is largely inflexible. I went to the VW dealership and found that the 04 Jetta 1.8T had more power, torque and standard equipment at a comparable price. The people were also more friendly and willing to negotiate.

Right now, I'm torn between the seeming reliability of the 6 and the Jetta. Did anyone compare these two cars and choose one over the other? If so, what swayed you in one direction or another? How's the handling of the Jetta compared to the 6??

Thanks for your help!

tomcat630 · January 2004

"Nissan loyal buyers rejected the 95 Maxima, 95 Sentra, and 98 Altima..."

The late 90's Maximas were still fairly popular, but Altima and Sentra sales tanked. Renault's bailout enabled them to release the 2002 Altima sooner than planned.

Also, I totally agree about the 98-01 Altima beeing nerdy. I bought a '97 for the same price as a '99, since I can't stand the 2nd generation.

----------

Back to Mazda, yeah the 95 Protege was hideous and had the blandest interior, too. The 626 was a snooze fest. I think the old car's poor reception is hurting sales of new base 6i's. Buyers of 4 cylinder sedans think of Cam-cord when shopping and that 'Mazda6 = 626'. Too bad.

tomcat630 · January 2004

Where do the Mazda 6's come from in Costa Rica, maybe Japan? The Jettas I bet are from the same MEX plant as we get.

Mazda6 Sedan

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