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Comments
I know. Since we've already established that they don't build one in-house for the 3.0L I was just stating that they surely didn't build one for the SVT's 2.5L V6 either. Which means they most likely didn't build one for the "regular" 2.5L. Especially since MTX Probes and Contours probably weren't exactly at the top of the sales charts. Therefore I think it has to be made by someone else.
" Sometimes I wonder where people come up with this stuff (a Ford manual in the Mazda6). Out of thin air? Out of a hat?"
CD4E.
It was in the 626 and is now in the Tribute too. Although it has actually been praised recently for it's reliability in the Escape/Trib twins by CR. That is, if you believe them.
Who makes the MTX in the I4 Mazda6? Is it the same one which is used in the Focus?
Somehow people conclude that since older 626s (and new Mazda6?) had the CD4E, then the Mazda6 uses a Ford manual transmission? That's not very logical.
When I worked at Jiffy Lube, the common manual transmission manufacturers that I remember being used in all kinds of vehicles were: Mazda, Mitsubishi, New Process, ZF, BorgWarner, Aisin, Peugot (Jeeps), and Getrag. Nissan and Honda make their own manuals and don't share them like Mitsu and Mazda IIRC. I don't remember any of the big 3 having their own manual transmissions.
vudini
Sure it is. You're forgetting that most people don't care what type it is. They either think all Ford parts are bad or all Ford parts are good. If they are from the former group and hear that a Ford tranny, whether it be M or A, is bolted on they will run. Especially if they had a bad experience with one in the past.
A lot of people who buy imports do so because they had a bad experience with a domestic. If Joe Carbuyer is shopping for an import brand, a Mazda6 in this case, because he had a Taurus die on him at 36,001 miles, he's not going to like it when he finds out the engine block and other various parts are from the Ford parts bin. If that isn't enough to turn him away all he has to do is look at where the car is built.
That's why people always ask which parts were made by Ford. I say, who cares? Life is too short to worry about that sort of thing. Buy it if you like it. Lease it if you like it but are worried.
I am saying that it is not logical to assume that the Mazda6 uses a Ford manual transmission because the 626 used a Ford automatic, especially since Ford sourced a lot of their manual transmissions from Mazda. Since Jeep used to use GM engines, does that mean that the new Jeeps must have GM engines? Jeep used Peugot manual transmissions, does that mean they use Peugot automatic transmissions now?
I just have a problem when someone proclaims that the Mazda6 uses a Ford manual transmission without any evidence besides the 626 using the CD4E at one point in time. I personally don't know for sure who designed the manuals in the Mazda6, but I'll bet they aren't designed by Ford.
My advice then was that a dealer cannot possibly cut the cost of a new 03 low enough to make it worth while for you. With the 05s only a few months away, the depreciation on a new 03 will be staggering. I don't know why dealers who still have new 03s don't use them as service loaners so they can sell them as used.
You are much better off looking at an 04. When you factor in the depreciation, it will probably cost you less than an 03, even after whatever rebates remain available, over the long run.
I'm pretty sure I already know about one, which is that I've been seeing a whole bunch of new 6's with a roof-mounted antenna. At first I thought it was just the antenna for a non-Bose stereo, but now someone at work has a new 6S with a roof antenna and a "Bose" sub visible on the rear deck. No roof-mount for me, though I would like one esp. if it improves the ability of the radio to pull in more distant stations.
In any case, anything else I'm "missing out on" in the '04's?
No it's not but people do it. Not everyone is an enthusiast.
"I just have a problem when someone proclaims that the Mazda6 uses a Ford manual transmission without any evidence besides the 626 using the CD4E at one point in time."
Likewise. I also have a problem with folks who bash Ford and Mazda because of the bad batch of trannies in the 626. Times have changed and both companies would be out of business if those changes weren't for the good.
Now that Honda has bad trannies what are all those lemmings going to do? Maybe Saturn VUE owners should start worrying too.
the bass and treble, but if you get the stock set up you also get the midrange control which I like.
The speakers are the problem and the way the system is phased.The speakers are 25watt two way with paper cones (junk) !!! The front sounds better because of the tweeter up by the windows. The rear really sucks! I went to Best-Buy and they had 4way's that were made to fit Mazda cars for about $100 (Pioneer). I hoped that would improve the sound coming from the rear. No Go !
The system isn't phased right to get full range of sound in the rear. The better speakers made no difference at all. Anybody have any suggestions other than a whole new system?:)
I did not buy the 6 for it's stereo thats for sure. The stock system isn't really that bad If your not cranked to loud. Being able to control the midrange also helps.
Other than the stereo, the 6 is a great car and I'm very happy with it.
And if you see where someone has hit refresh after making a post and therefore reposted, you might want to realize that the software here is very different than many message boards and give a person a break.
The stereo is my only complaint too. It's a minor one though as I have heard worse.
The seven speaker JBL system in my Dad's '96 Sable is one of the better systems I've heard and it has a very similar setup to the BOSE. Apparently the speakers and amp are better though.
I shouldn't complain too much because I often find myself turning the volume down so I can hear the engine and that sweet exhaust sound.
On topic:
Sales of the Mazda6 are up.
Yeah, why not, but I'd still be wondering why Accord sales are down in it's 2nd year, despite it being the "benchmark" in it's class.
"TSX sales are up 353%"
Maybe Honda should have made more of them last year, and maybe there is more of a market for attractive, sporty sedans like the Mazda6 and TSX in the US than Honda thought.
Are you trying to say that Honda is purposely trying to sell less Accords?
Whatever the reason, Accord sales have dropped, which is probably why you haven't been in here giving us sales updates.
Now THAT's a stretch.....
Honda and Toyota execs seem to be aware that the Altima is a huge hit for Nissan, and that the MZ6 is gathering steam. The Camry LE is passing out $1,500 cash in the Southeast Region.
Great time to be a car buyer.
Even if fuel economy is the same the 92 Integra GS-R is a 13 year-old car. A new RSX-S has 200HP and gets 24/31 vs. the less powerful 6 getting 25/32.
As for the Protege, I can agree with you there. Our 2001 ES 5-speed never seemed to crack the 30MPG range vs a 93 "H" car that we had that got nearly 40MPG on one trip.
I hate to be the one to say that you're wrong, I expect more from you as a Honda lover. The 92-93 GS-Rs had the 160 hp 1.7L and much less torque than my 6i. The 1994 had the 170 hp 1.8L.
"Even if fuel economy is the same the 92 Integra GS-R is a 13 year-old car. A new RSX-S has 200HP and gets 24/31 vs. the less powerful 6 getting 25/32."
So what if it's 13 years old? There are cars older than that that get better mileage than my GS-R did. The RSX is lighter than my 6.
Regardless of the torque rating I would be willing to bet the performance of a 92-93 vintage GS-R would be equal to if not better than the 6i.
The RSX may be lighter (by 300lbs)than your 6 but it also puts out 40 more HP and can run 0-60 in 6.3 seconds.
All I was trying to say is that 26 mpg is pretty respectable for a midsize car in traffic.
I filled up our van the other day and was pleasantly surprised to see it was getting 21 MPG. Not bad for a 4,500 lb vehicle with a 3.5L engine that we didn't hesitate to try out over the first few days. Then I imagined how much more gas we would use over our other cars (which get 30MPG or so) driving it to work and back. Then I started feeling REAL sorry for those people in Expeditions, Excursions, and Suburbans getting 10-15 MPG. Ouch.
I'm so glad my round trip commute is about 20 miles, as I've hated traffic more and more as I gotten older...people can be such boneheads!
Showed the wife the new 6 last night as we were driving home from dinner. She really liked the way it looked and will add it to our short list when we get ready to give the kids my Sentra and give me her Altima.
The Sandman :-)
We are 60 miles west of Atlanta and work in the northern suburbs. We are as close to Alabama as we are to Atlanta. We moved out here this time last year and doubled our commute but we also doubled the house and yard size for about half of what we would pay closer in. It's a good trade-off. We love mountains and green space not too much of that to be found closer in any more.
Regular gas has hit $2.00 in this part of the upper midwest.
Before Christmas, when my wife and I had decided to get a Mazda 6, we debated 6s versus 6i MT. We liked the 6i a lot. Seemed to shift a bit smoother than the V6, & seemed a tad bit more nimble. But the extra power of the 6s was a real temptation. In the end,after doing a number of test-runs onto freeway on-ramps we decided that the 2.3 engine was plenty strong enough, and we ordered one.
Am I ever glad now! I've got a similar 80 mile a day round trip commute--thankfully not in big city traffic--4 days a week. The gas mileage of the 2.3 engine (round about 28-30) is comforting. I've made loads of bad decisions in my life, but going for the 6i MT wasn't one of them.
I wouldn't want to be driving one of those nice V6s tuned for premium to work just about now. Got one of those in the driveway too. It stays there as much as possible.
I ordered a 6s, non-sport, automatic. I'm happy with my decision, although the option packages limited me. I could not see myself in the sports package model, I really like the clean look without the side sills. I wanted leather, but leather can't be had without the sport package in the s model, so that took care of that. I opted for the automatic, only because I'm spoiled by Honda 5-speed manuals. So I basically settled on a car with a transmission and interior I wouldn't have opted for, but did so because it's still the most fun car to drive for the money.
Not getting another Accord was a big step for me. Just goes to show that even a diehard Honda man can jump ship when the competition is right.
Anyone?
The Sandman :-)
I was wondering, what version of the Mazda 6 is equivalent to the Accord LX and the Camry LE and are they all comprobaly priced. Right now, these 3 cars are in contention for our next new ride.
I think it depends on how one drives and whether they are trying to stay ahead of the pack or they want high fuel economy. My 2001 Protegé LX, with the same 2.0L engine and AT, got 36mpg on a daytrip to Virginia over twisty mountain roads and four-lane highways. Traffic was light and it was a beautiful day perfect for a long drive. I kept it on a steady 60mph. Most folks here consider that city speed.
I agree with the '93 H car's mileage, I had a '94 H car that got 42mpg w/out air on and 38.5mpg with air running. It was an MT.
What seems funny reading C&D are the test reports and shoot outs between big V8 luxury cars where the testers say they get good gas mileage. Anyone who can afford a $70,000 car shouldn't worry about the cost of gas, IMHO.
In fact, I know two owners of the civilian version of the Abrams M-1 tank, the Lincoln Navigator, who say they don't care if gas is $10 a gallon they will still drive them.
One thing to consider when trying to decide between the Mazda6i and the Mazda6s, the difference in the annual cost of gas. It's surprisingly small and may sway some buyers towards the s model. Of course, insurance will be higher for the more expensive car and it goes up.
If you want to save gas, on your shopping trips plan where you are going and your route so you do not have to make U-turns and zigzag across thoroughfares from store to store. Hit the ones going in on the same side of the street first, then the ones on the other side on the way home. If they are miles apart still do the same thing.
Crude just hit $40 a barrel this weekend.
fowler3
CL
First of all, what's the difference between "premium" and "standard"? Second of all, the Grand Prix was voted best of anything?
Well, it is the best at being one of the worst cars I've ever laid eyes on.
If GM keeps it up America will Revolt!
CL
To be fair, it's not that the mileage numbers are any worse than the sticker, it's just that I got better mileage on my '92 Taurus SHO. That car had similar weight, displacement, gearing, power and torque, yet the 6cyl 6 gets worse mileage by a decent margin.
Best-ever single-tank mileage on my SHO was 31.2mpg... About 550mi on a single 18-point-something tank.
Best ever single-tank mileage on my 6S is... 28.7mpg. That was all-highway, no A/C, in December of last year.
Worst ever single-tank mileage on my 6S is... 16.1 (!!!). Keeping in mind that most of my driving is "around town" with frequent stops and starts, and the car is still fairly new with under 5000mi on the odo. A typical tank rings in at around 18mpg, with my overall at this point just under 20mpg (19.98 to be exact).
Speaking of precipitous rises in fuel prices, I see that my last tankful from yesterday was $2.099, as compared to $1.369 at the same station on 12/27/04. That's a greater than 50% increase in 4-1/2 months.
Eeeek!
That said, I still love the car. I get lots of compliments and have more than one of my friends looking at getting one. Now if only that guy at work hadn't gotten the '04 and tried to one-up me by getting every conceivable option...
-SHOV6
Black '03 6S 5spd with the sport pak and Bose
Bring on the diesel Mazda! : ^ )
Anyway, my 6i has been doing fairly well on the gas usage since purchase. My first fully broken in summer usage is showing a healthy 2mpg increase over last summer.
My spreadsheet shows well over 26 mpg over the life of the car - this includes half-tankfulls in the low teens (12-15 mpg - don't bother asking how I acheived that with my 6i MT - but it was expected, FWIW!).
Best mileages include a spate of low 30s including a couple of tankfuls over 33mpg on highway trips close to the speed limit - one in an unloaded car, and once fully loaded (last month!)
The consistent improvement in mileage since purchase is attributed to residual break-in as well as the switch to Mobil 1 0W20 (which shows MANY other benefits, as per the UOA - Used Oil Analyses I've had performed on it). My heart goes all a-flutter when I think about the further gains I can expect in smoothness, driveability and mileage with my soon-upcoming switch to Redline or Mobil 90 weight Manual Tranny fluid.
I've gotten to the point where I can guesstimate my expected mileage (and gas fillup shutoff gallons) to within 1 mpg (or half a gallon, respectively). And I'm rarely over 10-15 miles off on when to expect the low fuel warning light (comes on at around 4.4 gallons remaining).
I personally don't know about the 6 cylinder engine, but friends say its great if driven well (in terms of mileage) and unforgiving when driven hard (just like my 4 cylinder - go figure).
For those willing to forego the immense driving pleasure difference between an appliance such as an Accord/Camry and the 6, for the mere tenths of cents per mile in increased gas consumption, I say, more power to you. But what are you doing to stop the sale and use of SUVs - the true cuplrits? This nit-picking (between the Camcord and 6 mileages)is not helping your pursestrings or the environment to any tangible extent. So go out and buy the only real sporty, cheap family sedan there is. The 6.
Whew. How's that for a late-night post-catchup rant?