That's encouraging. Like I said I'll have to actually sit in one before I pass judgment. I won't even consider a car with a sunroof - eats up way too much headroom. Maybe it's a pet peeve, but I can't stand it if my head brushes the headliner.
Also, on the Mazda website, when I check inventory on the 6 at local dealers - does that mean cars they have or cars they are getting? Just curious.
Hi group, I've been reading a bunch about the Mazdaspeed 6 for some time now, and it would be the perfect car for me (my wife and I already own a P5 and love it, I own a very fast 1995 Nissan 300ZXtt and want another fast car that's also reliable, AWD, and can haul four others).
So what I'm wondering is if anyone has a more accurate timeframe of release of the MPS 6 than "next year sometime?" I'd appreciate anyone's assistance.
When I put the seat down fully, I had about 2 1/2 inches above my head. That's what I meant by close. If it were much less, I'd worry about hitting my head if I hit a bump in the road. At 6'3" you should have about 1/2 inch. But it will depend on how you adjust the seat. I have this friend that reclines his seat in his hatchback quite a bit to get more headroom. With the telescoping wheel, you could try that too. I'm also wondering if the 6i without the power seat has any more headroom.
According to the Mazda site, if you want leather then you have to get the power moonroof. That might be discouring to some of us. I remember that when I picked out the options for my first new car (Saturn SC2) I had wanted a moon roof until I sat in one that had it. My head was almost rubbing against it. I still wish I could get one...
At 1:15 pm, I took out a blazing yellow 6s(base) onto the I-95 for @6-7 miles.
YooooHooooooooo......handling is as good as the protege with no jarring bumps coming into the car. Righfully it is the older sibling to the Protege.
V6 is toooooo smooth. Response is beautiful!
Passat ...watch out.... 'cause that is what 6s is going to get...potential passat owners.
Back seat...not too big..somewhat bigger than the protege. Not huge. Shoulder room is the only drawback since the car is not as wide a camry or accord. More like Passat. Dash is good. There is nothing plasticky about it.
Whomever said the rear seat is "Cramped" must be crazy or dying to find a flaw to justify saying an Accord is "better".
I read the Edmunds review and says "1.2 inches short of the Accord and 1.8 inches of the Camry" in shoulder room. O My! What a disaster! It can't be used a Taxi!
If anybody actually used the word "cramped", it was that there is not as much room in back for three people as in the Accord, which is most likely true.
So, chickoo, what did your colleague who drives the 300M think the 6s has over the 300M (besides price)?
Another thing about the 6 is it doesnt have the "beige suburban tract house" look of the Camry and Accord. It has more character, and the doors are not slab sided. And no "94 Buick Regal" rear end either!
It is absolutely amazing how wildly different some of these reviews are. Back seat too cramped vs. back seat has plenty of room; suspension too loose on bumpy roads vs. suspension soaks up all bumps- smooth rider; great handling vs 6 cyl too heavy in front during turns. !!! Most reviewers are not impartial and bring their own set of pre-conceived notions. I particularly find this in the major car magazines. I have never had the luxury of driving/owning my pick of the world's best autos; so my requirements and expectations are far different than the privileged few. The only way to know how the car really is will be to test drive it for some length of time. Otherwise you will drive youself nuts with all these comparisons.
after my last trip to morries I'm not only infatuated with the sales mgr. (if she's still there) but it looks like some of the sales staff is quite hot too.
I tried a white V6, manual with sport package and cloth seats. The engine is silky smooth and really rips in the upper RPMs. It is much quieter than my Protege and rides much better. The folks who complain about the ride in the 6 should take a spin in my 01 Protege ES. The Mazda6 rides much nicer. Handling is excellent, but it's heavier than my Protege and you can tell. The cloth seats appear to be of excellent quality, similiar to the cloth in the old Wolfsburg edition Jetta. The seats also have excellent side support. The cloth looks like it will hold up quite well over time. The gauges are really brite. I checked out the gauges of the non-sport model, and they look similiar to a ES Protege or P5's gauges. Sweet, sweet car.
but I drove the lot at Morries and saw the Area Manager's silver Mazda6s sport (Illinois manufacturer plates) and a titanium grey model that looked pretty basic. I didn't really like the grey one. Maybe I'll have to consider white or black. Plenty of time to decide.
The car looks very trim. The silver one was parked by a Millenia and looked smaller. Ahead of it were some 626s and it looked at least narrower than those too.
No others in site. I have to stop at the mall tomarrow after finishing work at noon, so maybe I'll swing in again for a longer look. That's if I finish getting ready to go deer hunting. I wonder if you can strap one to the roof?
two yellow ones, a maroon one, a dark grey one, and a white one. They might have more, I don't know. I really liked the grey and maroon color. Another thing I like is that the non-sport models still have black dashboards. The dashboard material looks and feels like it could have came out of a BMW. The Altima's looks really crappy in comparison. Overall, it is hands down the most appealing midsize out there IMO. After driving in the 6, then driving my Protege, one thing I really noticed was that the suspension on the Protege is noisy. It didn't seem so noisy before, but the 6's refinement spoiled me. The car feels rock solid and looks and drives like a much more expensive car. I pulled up next to an old model Audi A4 and the guy couldn't stop looking. Mazda really nailed the styling on this car. It looks sharp.
as if I haven't been calling my local dealers enough... I can't find one near me, and the one I found in (~100 miles away) Delaware sold already. I darn near wrecked my car when I thought I saw one at a dealership and turned into the parking lot a wee bit too fast. False alarm.
My husband and I lucked out tonight. We were going shopping (for something other than a car) and we went right by a Mazda dealership (in Highland Park, IL, northern suburbs of Chicago)so we decided to see what if anything they had in yet. Turns out they had one 6i automatic in stock. (I think they had just got it b/c my husband said not all of the fuses were in, and it was parked in the WAY back behind the building.)
Anyhow, earlier this week, we had gone to Schaumburg (northwest suburbs of Chicago) and we're able to drive a 6s automatic around the block. But we really we're looking at the 6i. So, we left Schaumburg thinking, well, this car was ok, it didn't do anything to eliminate itself from the running (like really uncomfortable seats) but we weren't rushing to sign on the dotted line b/c we wanted to try the 6i anyway. Let me just say, we liked the 6i A LOT better. It seemed much lighter (which it is) and to have much tighter steering. When we drove the 6s, I was surprised considering the 6 is supposed to be a sports sedan how loose the steering was. The 6s might have more oomph but since it's heavier it actually seems to strain more (this is comparing 2 automatics since neither of us can drive stick). I thought the 6i was much lighter on its feet and sort of quicker b/c of it. I also think, and this could just be coincidence since you can adjust those 8-way power seats so many ways, the cloth seats seemed more comfortable. I do have to note though, especially since someone else brought it up though, the steering wheel does seem just a hair small, almost like it's dainty because of it. At first I just thought it was the loose steering on the 6s, but the steering on the 6i was tight -- so maybe the steering wheel is just a hair small.
I don't think any of us know the final release date for the Mazdaspeed6, but my guess is that they'll release the RX8 next spring/summer, then Mazda 6 hatch & wagon in next winter and the Mazdaspeed 6 in spring/summer 2004. Like you, I too want to wait for the Mazdaspped 6 if it's not toofar ahead.
I appreciate it buddy... too bad though about the expected realistic release date... it's way too far ahead for me. I'll probably end up getting the 6s and if the MPS comes out in another year or so I might trade the 6s in or heck, get another car!
I worked at a Ford dealer when the Duratec was first offered in the Taurus and I thought it was a decent engine, but not as refined as a Toyota or Honda V6. The Duratec in the 6 is another story. Power builds steadily until redline and the engine is unbelievably smooth. The engine sounds expensive.
Yes, the Mazda 6 Duratec for 2003 is another story, all redone.
Also, the Japanese 'Car of the Year' is NOT the US Accord, so don't even go there. If it comes here as an Acura, then it is not in the same class, it should be a lux model.
Camry and Accord are like HBO's "Sopranos" and "Sex & the City", overrated. People knee-jerkingly say they "you should buy one" since that is what they expect others to hear. Like they want to appear "smart" and "in the know", just like saying "I only watch S/S&C"
The Sopranos isn't over rated. I love that show. I have seasons 1, 2, and 3 on DVD. Better watch what you say about the Sopranos. You don't want to end up like [non-permissible content removed] and Ralpie.
Hey guys, Since you were so helpful with my last question I figured I'd ask another, thanks
I know this may not be public knowledge yet, but does anyone know if/when the nav option will become redily available, how much it will cost, and why the HELL mazda isn't including it in its primary runs? Seems like it is a common option nowadays in the near-luxury segment and it seems kind of dangerous to not include it immediately given the competition. And when I mean competition, I don't meant its direct price comptetiors, but the $30k base models such as the IS300 and the like. IMO the Mazda 6 competes more with these cars from a performance and amenities standpoint than mere family sedans. IMO of course
3.0 L Duratec in MPV is also modified by Mazda. Any ideas if its identical to the one used in 6s ? I suppose power output is slightly different (200 vs 220), but that may be achived by modifying exhaust and inlets etc. Is there anybody who drove/drives both MPV and 6s, if yes, then can you characterize the difference in the engine behavior? Thanks
Comments
I won't even consider a car with a sunroof - eats up way too much headroom.
Maybe it's a pet peeve, but I can't stand it if my head brushes the headliner.
Also, on the Mazda website, when I check inventory on the 6 at local dealers - does that mean cars they have or cars they are getting?
Just curious.
I've been reading a bunch about the Mazdaspeed 6 for some time now, and it would be the perfect car for me (my wife and I already own a P5 and love it, I own a very fast 1995 Nissan 300ZXtt and want another fast car that's also reliable, AWD, and can haul four others).
So what I'm wondering is if anyone has a more accurate timeframe of release of the MPS 6 than "next year sometime?" I'd appreciate anyone's assistance.
thanks
According to the Mazda site, if you want leather then you have to get the power moonroof. That might be discouring to some of us. I remember that when I picked out the options for my first new car (Saturn SC2) I had wanted a moon roof until I sat in one that had it. My head was almost rubbing against it. I still wish I could get one...
YooooHooooooooo......handling is as good as the protege with no jarring bumps coming into the car. Righfully it is the older sibling to the Protege.
V6 is toooooo smooth. Response is beautiful!
Passat ...watch out.... 'cause that is what 6s is going to get...potential passat owners.
Back seat...not too big..somewhat bigger than the protege. Not huge. Shoulder room is the only drawback since the car is not as wide a camry or accord. More like Passat.
Dash is good. There is nothing plasticky about it.
more later...
Shifts are quick in manumatic mode. hardly any lag.
I told the salesguy to call me back when he gets a manual.
I am too excited to write....and so is my colleague who drives a 300M. He came with me too. He too is drooling over....
I read the Edmunds review and says "1.2 inches short of the Accord and 1.8 inches of the Camry" in shoulder room. O My! What a disaster! It can't be used a Taxi!
So, chickoo, what did your colleague who drives the 300M think the 6s has over the 300M (besides price)?
more refined than the 300M.....that too at such a lower price....he is drooling...he is daydreaming...
to your impulse-purchased Mazda6!!!!
either way, the 6 is hotter still!
there is a KK in coom rapids now too.
BRING ME THE HATCHBACK...crap I HAVE TO WAIT!
Crap.
I was hoping for the miracle of small-car feel. Maybe with the i4?
The car looks very trim. The silver one was parked by a Millenia and looked smaller. Ahead of it were some 626s and it looked at least narrower than those too.
No others in site. I have to stop at the mall tomarrow after finishing work at noon, so maybe I'll swing in again for a longer look. That's if I finish getting ready to go deer hunting. I wonder if you can strap one to the roof?
It is a mid sized car, not a compact!
Anyway, good to see a review of a real world test drive, not a 'H&T forever' biased 3rd hand report.
I felt it was perfectly weighted.
I'm gonna pop by my local dealers to see if they have any available.... tomorrow that is...
Honda Accord - 348 votes
Mazda 6 - 217 votes
Anyhow, earlier this week, we had gone to Schaumburg (northwest suburbs of Chicago) and we're able to drive a 6s automatic around the block. But we really we're looking at the 6i. So, we left Schaumburg thinking, well, this car was ok, it didn't do anything to eliminate itself from the running (like really uncomfortable seats) but we weren't rushing to sign on the dotted line b/c we wanted to try the 6i anyway. Let me just say, we liked the 6i A LOT better. It seemed much lighter (which it is) and to have much tighter steering. When we drove the 6s, I was surprised considering the 6 is supposed to be a sports sedan how loose the steering was. The 6s might have more oomph but since it's heavier it actually seems to strain more (this is comparing 2 automatics since neither of us can drive stick). I thought the 6i was much lighter on its feet and sort of quicker b/c of it. I also think, and this could just be coincidence since you can adjust those 8-way power seats so many ways, the cloth seats seemed more comfortable. I do have to note though, especially since someone else brought it up though, the steering wheel does seem just a hair small, almost like it's dainty because of it. At first I just thought it was the loose steering on the 6s, but the steering on the 6i was tight -- so maybe the steering wheel is just a hair small.
Guys here are just starting to enjoy to arrival of a great automobile that is the 6....LOL
thanks again,
-Alt
Also, the Japanese 'Car of the Year' is NOT the US Accord, so don't even go there. If it comes here as an Acura, then it is not in the same class, it should be a lux model.
Camry and Accord are like HBO's "Sopranos" and "Sex & the City", overrated. People knee-jerkingly say they "you should buy one" since that is what they expect others to hear. Like they want to appear "smart" and "in the know", just like saying "I only watch S/S&C"
The Duratec in the Mazda6 is another story. The rest of the Duratecs are unchanged I believe.
Since you were so helpful with my last question I figured I'd ask another, thanks
I know this may not be public knowledge yet, but does anyone know if/when the nav option will become redily available, how much it will cost, and why the HELL mazda isn't including it in its primary runs? Seems like it is a common option nowadays in the near-luxury segment and it seems kind of dangerous to not include it immediately given the competition. And when I mean competition, I don't meant its direct price comptetiors, but the $30k base models such as the IS300 and the like. IMO the Mazda 6 competes more with these cars from a performance and amenities standpoint than mere family sedans. IMO of course
-Alt
Any ideas if its identical to the one used in 6s ?
I suppose power output is slightly different
(200 vs 220), but that may be achived by modifying
exhaust and inlets etc.
Is there anybody who drove/drives both MPV and 6s,
if yes, then can you characterize the
difference in the engine behavior?
Thanks