The Impala LS gets 19-26 (and on long trips hwy miles I often got 32!!!) The Murano has a CVT transmission and is rated 21-26 mpg. The tribute "says" it gets 19-24, but I bet you'd likely get about 17-21..
but for pure space alone, yeah, you could drive an Avalon I guess...
I'm sorry about the comments about the side cladding. I didn't know many people wanted it. If you like it, you like it. As far as just getting just ABS somebody mentioned before they didn't want a sunroof. Somebody said ABS will be a stand alone option soon so it looks like your in luck.
Dealers can order Mazda6s with ABS and without a sun-roof now, however if you want a Sport Pkg. and ABS you are stuck with the moon-roof. SKYRAY don't expect any incentives beyond the lease program anytime soon.
Is the ABS and Sport Package requiring the moonroof a recent thing? I configured a car before with ABS and Sport Package without the moonroof. Actually, I thought that in order to get the moonroof you need to get the Comfort Package as well. I don't want the Comfort Package, but I wouldn't mind having the moonroof with the Sport Package and ABS.
you CAN get sports package with ABS and without moonroof. I'm working on one right now, and I've seen them on the lot... Of course, that's the 6s. I don't know about the 6i.
There are different ordering configurations for the S and I models and for manual and auto trans. If you are doing the configuring on Mazda's web site they will let you build a vehicle that is not produced. If you tell me which model and which trans. I can tell you the different configurations with ABS are available.
I am leaning towards the 6s with a manual transmission right now. I definitely don't want the Comfort Package, but wouldn't mind having the moonroof without it. Either way I would be happy.
There are different ordering configurations for the S and I models and for manual and auto trans. If you are doing the configuring on Mazda's web site they will let you build a vehicle that is not produced. If you tell me which model and which trans. I can tell you the different configurations with ABS are available.
I am wanting a 6S with AT, Sport Package, Bose, Cloth and Moon Roof. Mazda says no on the moon roof unless I order leather and comfort. I would order leather if I could get the beige with red exterior. As of now only black with the sports package
You are right. In the 6S auto any vehicle with the Sport pkg. and moon-roof has leather and the Comfort pkg. I think Mazda should have made more items standard in the S model, it would have made things much easier.
Does the Sport package include any _functional_ items besides the 17-inch wheels? I know it has different gauge cosmetics and the aero kit, but are there any differences in suspension tuning or hardware? I might like the larger wheels, but I hate the spoiler and body kit.
Very interesting topic for us 6' and above. (I'm 6'1.5") great to read others opinions on this, I'm not alone. Good seats are critical for us, and unfortunately, we're at some point (perhaps one or two standard deviations?) from the norm which is around 5'8" for males (but since they sell to men and women that norm is even lower ~ women's is 5'5") so it is always an early test of car buying whether one can even sit in the car; i've gone by car dealers just to sit in the car to see if it's worth it to go back and test drive it later (or walk away) Case in point, I absolutely loved the WRX but just didn't fit in the seat. I went back several times, sorta like Cinderella's sisters keep trying to see if the shoe fits) mighta been the width but, regardless, had to walk away. On the other hand, the only other car I am considering is a Volvo S60 which has great seats, the Volvo has several faults but those seats may still win the day: they give great support just behind the knee.
I was pretty pleased when I test drove the Mazda Pro a little while ago and subsequently with the 6 more recently with adjustable seats (6 way) on the drivers' side. I like to lay back with the seat as low as possible and the front of the seat up. I really did not have a problem with the moonroof. I reflexively told them I didn't want a moonroof but may have to pay more attention and reconsider next time I test drive. I also didn't have to put the seat all the way back which I usually have to do so there evidentlly was enough leg room for me. There are things you want to have but might do without, but good seats is a default condition for me.
I've posted about not fitting in an WRX and a Miata or a BMW Z3 on another board, and inevitably some guy writes back saying they're 6'5" and fit with room to spare so I'll leave it there.
PS When I say I didn't fit in the car, I don't mean it was impossible to drive more that it was a "little" tight or very little head clearance, that sort of thing.
If you only want the 17" wheels (which is the only 'functional' part of the Sport Pkg., as you said), you can get them from the dealers' parts department for something like $150 each. You might consider that option.
I know what you mean about not 'fitting' in a car. I drove my boss's Infiniti J30 last night briefly, and I just didn't fit in the car. My head was too close to the roof, and I felt like I wanted to just push the side of the car over further from my left side. It felt almost claustrophobic. I drive a LOT (30K miles a yr, average) and have to be comfortable in a car. I have a back injury as well, so that also comes into play.
I also have to agree with you about the S60's seats. They could stand another .5' of seat travel, but they are about the most comfortable seats I sat in at the carshow 2 weeks ago.
90% of people looking at the Mazda6 have to have the Sport Pkg. I think out of the 100 or so we've sold maybe 10 have not had the Sport Pkg. and a couple of those had bought non-sport pkg. cars because they didn't want to wait.
Mazda 6 seats are too narrow and with a sunroof the headliner is way to close to my 6'-1" head.
At what point will these automakers start putting some freaking space in the cars? Raise the dang roof 3-4 inches for crying out loud. You can still get sleek styling with a high roof line if your designers had a clue.
I'm not sure about current cars; but with older cars it was easy to move the seat tracks an inch or two forward or backward to give short and taller drivers the leg space they needed. Also, the seats were sometimes tilted upward at the front with washers or spacers, adding a couple at a time and then testing. The other thing about older car seats, as you moved the seat forward it also got higher since the tracks were on a slight incline. This helped short drivers' visibility.
When you test drive another 6, check for these things and ask if small adjustments can be made. Try all the settings including the tilt-telescopic wheel adjustments and decide what would make it closer to your comfort level.
If the salesman doesn't know, ask in the service department.
I think the 6 looks better without the body kit, especially the boy-racer spoiler, so I was just wondering if there was anything functional in it other than the wheels; if not, if I were ordering one I'd skip the sport pack and just get alloys separately.
there's nothing I hate more than buying something new and then seeing an improvement in the following year, a la increase in power or new options! The 6 is right at the top of the list now (Subie WRX was at the top) and I may just bite the bullet, but can anyone tell me from what they've heard (facts or speculation) about any possible increases in horsepower next year? I'm pretty satisfied with what Mazda offers option-wise and am really interested in things like HP, AWD, 6 speed etc. Any news would be appreciated!
The Mazda 6 MP3 Player is supposed to be available in March.
I've seen a few people note that that they'd ordered cars with this. Anyone know the price on it? Anyone heard a more firm availability date? Can my dealer put in an order for it now (as I'm hopefully very close to purchase)?
The Mazdaspeed 6 available next year will get a horsepower boost, and I think AWD as well.
But have you driven a 6S? Even though there are cars out there with higher HP numbers, IMHO you'd need to have a street racing hobby to NEED any more HP. Speedy, sweet-drivin' machine!
Manufacturers usually wait at least two years before they make any substantial changes to a new model. If you are interested in AWD it might be worth waiting for the 6 wagon which will be debuting next year. I know for a fact that the European 2.3 liter version is available with AWD. Considering the US market is in an AWD frenzy, it would be hard to imagine Mazda USA passing up thousands of potential customers.
I also have a question about what kind of Gas the Mazda 6 engines use. When I ordered my 6s in December, the salesmen told me that premium was recommended but the mid-grade stuff would pass every once in a while. Reading through various reviews and other forms of literature on both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines, i've heard everything from "regular gas works fine" to "premium is a must."
I have the 6s. I think it has way too much horsepower for my needs. I know there's this big horsepower race going on between manufacturers of mid-size sedans (and other market segments), but it's really crazy.
I think a car in this weight class and with an auto trans needs about 170-180 HP, but they don't sell 'em like that any more. My '96 Accord, which I traded in for the 6, had 130 HP, but I did think that was under-powered. I might have found the 6i with 160 HP reasonably adequate, even with auto trans (though I never tested it). I just had to rule it out because at that time (early Jan.) the 6i was not available with ABS, which I consider must-have.
I've never heard anywhere that premium gas would improve the 6's performance, in fact i've heard that premium may be deterimental to a car in the long term if the car specifies regular, the manual specifies regular I would go with that. Don't know where the salesman got his info but I wouldn't go by his word because my experience shows that most salespeople do not know much about the cars they are selling. I would e-mail Mazda to make sure.
Arghh... inevitably new improvements are on the horizon. AWD would be a great asset. Even though I've never owned and AWD car nor driven one in bad weather, the benefits have to be clear. AWD is what got me first interested in a WRX.
Honestly though, My 93 Grand AM GT gave out on me last November and after almost 10 years with it, FWD never gave me any scares -- even in the snow -- and I'm a pretty aggresive, yet defensive, driver.
Skyray, I've seen the projected specs on the Mazdaspeed 6 and it seems to be a bit much... even though it looks pretty sweet. I prefer a v6 for its smoothness and more mellow running. My Grand Am was the HO Quad 4. Noise and vibration central. So jbchapman, I think I might agree with you.
I did test drive the 6s with manual and LOVED it. Lots of power on tap. Honestly, even my Grand Am (155HP) felt quick and fast. Maybe it's all in my head after driving it for 10 years since the 0-60 numbers on it dictate a slower car.
Hmmm.... I guess if the first-year bugs are not too bad, I'll probably get the 6 fairly soon or wait just a bit for the 2004 model.
First I wanted to thank Dinu on the advice of taking it easy for the first 1000 miles. I have 300+ miles so far, but I couldn't help myself by doing 100 on the highway last night, the car behind me was tailgating at 75, I just blew him away. It was at night so I couldn't tell what he/she was driving. Anyway, back to the subject on gas that Lapis_blue is concerned with. The manual says 87 Octane min. I currently used reg and its working fine with that. Also, those that opted for the automatic, COME ON, this is a true sports sedan and to get the most potential out of the 6 you have get the MT. I've test driven the 6s AT before I bought my 6s MT and there is no contest. No thrills and no fun with an auto. Is stop & go traffic the reason for not getting a MT? I lived in the Los Angeles area before relocating to the east coast and drove in some of the worst traffic jams around for 25 years with MT vehicles and I've never had a complaint with the constant shifting. It becomes second nature after so many years with a MT. I admit that MT is not for everyone, but if you can wait, get the MT, it will be well worth the wait and you'll enjoy the 6 driving experience more.
I really like the 6 and have been seriously considering buying one. HOWEVER Mazdas have a dismal resale, especially considering the fact that dealers are asking top dollar for the 6 and then if the resale really sucks you may wish you had bought a Camry or Accord. Also Hondas and Toyotas can be had at a steep discount. I have a '98 Mazda truck which has been a stellar little vehicle, but this truck made side by side with the Ranger is worth almost a grand less on trade-in than a nearly identical Ranger. The Mazda 6 evokes more passion than the Camry or Accord, but at what price? Hopeful the 6 will turn resale values around.
Using premium gas in a car that doesn't require it is not only a waste of money initially, but it can cause carbon build-up down the road. I read about this happening to a Toyota, and it cost the owner like $150 to have the engine cleaned out after 15K miles because of the carbon.
"Also, those that opted for the automatic, COME ON, this is a true sports sedan and to get the most potential out of the 6 you have get the MT."
I can barely hear you. Could you act just a little more high-and-mighty? That way you'll hopefully get so high up on the mountain that us poor, lowly AT-types won't hear you at all.
My sentiments exactly. *I* have owned a Maxima SE with the five speed. Owned other cars with manuals, as well. I prefer an automatic. I do NOT try to push my preference on others. What is right for me may or may not be right for others.
And no, I do not HAVE to get a 5 speed. In fact, very few people will.
I have many reasons for that decision, all of which have been relayed by others here in the past.
Why do some people feel that others must do as they have done? And that their way is the one true and only right way?
ruefus suggested a while back to try moving the seat back to possibly find more height. I tried that and pulling the telescopic steering wheel back correspondingly, but to no avail. I don't think the car roofline increases at all the further back you go.
I'll have to sit one at a dealer again, and play around a bit... It's really a shame how difficult it is in life for us tall folk. ;-)
ok, if I were to choose the 6 cd changer option, without the Bose package, does anybody have an opinion on that head unit? I think somebody said it was made by Panasonic.
Or is it possible to get an aftermarket in-dash CD changer later on?
And no, no way do I want one of those trunk mounted contraptions.. I don't "get" those at all.. I NEED my trunk space!
You don't want to buy a car just because of resale value factors. To me that is not enough to buy a car. For example, I have an Acura CL. You may think well its a Honda product and it will have great resale value. Wrong! They're are going to cancel it and the car doesn't have the following of the Acura Legend after the Legend was canceled. Acura didn't sell many CL's so resale will not be that good I don't think. Resale depends on demand, dealer discounts, and maintinence repairs. Mazda isn't discounting the 6(for now anyway.) Demand is unknown because the car has only been out for 3-4 months. I remember when the Protege 5 came out there wasn't many. Now I see a sprinkle of some on the roads. As far as the Mazda Truck is concerned its not a Toyota Tundra where resale is going to be good. Resale values for pick-up Trucks(GMC, Ford, Dodge) isn't good now wanyway due to all the discounting going on in the car industry nowadays. Even Toyota has 0.9 Financing. Will that effect the resale of the Camry?
I don't see Honda giving out 2,000 dollars cash back. Maybe 500 hundered dollars over invoice but not at steep discounts. Honda/Acura still has the Oddessy and MDX selling at MSRP. Toyota has 0.9% financing. I would still take the Mazda even with the resale value factor. Audi's have good resale value and their reliability is not so good so what does that say about resale value?
*Why do some people feel that others must do as they have done? And that their way is the one true and only right way?*
To justify his purchase.
About the Mazda6 wagon: A reviewer wrote the European 6 wagon with 2.3L engine and AWD is a bad combination, the AWD zaps the 4clyinder's torque. The 4 is the largest engine available in Europe.
One wonders if more power under the hood is equally matched by common sense under the cap?
Mazda has been getting good reviews for a long time now. Thats not good news for Mazda.
On another note I wonder what sales for the 6 will look like for the 6 this month. I'm thinking around 3200 6's this month were sold. Its too early to tell I think though for the long term sales wise. The Pro 5 wasn't popular at all when it first debut in America. All of a sudden you see little sprinkles of Pro 5's around.
Why do some people feel that others must do as they have done? And that their way is the one true and only right way?
If I may, I think it's because the engines for this car do not match particularly well with automatics. The car can come alive with a manual- and since most of us here like the Mazda6 for it's zoom-zoom passion, a manual transmission seems better suited for the image and style reflected by this car.
I don't think alcjew was saying people who buy automatic cars are bad; I think the point was automatic Mazda6's are bad.
I first test drove an automatic, and had I never driven the manual, I wouldn't own one. If you don't find the same value in that, then to each their own.
My point exactly and well put, stretchsje. I'm not condemning the AT buyers or future AT buyers. It's getting the most performance and thrill from the 6 or any other sports sedan or coupe is to go MT. Besides, the throaty exhaust rumble sounds better when mated with the MT. ZOOM-ZOOM to all!
Mazda has tried Ford auto Tranny's and we all know how that worked out. I think in the future Mazda will get better at putting together auto trannies. They are concentrating on another stuff right now. I think in the next generation 6 they'll get it right. I don't think the AT paired with the 6 cylinder should be as bad as the AT paired with the 4 cylinder though.
and found it more than adequate for my needs, difficult to hold back in slow speed zones. It was quiet, smooth, and had a superb ride.
I'm not interested in "coming alive", "the most performance", and Zoom Zoom. I AM interested in a smoother ride than the Protegé, a little more power, handling, and interior comfort - along with beautiful styling. Maybe that's why most of the 6's coming out fit my desciption - what regular buyers are looking for. Most will be sold with AT.
Young buyers see a 6 with a stick as "thrills". Older buyers (over 50) see a stick as entry level, a downgrade, and less luxurious. Why have power everything: pdl, pw, ps, pm, and...have to shift gears? They do that on their riding mowers, not in their cars.
The difference is perception -- how one sees the 6 and sees himself or herself in the 6. Older drivers do not see "sport" as the main feature, it's an added incentive. They want a small sedan for everyday driving that looks good at the country club on Sunday.
If you think older buyers do not buy cars in this price range; the CEO of Wal-Mart drives a VW Beetle.
I found this at The Car Connection. I don't post here often, so if mess up the quote of break a rule, tell me.
"Mazda executives also said that their biggest problems with the new Mazda6 is product mix. Nearly 40 percent of orders are for V-6 cars, and that's compared with less than 20 percent for Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Also, orders for the standard transmission version have far outstripped what Mazda planned for, with early orders running in excess of 30 percent. —Jim Burt"
The Camry and Accord are set up for alot more 4 cylinder sales. The 6 was set up to be a "drivers car" so thats why the manual trans and V-6 are in so much demand. I am shocked though I thought demand for manual trans went out a long time ago. I guess thats not the case with the 6. Honda has said sales for the Civic LX/EX trims are about 50/50 manual/auto saleswise. I wonder what the percentage is for the 3 Series Sales Manual vs Auto.
I definitely think Mazda's "zoom-zoom" marketing must be working, given the breakdown of 6-cylinder and automatic transmissions.
FWIW, I test-drive the manual 6-cylinder and automatic 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models. The manual 6-cyl was *sweet* -- really fun to drive. But I decided that for day-to-day driving, the automatic better suited my needs. And after having driven the 4-cylinder auto, I found the 6-cyl auto was a much better-feeling engine/trannie combo. The 6i/auto seemed to be struggling at lower revs.
(At least the anti-automatic crowd doesn't have the staggering numerical majority with the 6 that they enjoy in the Miata realm. :-)
So that's what I'm buying, an automatic 6s. Assuming an area dealer can find the config I want, I should be in the "6 club" this week! Woohoo!
Yes, I can appreciate that the 6 may, in fact, be best suited as a MT.. but, even if the 6s AT is the lesser of the two in terms of driving enjoyment and performance, which I don't doubt.. the 6s configured as an AT is still the better choice over it's competitors (camry, accord, passat etc.).
For combining styling, handling, value, reliability, etc., even as an auto tranny, the 6 still trumps the others on balance, at least for me. Is it the optimal way for this car? perhaps not. But still better than the rest.
I disagree with that last statement. If your single you get the 4 cylinder. If your married and have kids, want to take long trips and carry luggage you go with the V6 to carry all that weight with the luggage and the kids. If I got an Accord or a Camry and had a family I would still want the V6. The Altima has the horsepower factor going for it and thats it. At least the 6 has a good ride.
Comments
The Murano has a CVT transmission and is rated 21-26 mpg.
The tribute "says" it gets 19-24, but I bet you'd likely get about 17-21..
but for pure space alone, yeah, you could drive an Avalon I guess...
anyone else have a problem with that feature today?
Maybe they're updating? That would be great!
Mike
Of course, that's the 6s. I don't know about the 6i.
Mike
I was pretty pleased when I test drove the Mazda Pro a little while ago and subsequently with the 6 more recently with adjustable seats (6 way) on the drivers' side. I like to lay back with the seat as low as possible and the front of the seat up. I really did not have a problem with the moonroof. I reflexively told them I didn't want a moonroof but may have to pay more attention and reconsider next time I test drive. I also didn't have to put the seat all the way back which I usually have to do so there evidentlly was enough leg room for me. There are things you want to have but might do without, but good seats is a default condition for me.
I've posted about not fitting in an WRX and a Miata or a BMW Z3 on another board, and inevitably some guy writes back saying they're 6'5" and fit with room to spare so I'll leave it there.
PS When I say I didn't fit in the car, I don't mean it was impossible to drive more that it was a "little" tight or very little head clearance, that sort of thing.
I also have to agree with you about the S60's seats. They could stand another .5' of seat travel, but they are about the most comfortable seats I sat in at the carshow 2 weeks ago.
At what point will these automakers start putting some freaking space in the cars? Raise the dang roof 3-4 inches for crying out loud. You can still get sleek styling with a high roof line if your designers had a clue.
When you test drive another 6, check for these things and ask if small adjustments can be made. Try all the settings including the tilt-telescopic wheel adjustments and decide what would make it closer to your comfort level.
If the salesman doesn't know, ask in the service department.
fowler3
I've seen a few people note that that they'd ordered cars with this. Anyone know the price on it? Anyone heard a more firm availability date? Can my dealer put in an order for it now (as I'm hopefully very close to purchase)?
But have you driven a 6S? Even though there are cars out there with higher HP numbers, IMHO you'd need to have a street racing hobby to NEED any more HP. Speedy, sweet-drivin' machine!
I also have a question about what kind of Gas the Mazda 6 engines use. When I ordered my 6s in December, the salesmen told me that premium was recommended but the mid-grade stuff would pass every once in a while. Reading through various reviews and other forms of literature on both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines, i've heard everything from "regular gas works fine" to "premium is a must."
What is the truth?
I think a car in this weight class and with an auto trans needs about 170-180 HP, but they don't sell 'em like that any more. My '96 Accord, which I traded in for the 6, had 130 HP, but I did think that was under-powered. I might have found the 6i with 160 HP reasonably adequate, even with auto trans (though I never tested it). I just had to rule it out because at that time (early Jan.) the 6i was not available with ABS, which I consider must-have.
Honestly though, My 93 Grand AM GT gave out on me last November and after almost 10 years with it, FWD never gave me any scares -- even in the snow -- and I'm a pretty aggresive, yet defensive, driver.
Skyray, I've seen the projected specs on the Mazdaspeed 6 and it seems to be a bit much... even though it looks pretty sweet. I prefer a v6 for its smoothness and more mellow running. My Grand Am was the HO Quad 4. Noise and vibration central. So jbchapman, I think I might agree with you.
I did test drive the 6s with manual and LOVED it. Lots of power on tap. Honestly, even my Grand Am (155HP) felt quick and fast. Maybe it's all in my head after driving it for 10 years since the 0-60 numbers on it dictate a slower car.
Hmmm.... I guess if the first-year bugs are not too bad, I'll probably get the 6 fairly soon or wait just a bit for the 2004 model.
Anyway, back to the subject on gas that Lapis_blue is concerned with. The manual says 87 Octane min. I currently used reg and its working fine with that.
Also, those that opted for the automatic, COME ON, this is a true sports sedan and to get the most potential out of the 6 you have get the MT. I've test driven the 6s AT before I bought my 6s MT and there is no contest. No thrills and no fun with an auto. Is stop & go traffic the reason for not getting a MT? I lived in the Los Angeles area before relocating to the east coast and drove in some of the worst traffic jams around for 25 years with MT vehicles and I've never had a complaint with the constant shifting. It becomes second nature after so many years with a MT. I admit that MT is not for everyone, but if you can wait, get the MT, it will be well worth the wait and you'll enjoy the 6 driving experience more.
17s can he bad from tirerack.com for about $100 each though, so a good $20 more than 16s.
I can barely hear you. Could you act just a little more high-and-mighty? That way you'll hopefully get so high up on the mountain that us poor, lowly AT-types won't hear you at all.
And no, I do not HAVE to get a 5 speed. In fact, very few people will.
I have many reasons for that decision, all of which have been relayed by others here in the past.
Why do some people feel that others must do as they have done? And that their way is the one true and only right way?
ruefus suggested a while back to try moving the seat back to possibly find more height. I tried that and pulling the telescopic steering wheel back correspondingly, but to no avail. I don't think the car roofline increases at all the further back you go.
I'll have to sit one at a dealer again, and play around a bit... It's really a shame how difficult it is in life for us tall folk. ;-)
Or is it possible to get an aftermarket in-dash CD changer later on?
And no, no way do I want one of those trunk mounted contraptions.. I don't "get" those at all.. I NEED my trunk space!
and only right way?*
To justify his purchase.
About the Mazda6 wagon: A reviewer wrote the European 6 wagon with 2.3L engine and AWD is a bad combination, the AWD zaps the 4clyinder's torque. The 4 is the largest engine available in Europe.
One wonders if more power under the hood is equally matched by common sense under the cap?
fowler3
On another note I wonder what sales for the 6 will look like for the 6 this month. I'm thinking around 3200 6's this month were sold. Its too early to tell I think though for the long term sales wise. The Pro 5 wasn't popular at all when it first debut in America. All of a sudden you see little sprinkles of Pro 5's around.
If I may, I think it's because the engines for this car do not match particularly well with automatics. The car can come alive with a manual- and since most of us here like the Mazda6 for it's zoom-zoom passion, a manual transmission seems better suited for the image and style reflected by this car.
I don't think alcjew was saying people who buy automatic cars are bad; I think the point was automatic Mazda6's are bad.
I first test drove an automatic, and had I never driven the manual, I wouldn't own one. If you don't find the same value in that, then to each their own.
I'm not interested in "coming alive", "the most performance", and Zoom Zoom. I AM interested in a smoother ride than the Protegé, a little more power, handling, and interior comfort - along with beautiful styling. Maybe that's why most of the 6's coming out fit my desciption - what regular buyers are looking for. Most will be sold with AT.
Young buyers see a 6 with a stick as "thrills". Older buyers (over 50) see a stick as entry level, a downgrade, and less luxurious. Why have power everything: pdl, pw, ps, pm, and...have to shift gears? They do that on their riding mowers, not in their cars.
The difference is perception -- how one sees the 6 and sees himself or herself in the 6. Older drivers do not see "sport" as the main feature, it's an added incentive. They want a small sedan for everyday driving that looks good at the country club on Sunday.
If you think older buyers do not buy cars in this price range; the CEO of Wal-Mart drives a VW Beetle.
fowler3
"Mazda executives also said that their biggest problems with the new Mazda6 is product mix. Nearly 40 percent of orders are for V-6 cars, and that's compared with less than 20 percent for Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Also, orders for the standard transmission version have far outstripped what Mazda planned for, with early orders running in excess of 30 percent. —Jim Burt"
http://thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5759&sid=176&am- p;am- p;n=156
Mazda doesn't make the auto for the V6 model, Jatco does.
I definitely think Mazda's "zoom-zoom" marketing must be working, given the breakdown of 6-cylinder and automatic transmissions.
FWIW, I test-drive the manual 6-cylinder and automatic 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models. The manual 6-cyl was *sweet* -- really fun to drive. But I decided that for day-to-day driving, the automatic better suited my needs. And after having driven the 4-cylinder auto, I found the 6-cyl auto was a much better-feeling engine/trannie combo. The 6i/auto seemed to be struggling at lower revs.
(At least the anti-automatic crowd doesn't have the staggering numerical majority with the 6 that they enjoy in the Miata realm. :-)
So that's what I'm buying, an automatic 6s. Assuming an area dealer can find the config I want, I should be in the "6 club" this week! Woohoo!
Sure am gonna miss the Miata, though!
For combining styling, handling, value, reliability, etc., even as an auto tranny, the 6 still trumps the others on balance, at least for me. Is it the optimal way for this car? perhaps not. But still better than the rest.