We hear reports that Mazda is fueling its growth by stocking American rental companies with product. Normally, this sales strategy is a sure way to run a brand into the ground; to ensure that factories build The Least Objectionable Automobile rather than something inherently worthwhile. Not in this case. In fact, you could say that Ford's Japanese partner has created the world largest, perhaps best demo fleet for the four-cylinder Mazda6i. If you have a choice, make it your default option.
Mazda's family friendly tribute to zoom-zoom is a wake up call to the importance of great design. When picking-up our tester, I had to remind myself that this is a six-year-old model destined for the chopping block. While the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord go for derivative shapes and portly portions, Mazda's designers took bread and butter transportation and gave it a protein shake before hitting the gym.
From stem to stern, the Mazda6i offers nothing but trim proportions, sleek lines and muscular tones. Even the 6i's trippy, bubble-headed lighting pods have aged well on their (revised) midnight black backgrounds. Compared to the old 626, or its current competitors, the Mazda6 is an instant classic.
The Mazda6i's interior also shows how well a non-derivative Japanese design stands the test of time. The three spoke, leather-wrapped wheel would look at home in any BMW. The tasty switchgear, velvety door panel inserts and distinctive oval air registers feel better in your hands than any materials in any other car in this price range. Speaking of, the dashboard's northern hemisphere comes from polymers too rich for an entry-level Lexus, much less a dowdy Camry.
Older design or not, the Mazda6 continues to impress when your crew meets for four-portal pleasure. There's comfort for a quartet of average Joes, and it's not a bad place for a third person in the back. The large-ish trunk proves that Japan's latest redesigns add wasteful bulk and little value. That said, the omission of a decklid assist handle should be a punishable crime: smearing a dirty paint job with a wet hand in a thunderstorm is the family sedan equivalent of changing a kid's diaper.
And yet, the Mazda6 never stops with the shock and awe. I opened the dash-mounted coin holder, exposing a thickly flocked cubbyhole that makes the Chrysler Sebring's carpet hang its head in shame. Vault-like in construction, I felt obligated to give the useless crap in my pocket a new home. If you can find a better example of Industrial Design OCD in a sub-$25k car, buy it.
The Mazda6i's magic doesn't end when you twist the key. The base-by-name 2.3-liter four-pot is more than mediocre by nature. Its distinctive growl at idle is proof that there's a performance-minded dual exhaust underfoot. Although there's a paltry 156hp on tap, the Mazda6 revs smoothly to redline. With a willing five-speed autobox in tow, the Mazda6 offers far more spunk than its claimed 9-second run to 60mph implies.
There's nothing wrong with sloth-like speed in a cheap sedan, as long as you can make ample use of the Big Mo. The Mazda6 compensates for its sloth (yes, sloth) with the road manners of more Germanic sports sedans. Mid-corner composure speaks volumes about a suspension tuned with level cornering and minimal understeer in mind. Thanks to the engine's flat powerband, the Mazda6 rarely pushes under a cornering load. Some praise goes to the choice gumballs: 17-inch Michelin Pilots don't come cheap; but they do come prepared.
Mazda obviously told the Larry Winget's of the world to take a hike. The good rubber makes for sublime handling, but with a finessed ride that's simply astounding. The only beef with the Mazda6's dynamics is the parking lot friendly steering: the lack of on-center steering feel in fast sweepers is a bit of a buzz kill.
And then I hit the interstate for some straight-line school of thought. Ay, there's the rub: the Mazda6 howled in protest at the upper reaches of the speed limit, filling the cabin with drones and whacking my eardrums with a constant, offbeat booming. If you're looking for a long-distance, high-speed cruiser, the 6i ain't it.
No doubt: I'd exchange the disturbingly perfect coin tray for more eyeballs in Mazda's NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) department. Reputation aside, this is why the zoom-zoom sedan plays second fiddle to the almighty Camcord. Quiet is the key to Middle America's most basic necessity: a high-speed relaxation chamber to compensate for stressful work weeks, or annoying in-laws riding in the aft cabin.
Fact is, the Mazda6i is the perennial niche player. It's destined for enlightened pistonheads with a small family and an equally modest bankroll. Will the Mazda6i's sharp-looking replacement join the TSX in trading handling for marshmallow comfort? Watch this space. Meanwhile, respect, at a nice little discount.
95 Comments on “2008 Mazda6i Review...”
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Will the Mazda6i’s sharp-looking replacement join the TSX in trading handling for marshmallow comfort? Watch this space.
I keep my fingers crossed too!
Very nice review. I recently rented a compact, and refused the Focus and Corolla Hertz first wanted to give me. They found they keys for a Mazda3, which I was very happy with. Stayed amazingly flat in corners, pretty sharp steering (although there was a bit of a lack of feedback), and nicely appointed exterior.
I placed an order for a 2004 Mazda 6s and I thought it was a great car. The Ford Duratec V6 had a completely different character from the version in my Mom’s Taurus, and the car just seemed to want to have fun. Unfortunately the dealer treated me with no respect and then jerked me around, and Mazda dealers are scarce. So I ended up with an Accord V6, which was fast but not nearly as fun, and just felt big, plus no manual with the V6. Finally I got rid of the Accord and got a ‘06 TSX which is, as the review alludes, similar in character to the Mazda.
One thing about the new 6, there will be NO MANUAL transmission option with the V6 this time :(
It’s kind of sad that the next North American 6 is explicitly chasing the Camry and Accord, rather than cleaving to it’s own path and leaving mainstream duties to the Fusion.
It’ll still be a good car, but something of value will have been lost.
Whenever I’m stuck renting from Hertz, I get a 6. I’ve had them in good and bad weather. They’re always fun to drive and the better choice over a Camry.
Too bad they’ve ditched the wagon and the hatchback.
I took my 335 in for service a few months ago and was given one of these as a loaner for the day. Initially disappointed that I didn’t have a 328 or something else to play with, I found myself delighted after driving the Mazda6, even in its base-trim with the 4 cylinder automatic. The engine had reasonable power, the transmission always seemed to find the right gear (and I’m no fan of automatics) and the handling was, as you put it, quite Germanic in feel. The quality of the cloth interior, even in non-upgraded form, left me wondering why my only choices in a BMW here in the U.S. are vinyl and leather; count me as a fan of cloth seating.
While I’m not a fan of FWD, this is an exceptional sedan which I think is hampered by Mazda’s long time association with second-rate dealers who have no clue as to how to sell this or the superb Mazda3. There’s something going on at Mazda which should be appreciated and while they do not have BMW’s history, they seem intent on producing vehicles in which the driver is viewed as an important part of the package.
happy to see this review–this car is on my list for my next vehicle, as their resale isn’t too great and they can therefore be found real cheap 2-3 years old. I heard, however, that the reliability isn’t great…auto tranny problems, I think. Does anyone know if this applies to both the 4-cyl and V-6 versions?
Also, 21/28 isn’t great for a 4-cylinder
Never heard about problems with either 5-speed transmission (AT or MT). I think the original 4-speed AT had some issues, as it did in the Mazda3.
@drifter: I would tend to disagree with the public shunning ALL of Mazda’s products. The 3 has sold very well, the 6 not so much. The article explained why…people want complete quiet and a soft suspension. They want gear ratios that are for efficiency, not performance.
These are still great cars, I only wish I could find a hatchback model with the V6 and MT.
Mazda6: A very underrated car, constantly eclipsed by the big boys. And right now, the deal of the century.
These are still great cars, I only wish I could find a hatchback model with the V6 and MT.
I had a gorgeous ‘05 black V6 hatch which was a great car by every measure. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of test driving a Speed6.
The problem with Mazda they never really develop anything special.
Compared to Honda and Toyota they develop Hybrid Cars, Nissan The New GT-R and Mitsubsishi New look, New Engine, Advance Y-control, Stability control and Active differential and including Paddle shifter and Subaru a better faster car and new car design
Mazda has been left out in car design and only now they are designing good looking cars. I remember in the 90’s the 626 and Mazda Protege were the only models that were mass marketed in America.
The good cars they have were not even sold in America.
Mazda3 pretty descent but it just reminds me of the Protege that got fatter. (just compare the old car it’s from thin to fat)
If you want to Modify this Mazda6 or Mazda3 it will be a nightmare for a Tuner because performance parts are limited and not even an SRI or CAI.
Besides driving dynamics, I always think Mazda styling (for sedans, anyway) is a notch above the competition.
But there are the occasional tradeoffs (NVH) as you’ve mentioned above – but still, I’ve owned 3 in the last 20 years, and each one was fun to drive, relative to the competition.
Great review! I had a 5-door V6 Manual. Loved the storage compartment and was very smooth and comfortable but still tossable. Understeer almost got me a couple times though.
The engine had a good sound, but muted. Road noise and various squeaks and rattles were problems and the manual was clunky at best.
Mazda has no idea (nor should they care) but a rental Mazda 6 that I drove from Pittburgh to Cleveland to Detroit to Columbus (it was work not a vacation)back in 2004 finally convinced me to give it up buying domestic cars. I was very pleasantly surprised. Mazda didn’t so much pick up a new customer as GM lost a long-time (long-suffering) one.
BEAT:
If you want to Modify this Mazda6 or Mazda3 it will be a nightmare for a Tuner because performance parts are limited and not even an SRI or CAI.
Not sure where you’re getting this from. The 3.0L V6 Duratec is one of the most popular engines on the road and the 2.3L I4 is lightweight and easily modified. There is an abundance of engine and suspension mods on the market, ranging from intakes to turbo setups for both engines. A little research goes a long way.
Really There are high performance parts for Mazda6 and Mazda3. I wonder where?
There are A FEW after market parts and body kits but who wants to body kit a car this already looks chubby in any angle. Mazda is terrible on high speed turns etc etc.
I am talking about more complicated stuff than just short ram intake or ceramic brakes.
That’s my point
The main reason that the Mazda6 always loses out to the Accord in a real world comparison is because the Accord is simply a better car in far to many ways to list here. Yeah the Mazda is a good handling car but The majority of all Mazdas a I have driven were also good drivers. THAT is Mazdas selling point to attract folks to their products. The problem is that once the test drive is over and you need to assess the rest of the vehicle that Mazda does end up lacking. I have experince with every 626 and 6 model since the 1980s and the best way to describe the 6 is “flimsy” compared to an Accord or even Camry.
Now how is this a 4 star review? The jist of the review is that the Mazda 6i is a good handling car, yet at the end you correctly sum up the handling advantage to a set of very good AND expensive tires. I have driven enough FWD Japanese cars to know that a wheel and tire change generally equates to a very noticable improvement in handling and braking. The difference between a Camry (of all cars)with stock wheel and tires and an upgrade to some low profile VR rated rubber is Night and Day!
Now lets be honest the 2.3l engine in the 6 is a dog! Put three adults in a 4cyl 6i and the car is screaming blood murder! Once you put a decent load in one of these things you quickly remember why an Accord or camry come equiped with a more compliate suspension, and higher profile tires.
The problem for Mazda and the Mazda6 is that the # is such a good car! It is smaller and lighter yet comes with the same engine. The only reason to buy a 6 over a 3 is space, but if space is what you need their are just better alternatives out there.
The Mazda6 does make for an excellent low priced rental car though. I always have a smile when I see an available Mazda6 at Hertz, that is funny because I could never see myself buying one.
# /= 3
Easy on the shift key there, whatdoiknow1.
“I have experince with every 626 and 6 model since the 1980s and the best way to describe the 6 is “flimsy” compared to an Accord or even Camry.”
My father put a quarter of a million miles on a GLC back in 1987. I once bought a Protege with 125,000 miles on it and drove it like I stole it. They little shitbox never complained. I drove my 1987 RX-7 Turbo II over 150 mph with one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel. While I understand the appeal of the Camry (we’ve gone through 5 in my family), I would never buy one before an equivalent Mazda product. Where else would I go for a Rotary Miller-cycle DSI whip with oscillating air fents and a solar powered interior fan?
BEAT, you should really do more research before you spout out more nonsense. There are many, many aftermarket parts available for Mazdas. No, it’s not like a Honda B or D-series motor which have been around for ages, the MZR line is relatively new.
Look up some of the forums.
Mazda is a smaller company than some of the ones you described, but they’ve always specialized in quirky engines…Miller-cycle, rotary, hydrogen to name a few. Alot of those items you mentioned weren’t developed by the automakers, but their suppliers. Packing a bunch of technology into a car doesn’t make it always make it a better car.
>Beat
Mazda doesn’t do anything special? You are kidding right, there is one little thing called the rotary engine that no one else does. Love it or hate it, it is unique.
Mazda’s are not appliances so they do not appeal to the general public. There are fewer Mazda dealers than Honda and Toyota so that plays a part as well I’m sure.
It’s not Germanic in feel; the Germans just know how to make their cars feel like Mazdas.
I have a 2004 Mazda6s, MT, that I bought in December 2004 just before Christmas. It wasn’t everything I wanted (no sun roof), but I got what I still think was a great deal on it, $17,500 + tax & license. I still love that car to this day. While the V6 engine barely produces north of 200 hp, it still feels fast, and certainly is fast through the corners. The body roll around the 30 mph on ramp onto the freeway near my house is non-existent even at 55 mph. All the little cubbys from the sunglass holder between the visors to the cup holders between the seats seem first rate. the door panels, seats, etc. are all wearing well. The only bad thing that I can think of saying about the car in my 3+ years of ownership is that the transmission can be somewhat grabby if you try to drive the car like a Camcord. But, put the pedal to the floor and drive it the way you know you want to drive it, and the transmission behaves wonderfully.
I have had no trouble driving it on long trips myself. My mom lives 500+ miles from me; so, I certainly have experience in driving my Mazda6 over long distances.
I’ll take my Mazda6s over a Camry or Accord of the same age in a heart beat.
The overriding problem with this 6 compared to the competition was lack of interior room relative to the Camcords. I remember someone from Mazda admitting that they blew it on that score and that they wouldn’t make the same mistake again. It’s a compromise that would work for me, but I’m not a typical bread and butter buyer. It’s the sedan I would buy if I had to buy a sedan in that class. People who really want midsize sedans aren’t typically looking for the exact mix that the 6 offers. I’m sure the new 6 will try to be a Camcord with Zoom Zoom, and something will probably be lost along the way. That’s how it goes. The masses have spoken.
The Altima 2.5 is competitive in price, has 10% better fuel economy, 20 more horses, and the styling is sex on wheels (for a “family” car). I’d look at it before the 6 if I’m looking for a midsize sedan.
I’d also look at a Malibu/Aura if GM suddenly, magically became a viable company.
Strippo : People who really want midsize sedans aren’t typically looking for the exact mix that the 6 offers.
I think Altima offers a similar mix, executed much better (just my opinion). I also wonder what the presence of the Ford Fusion does to the 6’s appeal.
BEAT – The rotary engine was conceptualized by Felix Wankel and put into production by only two companies, NSU and Mazda, despite research by both GM and Mercedes. Mazda is the sole automobile company on the planet to have continued production of the rotary and all of the important advances on this motor are attributed to Mazda. Whether or not it is everyone’s cup of tea, it adds a diversity to the automobile market which would be sorely lacking otherwise.
As to Mazda performance parts, it seems that there are a great number of them on racetracks every weekend. In the BMWCCA events I have attended, one of the instructors drives a well-thrashed series 1 Miata which routinely finds its way around much faster cars due to its light weight, handling prowess and her skill as a driver.
Whether you like them or not, the fact that they are building cars which are engineered to be more than transport appliances adds a vital part to the overall car spectrum in much the same way that Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and others also add to the spectrum of non-boring cars. As enthusiasts, we should be thankful for people at all of these companies who are trying to keep some semblance of “feel” in driving. Although the general public seems to feel otherwise, I’m happy to have the choice between a car with some soul and an isolated, efficient transportation module.
Sorry, I’m gonna have to disagree with some of this review.
I’m a diehard Mazda owner. Lets see, 12 years of driving, all of them Mazdas (2 626’s and now a Miata).
The interior quality is my beef. Nothing wrong with anything, but to say its better than a Lexus is just wrong. Its not. I’d argue the 3 has better materials and fit than the 6.
Will agree they drive great, and I like the size (not everyone wants a huge sedan, but we do like power…so Civic size but with a better motor…meanwhile hardly anyone gives customers this choice). But they feel a little cheap, and they’re pretty noisy.
I don’t think this particular model (4cyl/auto) deserves 4 stars. 3 is maybe ok.
I commute 1,800 miles/month into NYC driving my 04 Mazda6 Wagon (3.0L/5M). Granted it’s noisy on I-78 & twacks a lot on the pulvarized pavement of the Pulaski Skyway, but it’s a hoot to drive – slick shifter, good powerband, smooth + happy revving motor.
I could drive my in-laws 05 Accord EX (2.4L/5A) to work & save about $160/month on gas. Without a shadow of a doubt, the fun of driving the 6 is worth $40 a week (even or perhaps especially in Manhattan traffic) to me.
Mazda doesn’t do anything special? You are kidding right, there is one little thing called the rotary engine that no one else does. Love it or hate it, it is unique.
Two things:
1) Who the hell cares? I’ve never heard of anyone buying a Mazda because they offer a rotary in one car that no one buys.
2) If it was so damned special, why has it only been on just the one car (that no one buys) for as long as I can remember? Either use it throughout the range or dump it and put the 3.5L V-6 or EcoBoost 2.5L four in the RX-whateverthey’reuptonow and be done with it! It’s that simple. There’s a reason why no one else uses rotaries in their cars: they’re crap. Too thirsty. No torque. Too much oil.
Beat,
Your argument falls apart because you base your argument on the fact that the Mazda6 has no aftermarket.
I don’t personally own a Mazda6, so I can’t attest to it’s aftermarket without doing more research than I’m willing, but Mazdas as an overarching whole have a pretty solid aftermarket with at the very least the MX-5 and the RX-8. I personally own a Mazdaspeed3, and find the aftermarket to be acceptable, although the car does not have as widespread a following as say a Civic Si. Furthermore, Mazda has an inhouse tuning section, which is more than I can say about Toyota and Honda (TRD is a joke.) Saying Mazdas are hard to find parts for because it’s hard to find parts for a Mazda6 is like saying Hondas are hard to find parts for because it’s hard to find parts for an Odyssey.
To say that Mazda doesn’t offer anything unique and attractive compared to other car companies is just straight up ignorant. I get the impression you’re just arguing because you want to be right even though you know you’re wrong, but I’ll assume you really just don’t know. Please name one car that any other manufacturer makes that can even hold a candle to the MX-5 at that price point (namely, a RWD, light, track-ready car). The RX-8 is also a car that no other manufacturer can emulate (although the market for this car is admittedly niche). The fact is that Mazda makes cars that mainly appeal to the road-racing minded driver, which is a pretty small subset of the population. The company spends a lot of effort in tuning the chassis and suspension of their cars, and have to cut corners in other departments. This makes their cars less mainstream, which is probably why they don’t sell as well. Not because they don’t make a GT-R level car, nor make a hybrid, nor make a rally car.
I have liked this car from the exact day it rolled out. And still do.
Put in the 3 interior inside and it would be perfect.
I’m afraid the next 6 will not have the appeal of this one.
This car looks hot (after 6 years) and has the right size (like the Fusion).
Hello all! Thank you for reading.
[i]drifter : Compared to ToyHoNis counterparts, Mazdas has been less fuel efficient, noisier, rougher riding and comes with expensive tires that help handling but don’t last long. While auto journalists love them for their handling and styling, car buying public has shunned the mostly. [/i]
Yup, I priced those Pilots at Tire Rack: $198. They are worth every penny, but damn, that’s a lotta pennies.
crc : Too bad they’ve ditched the wagon and the hatchback.
You can still get the 5-door in this bodystyle.
whatdoiknow1 : Now how is this a 4 star review? The jist of the review is that the Mazda 6i is a good handling car, yet at the end you correctly sum up the handling advantage to a set of very good AND expensive tires. I have driven enough FWD Japanese cars to know that a wheel and tire change generally equates to a very noticable improvement in handling and braking. The difference between a Camry (of all cars) with stock wheel and tires and an upgrade to some low profile VR rated rubber is Night and Day!
Except all Camrys have VR tires and that’s the only thing holding a (non-SE) Camry to the ground! The new Camry’s base suspension understeers, rolls and pitches just as hard (maybe harder) than a Lincoln Town Car.
The Mazda 6 is a solid four star car for its design. Great suspension, excellent fit and finish and the styling is so clean, timeless and elegant. The Honda Accord has always had Mazda-like performance for a wider audience, but let’s face it, the latest model is a full-sizer and is a strange looking beast.
whatdoiknow1 : Now lets be honest the 2.3l engine in the 6 is a dog! Put three adults in a 4cyl 6i and the car is screaming blood murder! Once you put a decent load in one of these things you quickly remember why an Accord or camry come equiped with a more compliate suspension, and higher profile tires.
Its not a dog, the final drive + 5-speed auto helps a fair bit. Even with 3 people the car isn’t too slow, compared to a 4cyl Camcord. Now if it had a 4-spd auto, I’d totally agree with you.
Strippo: People who really want midsize sedans aren’t typically looking for the exact mix that the 6 offers.
And the sales figures prove it. Kind of a shame though. The interior is smaller, but does it matter to most drivers? It’s the same reason why we don’t need SUVs, sedans don’t need to get bigger and bigger if 2-3 passengers is all you carry. Not to mention the trunk in the 6 is BIGGER than the new Accord.
Jerome10 : The interior quality is my beef. Nothing wrong with anything, but to say its better than a Lexus is just wrong. Its not. I’d argue the 3 has better materials and fit than the 6.
The upper half of the 6’s dashboard had polymers that were richer textured and squishier than the Lexus ES 350 I tested. That’s the cold, hard truth.
Jerome10: I don’t think this particular model (4cyl/auto) deserves 4 stars. 3 is maybe ok.
I included the classic, not fussy, not overkill design and packaging into the mix. What you get with the 6 is pretty unique. And they spent money where you’d like it: Michelin Pilots (debatable) and cool things like that coin tray.
BEAT : Jerome10 is a good example of being honest. Yes he is a Mazda Lover but he doesn’t agree that Mazda is better than Lexus.
Nobody said that: its only the upper half of the IP.
Don’t generalize an 800 word TTAC review, people. We get too granular in our analysis for that.
Wait did you really say that cars now-days don’t use chassis at all? Regardless of how much you tune cars, it is “very obvious” that even if you are a tuner, you’re not a driver. And honestly the term “high performance parts” is subjective and has not been thrown around until your last post. What exactly do you consider a “high performance part”?
Strippo: People who really want midsize sedans aren’t typically looking for the exact mix that the 6 offers.
And the sales figures prove it. Kind of a shame though. The interior is smaller, but does it matter to most drivers? It’s the same reason why we don’t need SUVs, sedans don’t need to get bigger and bigger if 2-3 passengers is all you carry. Not to mention the trunk in the 6 is BIGGER than the new Accord.
You’re preaching to the choir, but I think when push comes to shove the wife is the one making the decision on which midsize family sedan to buy, so catering to the interests of TTAC readers and the like is ultimately bad for business in this segment.
limmin :
Mazda6: A very underrated car, constantly eclipsed by the big boys. And right now, the deal of the century.
Definitely an amazing deal right now. The car reviewed here can be bought for less than $18k (MSRP $21,550). Someone try to tell me they can get more for anywhere near that price (Mazda3 notwithstanding).
I would have bought this car last month, since it was on sale for a hot 15k, but I didn’t want to own a new car that would become obsolete within half a year. I got a Camry instead. Bad mistake! I really love the styling, even if it’s a tad old, but this will make a great bargain once the new models hit the showrooms. But wow, the new model is a god damn supermodel and will make the old one look so plain jane!
The Mazda6 had one strong model year, 2003.
But they even blew that one by tying many options to the Sport Package, then having a limited supply of the body kit included in the Sport Package.
Result: a glut of non-Sport cars, and a shortage of those with it.
They sorted this out later, but by then the Mazda3 had arrived and stolen all of the 6’s thunder.
For reliability info:
http://www.truedelta.com
Did they ever fix the front passenger seat? When the wife and I were last looking we test drove the 6 and I loved the wagon, but the front passenger seat was set too high for me (my head hit the roof with every bump) and wasn’t adjustable for height.
The sales guy told me that none of the trim levels came with an (height) adjustable seat. Other than that I loved the car, but as it would be the wife’s and I would be riding in the passenger seat at least some of the time, I didn’t need the concussion.
Alas, by getting rid of the wagon/hatch in the 6 series, Mazda just narrowed down their niche. Pity.
When we went car shopping this spring for a family hauler, one of my stops was the Mazda dealer.
Its a shame there was no new 6 wagon, or I’d probably have pushed hard even though rear seat space seemed a bit less than required. I found one overpriced used one and LOVED it, but that’s all that was around.
Anyways, we bought a 5 instead. All I know is that if Mazda can make that really-mini-van handle as well as it does and feel as zippy with the same 2.3 4 pot, I can’t imagine what they can do with something a little leaner like a 3 or a 6 with a V6.
I do know that next time I go to replace my own car, I’ll be stopping at the Mazda dealer first.
BEAT:
With all due respect, you consistently interject your Lancer into forum responses as some sort of top-tier automobile that demands respect. This alone, in my opinion, reflects poorly on your ability to criticize Mazda for lack of enthusiast appeal.
Aside from the Saturn ION, and perhaps the Chevy Cobalt, the new Lancer has been one of the most universally-panned small cars on sale today. It has a garbage interior, mediocre driving dynamics, sluggish acceleration, and offers no standout features aside from its admittedly sharp styling. I have yet to see one review outside the likes of Family Circle that has any sort of praise for the car. See the TTAC review, for example: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/mitsubishi-lancer-review/
A (false, IMO) lack of aftermarket support for the Mazda 3 and 6 determine their worth as enthusiast choices? For goodness’ sakes, the GM J-bodies had fantastic aftermarket support, with a plethora of gaudy (”colorful”) add-ons, superchargers, turbos, shift linkages, suspension mods, and the like, and they were miserable, awful little shitboxes. If the availability of aftermarket crap for a given small car determines its worth, the 1995 Neon must have been the pinnacle of subcompact engineering.
And to even breathe “Evo” in relation to the 0%-financing-grade Lancer is just painful to hear. The two cars are so different as to share the Lancer name for insurance underwriting-purposes alone. And what of Mitsubishi’s abysmal dealer network, questionable warranty exclusions, and eyebrow-raising corporate ethics?
Mitsu’s racing heritage up against Mazda and Honda? Heh. Cute.
Mazda has a storied racing past, with respect from a large swath of the automotive media and enthusiast base. The MX-5 is the de-facto sporting roadster, on and off the track. The RX-8 is a tech leader and track terror. The ‘Speed3 redefines cheap speed, while the company has spent much time on new technological advances like their Miller-cycle supercharged engines, micro-displacement V6s (1.8L V6 in the MX-3 anyone?), snickety-snick gearboxes, superb chassis (yes, cars still have a chassis) development, etc.
There is a wealth of constructive critique and intelligent discussion about various aspects of the automotive industry on TTAC. Perhaps instead of spouting your opinions as fact (PERIOD!), you might want to sit back and absorb what some of the very bright minds on this site have to share, and let your “facts” be a little more malleable.
It’s hard to accept that what you have isn’t as superior as the Mazda3, I know. I went through the same thing when I bought a Ninja 650R instead of the Suzuki SV650 only to realize later that the SV was simply the better machine. But open your mind a little and the pain will subside.
-Drew
seoultrain : But then, the overwhelming majority of Mazda6’s I see out there are bone stock. You’re trying to criticize the Mazda6 for not offering something that frankly no one in the market for this car cares about.
And, stock for stock, the Mazda6 is one of the best (if not the best) way to aggressively shuttle 4 people, 15-ish cu-ft of cargo for $22k or less. And do it with nice style and proportions.
Re: this aftermarket diatribe…I’m sure you can make a Camry and Corolla into a serious stealth bomber with aftermarket suspension/engine upgrades from its corporate brothers, but this whole discussion is completely out of whack.
Enough already!
Well, Sajeev, the review was fantastic.
I’m a big fan of the 6 in its current form and I’m just crossing my fingers that they didn’t botch the replacement car. The fact that the Fusion/Milan/MKZephyr are based on this car’s old bones and are so competitive speaks volumes about how good the 6 was from the jump.
Just like the new 6, I’m just as nervous as I am excited to see the new 3. Reminds me of the title on the second-gen Miata review in Car and Driver. Something to the effect of: “they redesigned the whole car and didn’t screw anything up!” Here’s hoping…
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I really like to think that the Mazda Engineers know how big a hit the next 6 can be, based on the success of the current and the 3, so I expect them to do a good job with it.
Then again, I expected Honda/Acura to take a stance of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and give us a turbo 4 in the new TSX, so I’ve been wrong before…
I recall reading a Buick review that said something along the lines of, “noise reduction isn’t exactly a sexy selling point. It’s got to be like tenth on most shopper’s list”. Just sayin’….
Several months ago, I purchased a 5-door 2008 s Grand Touring Mazda6 and offer these observations:
1) The Mazda6 is a “sporty” family sedan, but is hardly a sports sedan. If you want a sports sedan, I suggest you buy one instead of trying to make this car into something it was never intended to be.
2) The 5-door is one of the very few mid-size hatches on the US market (The replacement for this car will only be offered as a sedan). As a result, the 5-door offers versatility that no Camcord can offer and is a heck of a lot more fun to drive than a RAV4 or CRV.
3) The styling of the Mazda6 is nice, but considering the styling of hatches and CUV, the 5-door is particularly nice. You would never know this car is not a sedan.
4) As you live with this car, you begin to really appreciate the straightforward simplicity of the controls. Such a nice departure from “button mania.”
5) The car with the 6 cylinder is relatively quiet and adequately powered. A 6 pot producing 211 ponies is still anemic, but the car is hardly underpowered. I have no idea why Mazda’s turbo 4 is not in this car. That would have really improved the car.
6) Being slated for replacement beginning this Summer, there are some great deals out there for the remaining 2008s. I got mine for a little over $23k with everything except Nav and Sat radio. As such, the car comes equipped like it cost more like $30k.
Taken as a versatile family sedan that is fun to drive, the Mazda6 is hard to fault
Regarding the aftermarket argument: High-performance tuner parts exist for the 6, BUT BUT BUT the car throws a CEL with the addition of any CAI/SRI, which is a major PITA.
I completely agree with this review, but I’m also a major Mazda fanboy (if only their dealers didn’t suck so hard…). The Mazda6 is my favorite car out on the market today (a bold statement, I know), and I will probably buy one before they changeover production to that new Camcord crap. I don’t understand why people keep buying larger and larger Camcords…my father’s old 1990 Camry seemed smaller than today’s Corolla, and yet it was a great family car! I love the slightly smaller size of the Mazda6, the steering feel, the VERY 3-series like suspension/chassis composure, and driver-centric interior. Damn, that steering wheel feels sweet.
I have no idea why Mazda’s turbo 4 is not in this car. That would have really improved the car.
They did, it was called the Mazdaspeed6 and was pretty much a flop. Once again, the car magazines proclaimed it great, and people stayed away in droves.
Lurnberg:
I was thinking of the 244hp version which is in the CX-7 and uses regular gas.
I hope Mazda makes a point to considerably increase the fuel economy in the next 6 and 3. One of the reasons I’m not interested in the 3 and 6 hatch is that they can’t crack 30 highway on the new ratings.
I was just thinking that the Mazda 6’s relative failure in the US reminds me of the late, and great, Ford Contour. It was universally praised by the car mags, but was never a hit for Ford. It’s biggest problem being it was not as big as the Accord or Camry, and the Mazda faces the same criticism. Now that you’ve made the new one bigger Mazda, please don’t make it boring as well.