Mazda unveiled the production version of this high-performance variant of its midsize Mazda 6 in Paris this September. The concept first appeared in Paris two years ago. At the heart of this vehicle is a turbocharged, direct-injection, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine. This powertrain, capable of producing 270 horsepower, is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is a standard feature.
Sedan as appliance? Not on your life, bucko...
Rating
Written By monoblocks
Date Written Jul 27 2007
Summary
(late summer, 2006) When we bought our then-new Mazda 6 Grand Sport sedan in the summer of 2006 it had proved to be something of a relief. We had gone through an agonizing, extended, on-and-off search over the past 3 1/2 years, looking at a...
Strength
Sharp handler despite steering rack, responsive V-6, good size and utility. High fun-to-drive quotient.
She was a real looker. Not flashily overdone, but smartly and sexily dressed down in an understated way. The type who might not turn a lot of heads, but once you got a halfway decent look, she would keep drawing your eyes back to her like a magnet. I...
Strength
Great looks, handling, and feel
Weakness
Only one keyhole on the outside, needs a remote entry
Bottom Line
Great looking, great driving, great feeling car!!! I want one!!!
This review is for the Mazda Mazda6 S 5-Door Grand Sport V6. Intro I had just sold my 2-door car, a '97 Nissan 200SX 5-speed. I enjoyed the great gas mileage and sporty driving, but the car was getting old and I wanted something a little more...
Strength
Excellent handling and power, good cargo room in hatch area, comfortable seats, reasonable fuel economy.
Weakness
Lots of road noise on bumpy surfaces, hatchback limits rear visibility. Confused shifting.
Bottom Line
I would recommend the 5-door version as it is sporty, comfortable and has good space as well.
Safety was key when I was shopping. The Mazda6 was neck-and-neck with the Subaru Outback for IIHS crash tests, and came in a little cheaper. I got a deal on a Sport Wagon, which had a couple of extras I wouldn't have sought: Bose sound, moon roof, etc...
Strength
Inexpensive for its features. Nimble, good on the highway. Safe with 6 airbags.
What is it that I like about the Mazda 6 the most? It's the price. When you can get 5 or $6000 off the sticker price this car becomes a great value. That's why I own it. For the money I paid in 2004 ($16,665), I got a well equipped V6 Mazda 6S. That was...
Strength
Unbeatable value, superb handling, many standard features.
Weakness
The engine lacks power, interior not as large as competitors.
Bottom Line
Perhaps not the best midsized sedan, but throw price into the equation and the 6, along with Sonata, are easily the champs.
The Mazda6 is a terrific line of vehicles! A very nice change from yet another boring sedan. I love that this comes in such a wide variety of choices of body styles (sedan, wagon, and even a 5-door!) as well as engines (2.3L 4-cyl or 3.0L V-6). And the...
Strength
5-door usefulness, V-6 can be mated to a stick shift, beautiful interior.
Weakness
Notchy shifter, a few cheap touches
Bottom Line
Check it out - especially if you're tired of ordinary sedans!
At 1500 miles it's too early to judge anything, really. But a few notes worth reading... I've been driving stick shifts for over 10 years but man I had a real hard time launching this car in 1st gear. I stalled it dozens of times at red lights. Found...
Strength
Lots of car and features for the money, manual tranny with V6, Bose stereo
Weakness
Initial quality problems (throttle body and driver seat defect)
Bottom Line
Although material quality may be higher with Toyota and Honda, there is serious bang-for-buck value here, plus you won't look like everyone else. Accords and Camrys are EVERYwhere!
I love this car. She gets average 28-33 mph highway. I drive 300 miles every week to work and back and she does great. The engine has a lot of get up and go since I live in the mountains it does really well in the higher altitudes. Not the best in...
Strength
Handles the mountains and curves like a power horse!
Weakness
No fog lights, heated side mirrors, to fold back seats you have to open trunk.
Bottom Line
Great car for the $$. Good gas mileage, safe, makes for a good family car!
I recently bought a 2006 Mazda6s 5 door. Engine and Handling I drive about 500 miles a week, mostly highway, and this car is comfortable and smooth on the freeway. I opted for the V6 engine coupled to the 6 speed automatic transmission with the...
Strength
Performance, comfort, styling
Weakness
Wide turning radius, limited rearward visibility
Bottom Line
This is an excellent all around midsize sedan. It is sporty and fun to drive and a really great value for the money.
