Driving the Mazda6

[Wheels.ca]

When I drove the 6 a year ago I was impressed. I'm glad to report that now that its here my innitial possitive impressions hold true.

When Mazda introduced the car they claimed to have set the Passat as a benchmark. Unlike most manufactuers Mazda has succeeded in that goal. I just finished driving an A4 1.8T last week and the 6 delivers about 95% of that car's refinement, ride and handling for about 15 grand less.

Though the engine does need to be revved for max progress it sounds kinda VTEC-ish when you do so - this is a good thing. Short shifting around town the car is very quiet (as it is on the highway) and I'm expecting rather excellent fuel economy.

Handling is responsive with plenty of grip and if you plant it the car accelerated to 100+ mph with ease.

Very impressed. Really like it and for the price? amazing.

I'm thinking I'd like a red wagon with carbon coloured wheels, stoptech brakes and a mild drop when it comes out.

just thought i'd share a few thoughts.

mike

[Wheels.ca]

crap. kurt could you edit the topic title to correct the spelling.

thanks

mike

[03bluP5]

Great review, especially since my buddy sat in that very same Audi at CIAS and was considering buying one. I've been telling him the new 6 is gonna make waves.
I wasn't crazy on the 6's styling at first glance of pics before introduction, but I did change my mind when I actually saw it.
The hatch and wagon models will be really welcome to active lifestyle people.

[KurtMP3]

Hey Mike i think you should hire me to be your copy editor at the magazine with all this editing im doing for ya now http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

I saw a 6 on the road the other day. They are pretty machines and the thing needs to be slammed right away and the car will be great.

Could use a kit too, but one heck of a creation by Mazda. I almost like the New 6 compared to the old, more than i like the new Rx-8 to the last gen rx-7.

[Wheels.ca]

it's not that i can't spell - only that i can't type when i'm drinkin'

interesting comparison. the rx-8 looks very japanese but pretty interesting for under $37K nonetheless.
the 6 looks a lot better than the camry or altima to me but will probably age quicker than the new accord especially the dash.

Midsize family sedans are by far the best automotive values on the road. Just think; $25K for the 6 with alloys, traction control, 4-sheel discs with ABS, plenty of space, top-tier materials, etc...etc...

what a deal.

[KurtMP3]

Id take a 3rd Gen rx-7 over the rx-8 hands down

The New 6 i would drive for sure.

IMO

I can edit and type even when Im drinking...its the walking thats a problem LOL

[Fhemto]

You have driven both the 6 and the rx8. Which one is more fun to drive?

[jgoertzen]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Fhemto @ Feb. 23 2003,6:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You have driven both the 6 and the rx8. Which one is more fun to drive?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
i don't think you even need to ask that question....

they are two different classes of vehicles....but of course....when it comes down to it..the rx is gonna mop up

[Wheels.ca]

jgoertzen is right - you shouldn't need to ask.

the rx-8 is a true sports car but with seating for four. to call it a sport sedan is an insult IMHO.

the 6 is great. $25,195 with the 17&quot; alloys - what a raging deal. smooth, powerful, efficient, comfortable. love it!

[Fhemto]

Looking at my earlier question, it does look stupid. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif What I meant to ask was the overall value of both cars. Handling, looks, interior, price. Respectively, both cars are great within their class.

Another question, if the rx8 is classified as a sport sedan rather than a sport car, will insurance companies classify it as a sport sedan as well?

[Wheels.ca]

the RX-8 is without question a sports car. the fact that it has four doors and seats four people probably won't make any diff to insurers.

both the 6 and the RX-8 are exceptional values. If you consider that a 220-hp MAzda 6 V6 GT is $31,995 and that a 250-hp RX-8 is $36,795 - well the RX-8 is a lot of car for the money.

the 6 i 've been driving is a base 4-cylinder with the $900 sport package (total $25,195) 17&quot; alloys, dual exhaust, ABS, traction control and 3-spoke leather steering wheel.

i think the base 6 is a better value than the top-of-the-line model but both are more than competitive.

[CarDemon]

I have to admit that through all my years in the Canadian/Jamaican Ghettoes and Projects the brothers and I have been a true Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima Fans. If the 'MAN's' game was good to us we would push Acura Legends/Vigors, ES 300, Q35/Q45's.

We Jamaican Ballers appreciate a good Japanese Sedan that has a presence and reputation of refinement and quality on the roads we travel. We were hurt when they discountinued the Acura Legend in 95/96, took the boxieness out of the 90-94ish Camry generation, eco-styled from the classic 90-93 Accord of which they brought back after 98 somewhat till now. It was like considering 'Snow' to be hardcore reggae,so we were starved.

With the 626/929 not even making a strong blip on the radar screen in the excitement and styling department was many notches below in refinement. Millennia however had some promise and it seemed rare like a nice bling, bling watch.

When I saw this Mazda creation I got the tingles and spicey kick like biting into Jerk Chicken. They are gonna turn some damned heads and lure some Accord 4dr/2dr, Camry Solara and Altima fans if the package and pricing is right. I really like the hatchback and notchback almost like a Lexus GS 300 type style I think. From what I've read it handles like it is on rails which in turn can be improved on in the aftermarket. If my financial situation and career improves I would definitely buy one.

I AM DAMNED LEARY ON THE V6 FORD DURATECH ENGINE. I have some sort of mental block, but if it has a good reliablitly record I may have to swallow my pride. For now the 4cyl manual tranny will do for my needs. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif

[Myk]

I would take an Altima if they did something with the taillights.

Without driving any of them, I would prefer a Maxima, not the next year's body style. 3.5L 6-Speed. Same with the altima.

I think the 3.0 Accord, with the limited edition manual, is a damn nice car. But you know the dealers are going to hose any poor sap looking for one.

I give Nissan credit for offering a 'stick' with all their vehicles.

I think the '6' will do very well, lets hope that their arent too many Ford parts in it.

[Wheels.ca]

i wasn't aware there was a 6-speed manual version of the accord sedan V6 - there a 6-speed manual version of the coupe and its not limited production in any way.

the altima is a perfectly nice car but does not approach the material and assembly quality of the accord or camry nor that of the mazda 6.

the major ford influence in the mazda 6 is the duratec v6.

[CarDemon]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Wheels.ca @ Feb. 26 2003,7:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">the major ford influence in the mazda 6 is the duratec v6.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
What worries me is how damned reliable is this Duratech V6?
What other FORD vehicles has it been in?
Is there a version of this car in Japan?
If so, how much horses and what engines do they have there?
What about the tranny? Who takes care of that, Mazda or Ford?

[Myk]

My bad, the manual is only in the coupe V6. But my buddie, who has an Accord coupe went to inquire about the new V6 Manual, and he was led to believe it was available in limited numbers.

Im still not 100% convinced of Mazda's quality, compared to the other asian car makers.

I have experienced pre-mature break ware on my P5, by the way this is noted in consumer's reports last year, and I still think the trannie sucks. The 5 speed is very notchie and stiff. My dad had an old Integra, and my friend has a new Nissan V-Spec, and after drivinig both, I found the P5 trannie is very poorly engineered.

Also, Nissan's V6, in the Maxima &amp; Altima, was rated as one of the best engines in the world, for the past, like 10 years.

I agree with 'Cardemon.' Saying that the only Ford part in your car is just the engine, is saying allot.

[Wheels.ca]

nissan's v6 is one of the best engines in the world.

saying the engine is the only ford part is saying a lot.

the protege tranny is notchy especially when cold but ours has stood up to unbelievable abuse and still works perfectly.

premature brake wear is a good reason to upgrade to Stoptech monoblock calipers and big ass rotors.

CarDemon: As far as reliability of the duratec is concerned i've never heard anything to say it isn't good. versions of the engine can be found in the Taurus, MPV, Cougar, Escape and Tribute.

[Wheels.ca]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (CarDemon @ Feb. 26 2003,08:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have to admit that through all my years in the Canadian/Jamaican Ghettoes and Projects the brothers and I have been a true Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima Fans. If the 'MAN's' game was good to us we would push Acura Legends/Vigors, ES 300, Q35/Q45's.

We Jamaican Ballers appreciate a good Japanese Sedan that has a presence and reputation of refinement and quality on the roads we travel.  We were hurt when they discountinued the Acura Legend in 95/96, took the boxieness out of the 90-94ish Camry generation, eco-styled from the classic 90-93 Accord of which they brought back after 98 somewhat till now. It was like considering 'Snow' to be hardcore reggae,so we were starved.  

With the 626/929 not even making a strong blip on the radar screen in the excitement and styling department was many notches below in refinement. Millennia however had some promise and it seemed rare like a nice bling, bling watch.

When I saw this Mazda creation I got the tingles and spicey kick like biting into Jerk Chicken. They are gonna turn some damned heads and lure some Accord 4dr/2dr, Camry Solara and Altima fans if the package and pricing is right. I really like the hatchback and notchback almost like a Lexus GS 300 type style I think. From what I've read it handles like it is on rails which in turn can be improved on in the aftermarket. If my financial situation and career improves I would definitely buy one.

I AM DAMNED LEARY ON THE V6 FORD DURATECH ENGINE. I have some sort of mental block, but if it has a good reliablitly record I may have to swallow my pride. For now the 4cyl manual tranny will do for my needs. http://msg.toprotege.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
you're a white guy. really.

[CarDemon]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Wheels.ca @ Feb. 27 2003,10:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">you're a white guy. really.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
http://members.rogers.com/pro5navy/demon/Mike on Camry.jpg
Get-on- Up!, Huh...Hit me! I am down like James Brown.
http://image.allmusic.com/00/amg/pic200_web/drp100/p149/p14911ogiao.jpg
Look at my Avatar, it is Denzel Washington from Training Day. I thought I'd represent him since I'm still the only Token Blackguy still on the TPC board or perhaps the club.

Like many guys here I've told, I am a hardcore Honda/Toyota faithful. My income age and career levels did not let me get the desired Camry, ES 300, Accord, CL/TL. This P5 was a last minute decision over the Corolla Sport, Civic back in early '92. It was the packaging/pricing/styling which got me.

My speel on what the brothers drive in general was just a visual stereotypical view of what my relatives and the areas I frequent have on the road mostly.

I feel like I've sold out amongst the Jamaican brotherhood when I cruise through Malton, Rexdale, North York, Northern Etobicoke. They look on me with bewilderment as to what kind of car am I driving. I was so ashamed that I had to take of the rastafarian flag, crown airfreshener, gold kleenex box and chained license plate not to offend them.

[Wheels.ca]

LOL. I was joking of course.

I've always had a theory about the fact that many young black men, women and families drive hondas and toyotas. Unfortunately it is a fact that a larger percentage of visible minorities are economically disadvantaged - though that situation gets better with every passing year. I think they chose those Japanese brands for their innimitable blend of style (in some cases) and more importantly reliability. As we all know hondas and toyotas also have the highest resale value and for the most part get good or better fuel economy. all factors to consider if you are cash strapped and what to get out of that situation.

[CarDemon]

How true.
I find the percentage of Caribbean Blacks to support more Japaneese Rides and imports in general while Black Americans prefer Bling, Bling Huge Ass Rides.
Just a Caribbanna, Rap/Hip-Hop and R&amp;B video observation and amongst relatives in N.Y., N.J., Detroit, Texas, Miami etc. They tend to be more loyal to domestics but all decked out. If they push alot more coin, legal or illegal they will go foreign and really add the bling-bling.

[Wheels.ca]

if manufacturers had a clue and/or thought they could make some coin on it they would offer &quot;bling-bling&quot; option groups.