Styling, Handling, Gas Mileage, Cargo Capacity

None

I bought my Mazda 6 SportWagon new in October of 2004 and I absolutely love it. I have had 8 different cars since I got my license 20 years ago (gosh, I feel so old writing that!) and this is the first car I've ever owned that I cannot find a single thing I don't like about it. Many other cars that I've owned I have liked well enough, but could always find some flaw, no matter how minor. This car to me is just perfect, and there is nothing about it I would change. If I were wreck this car today I would head straight to the nearest Mazda dealer tomorrow and buy another one just like it - I'd even get the same color!

First off, you would be amazed at how much stuff you can easily haul around in this car. I can fit more gear in my Sportwagon than my boyfriend can fit into his Jeep Grand Cherokee. The cargo area is well-designed and has a pull-out cover that hides the contents of the rear cargo area when the back seat is upright. When you fold the seats down, the cover can be easily removed and then reattached to special clips on the folded rear seats right behind the driver/passenger seats. There's a cargo net that pulls out and hooks to the ceiling to make sure everything stays in the back; it looks similar to those grids that people have installed when they want to transport their pets, but it's removable. Other cars that I've owned with cargo covers didn't have a space to store the cover when you aren't using it. Invariably I would end up throwing the cover in the garage. This design eliminates that problem. Another great thing about the folding seats are the dual release buttons. You can either fold the seats using a small button on the top of each seat (similar to every other car that has fold-down seats) or use the handles that are easily accessible through the tailgate. Small things like this show me that the Mazda designers really thought about how people are going to use the car when they were designing it. If you need to haul even more stuff than what will fit inside, an optional roof-rack is available. I don't have one, but I have seen this model car with the optional rack and it looks nice and at least as sturdy as what you'd see for a typical SUV rack. (If you need a specialty rack for a bike or kayak you'd probably be better off getting one from Thule or one of the other big rack manufacturers).

Now that the practical stuff is out of the way, I want to tell you what a blast this car is to drive. It has plenty of power, great handling, and excellent brakes. The low-profile tires really grip the road and it's nearly as much fun to drive as the Mazda Miata I used to own oh-so-long ago when the only thing I needed to haul around was myself. The interior is great-looking and laid out well. The car has tons of storage cubbies/pockets/etc., including a dual-compartment center console, large glove box, door pockets, sunglass pocket in the ceiling, giant cupholders that close and could also be used for storage, and a cool storage bin in the top of the dash above the radio that's the perfect size for holding about 15 cds. Oh, and a tiny change bin on the underside of the dash near the driver door which actually lets you use the ashtray as an ashtray, if you so desire. (I don't smoke, so I use the ashtray for my cell phone, but still that's a nice thing for the smokers out there). Seats are very comfortable, and the guages and controls are easy to read and well-designed. The radio controls on the steering wheel are convenient, and the red dash lights look cool at night and don't hurt your eyes. The A/C controls are different from any other car I've seen, but once you figure out how to use them (quite easy) you realize that they are pretty logical and intuitively designed. Another design element that I think is great are the vent flaps for the A/C that actually snap shut with an audible click; when they are closed NO air is coming out at all. I know that seems like a little thing, but I am quite sensitive to moving air, and of course my boyfriend is warm natured and wants the A/C blasting. I just shut the vents on my side and it's not a problem. In most other cars, even with the vents in the closed position you can still feel some air coming through.

I would also highly recommend the Bose audio system with the 6-disk CD player. It's a fairly expensive option that I would not have normally purchased, but the car that I picked off the lot already had it, so I took it. Now that I've used it I would definitely buy this upgrade in the future. It is one of the clearest, best-sounding car audio systems I've ever heard, and just like the rest of the car, the controls are logical and easy to use. One great feature is the speed-sensitive volume, which gradually increases and decreases the volume depending on the speed of the car to compensate for additional wind/road noise from the exterior.

Finally, I think the styling of this car is one of the best-looking available regardless of price, though it's a definite plus to get such a great looking vehicle at this price point. I personally like the look of my wagon better than the sedan version of the car, not least of all because there are far fewer of them on the road so they stand out. I can't tell you how many times people have approached me in a parking lot asking what kind of a car it is and wanting to check it out - they always say that it looks cool. It's definitely not a "grocery-getter" kind of wagon - to me it's more along the lines of the Audi or BMW sleek/sporty looking wagons - at a fraction of the cost.

I would highly recommend this car to anyone who needs space for hauling stuff and also appreciates the great handling that you get from a car (vs. a high center-of-gravity SUV). I think you can fit as much stuff in this car as most of the popular SUV's on the market, and you get better gas mileage as well. What's not to like?

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1998 Volvo V70

Young and sporty styling Great handling Amazing cargo space Not a boring family sedan

Large turning radius (bad for U-turn) Weak Bose audio No HID option

I'm writing a review of my 04 Mazda 6s 5 door hatchback after one and a half year of ownership. With a little haggling with many dealerships, I got a steel grey 6s with 5-speed automatic, sunroof, Bose audio, side/curtain airbags for $800 under invoice from a small town dealership. Adding up the rebates it was just over $23k OTD which is a great price for a great car. With the hatchback model, a v6 engine and sports package comes standard. The car looks handsome and sporty with the sports bumpers, sideskirts and spoiler. It's a hatchback but it suprisingly looks just like a regular 4-dr sedan. The best thing about this car is the versitility of the 5th door that no other competitors offers. With the rear seats fold down, I was actually able to fit a twin-size mattress into the cargo area. Amazing! Inside the car, the silver tone center console looks good but a bit dated after a year. The stitched-leather steering wheel feels comfortable and upscale. Seat is comfortable but the cloth materical could be better. It is very roomy inside front and back. Driving this car has never let me down. It drives like a sport sedan, the steering has great road feel for a sedan, and the suspension setup is a good compromise between handing and comfort. The best I can describe is driving this car feels young. The v6 is lively but not very powerful so I decided to add a CP-E cold air intake kit and it made a difference I could feel. I could go up a steep hill in speed without down shifting. Overall I am very satisfied with this car. It looks good, drives well, and I have zero problem with the car so far. It'll be better if it comes standard with the CPE CAI and a set of HKS adjustable coil-overs, but for $23k I have no complain.

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96 Mazda 626 03 Toyota Camry

Great cornering at any speed, interior comfort, storage room, easy-to-reach controls, steering wheel stereo/cruise controls, smooth ride, attractive body style.

Low-end torque is less than spectacular (as with most 4 cyl.), stereo seems hard to replace/ugrade, too many red lights. They should have made a blue light option as they did with the 3.

I love this car. I needed something that could haul my musical equipment, but still had some style. The Mazda 6 5-door accomplishes both. I got the 4 cylinder model with manual transmission. 4000 miles in, and I'm really happy with my purchase.

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Honda Accord, test drove Subaru WRX, Pontiac Vibe

Styling Handling Just about everything.

I really don't have any complaints, but to be fair I will list a few (very minor) Lack of low-end torque. Turning radius. Lack of optional xenon headlights or navigation system. Why Mazda would offer those as options on the 3, the LOWER model than the 6, and not offer it on the 6 is beyond me. Also, I wish Mazda had offered the "switchblade" key fob for the 6 like they have with the RX-8 (another beautiful product from Mazda, by the way). The fact that the 2005 6 has a six-speed transmission while the 2004 has only 5 speeds. One more comment. Not really a complaint, but had I known at the time that Mazda would be releasing a Mazdaspeed version of the 6 I would have waited for the Mazdaspeed version. 274 HP turbo injected engine, all wheel drive, navigation, available keyless entry and smart start...I'm in love all over again.

I had my 2004 Mazda 6S Sports Sedan since May 2004 and I enjoy driving it now as much as when I first got it. I purchased the Lapis Metallic blue sport sedan fully loaded with all available options (Sport package, safety, Bose audio, etc.) for a steal at 24,000. Luckily, I had a friend who worked at the dealership who cut me a deal at $100 above invoice. Combined with the manufacturer rebate of $1,500 at the time, I got my 6 for $1,400 under invoice. I can't compliment the 6 enough. I agree with all the positive comments others have posted regarding the 6. As far as the negative comments, I have never encountered them and would attribute the comments to a bad production vehicle, as I do not believe that the negatives are indicative of the 6 as a whole. I originally wanted the 6 in black, but it wasn't in stock so I settled for my second choice, the Lapis Metallic Blue, which I love and I am glad I got. For some strange reason, soem of the S models with the V6 engine do not have the "V6" chrome badging on the front doors (mine doesn't). AS mentioned in numerous other reviews, the Mazda 6 is the best value in it's class, and the most fun to drive. Toyota Camrys and Honda Accords are everywhere, and cost a few thousand more. The Nissan Altima has the larger engine and is faster in a straightaway, but not as nimble as the 6. An Altima will beat a 6 in a straightaway race, but will not handle curves like a 6. As mentioned in other reviews, low end torque is weak. The 6 doesn't accelerate the fastest, but in 5th gear this car flat out flies. Black leather interior is beautiful. While hot in the muggy Virginia summers, I've countered this by installing an after-market Viper keyless ignition system. Heated seats and mirrors are a plus in the winter. Automatic climate control is great as well, and the Bose sound system with in-dash six disc changer sounds great. I can't recommend this car enough. Mazda is experiencing a renaissance. Much like Nissan a few years ago, Mazda has revamped it's entirely line, and I would argue has the best styling out of all the foreign companies. Mazda 3 vs. Corolla, Sentra, or Civic? No contest. Mazda 6 vs. Accord, Camry, and Altima. Likewise.

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Honda Accord Nissan Altima Toyota Camry

sporty styling cues,steering,handling,very supportive and comfortable seats,very quiet ride and solid feel.literally sticks to the road during turns.Simply put: Alot of car for a very reasonable price.

There really isn't one;however, if I HAD to list one thing.....I wish the 4 cylinder engine would deliver just a WEEE-bit more acceleration.It's really not that bad....

A very good value for the dollar.I don't usually like American cars nor do I like front wheel drive for that matter;however,this one is very exceptional.It drives better than any other cars I've had except my BMW.It does come close though.

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1990 Pontiac Grand Am,1991 Acura Integra,1987 Volvo S40,1999 BMW 540i,1997 BMW M3,1994 saturn SL1,1999 Volkswagen Passat

cornering is amazing, this car can handle any corner, hugs the road, does not leave the road, never skips like most cars

I had to have the tranny replaced at 3500 miles cuz the tranny was shifting very hard into 2nd gear, now fixed though (brand new tranny)

I actually have an 2005, the car is great overall, gas mileage is fantastic, its only a 4 banger so the speed is good in you know how to work the tap shift.

cornering is amazing, this car can handle any corner, hugs the road, does not leave the road, never skips like most cars

I had to have the tranny replaced at 3500 miles cuz the tranny was shifting very hard into 2nd gear, now fixed though (brand new tranny)

I actually have an 2005, the car is great overall, gas mileage is fantastic, its only a 4 banger so the speed is good in you know how to work the tap shift.

Bose sounds excellent, leather seats are nice for the price, sporty look in and out. 17-inch rims and spoiler make it extra nice. Rides are firm and nice European.

I am not a fan of redish illumination on gauges, but it may appeal differently for different age group. Some reviewers talk about improving low rpm torque improvement by an electrical ground kit, and I would like to know more about it.

This is a very stylish car with an excellent handling. Compared with Accord V6, Camry V6, TSX, WRX, Altima V6 before deciding for a Mazda. Used to drive a Legend and an E-class, and this one is much more fun to drive at a fraction of the cost.

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None in the price range

Styling, Handling, Performance

Connection for Apple Ipod( don't like the wireless options )

My wife and I absolutely love this car. We originally went in to buy a Mazda 3, we liked it. Then we drove a 6, and wooooow !!!! My wife was not a car fanatic until we got the 6. When she drives I have to remind her of speed limits since the car is so smooth at high speeds. We got the 6 with the 3.0 liter, ABS, traction, Bose, Sport package, automatic 5 speed. This car is an absolute blast to drive. Feels very european. I get a lot of stares from Benz and Bimmer owners. Van Halen sounds great loud on the Bose stereo. I work for a major car rental company, so I get to drive about 50 different makes and models. We had been looking at Altima, Camry, Accord and the 6 has the most character. Overall the 6 has a nice balance and is a practical car to drive. If I were in the market for an SUV, I would rather have a 6 sport wagon. The only thing I would tell the engineers at Mazda is to add a connection for the Apple Ipod. Excellent job Mazda!!!!

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Saab 900 Turbo, Acura Integra, Ford Probe GT Turbo, Mazda 626

handling, cargo room, hatchback, style, ergonomics, plenty of room for the driver and passengers, headrests front AND back, hidden second electrical outlet, folding 60/40 seats

Slow off the start, wide turning radius, electric seats does not have memory

After its first 5000 km, the 6 lived up to the expectations. I was looking for a roomy, sporty car with a distinctive style and it is exactly what we got. The Camry, Altima and Accord looked rather ordinary to me, compared to the 6. The 5 door (sport) has plenty of room and the hatch is gigantic. This car seems to be ideal for our little family. The car handles very well though the turning radius is a bit too much to my taste. It has a firm grip in turns and without actually noticing it, you end up breaking up the speed limits easily. Though it is only the L4 version, I find its power acceptable (The 3000$ extra made the difference in choosing the engine). It runs confortably in the 4000 to 6000 rpm range, where it delivers the most performance. I read many reviews where gas mileage is an issue. I easily made 35 mpg (6.6 liters/100km)lately on highway. The key as usual is speed, stay in limits and consumption will not be an issue. Increase over the 100 kph limit to 120 kph means 20% more fuel... That being said, I average 8.5 l/100km (27 mpg) for the last 5000 km. I have the GFX package with spoilers and side sills. Though it really looks good, I have an issue with the side sills. Everytime you get out of the car you have to be carefull not to dirty yourself on the sills. It just requires extra care for the northern citizens ;-)

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