I love my Mazda 6s!
Written: Dec 16 '04
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Pros: Handling; V6 power; Smooth ride; Comfortable seats; 17" wheels; Intake/exhaust sound
Cons: Longish turn radius; Overboosted steering; Annoying resonance when bass is loud; Lame name
The Bottom Line: Based on my brief ownership experience, Mazda's warranty, and other articles I've read, I recommend that you at least test drive one.
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| donwa7's Full Review: 2004 Mazda Mazda6 |
I purchased my 2004 Mazda 6s just after Thanksgiving, and I already have 1300 miles on it.
Engine - The 3.0l Duratec engine is well matched to this vehicle, and Mazda has done an excellent job tuning it for this application. Basically, this is the same engine used in the Taurus, Ford 500, Escape/Tribute, Jaguar X-Type and S-Type. I am impressed that they were able to get 90% of the power of the Jaguar versions (220 vs 240 hp)while not having to burn premium fuel. It has a nice intake rasp and revs smoothly. Although the torque curve is relatively flat (i.e., not peaky), it isn't until above 4000 rpm that the engine comes alive.
I'm averaging 23 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, which I am happy with. I only got 27 mpg with my 2.0l Focus under similar driving conditions.
The few times that I have really pushed it (the owner's manual prescribes a brief 600-mile break-in period before using full throttle), I have found the acceleration to be quite brisk. The 0 to 60 time is probably around 7 seconds, which is plenty quick for 99% of situations.
Anyone who wants additional performance can just visit www.duratecperformance.com, or search for Draxas Performance Products. There are plenty of mods available.
Transaxle - My 6 is equipped with the manual transaxle, and while some reviewers panned the clutch and shift action, I have found no reason to complain. On level ground, it is hardly necessary to use the accelerator at all from a stop - just ease off the clutch. The clutch is firm and has a positive action. True, I still can't quite pinpoint exactly the point in pedal travel where the clutch engages, but it is certainly not necessary to press it to the floor to shift.
Brakes/tires - Although the brakes seem to stop the vehicle quite well, the pedal could be firmer. I haven't noticed the excessive brake dust that some other people are complaining about, but then again I've only had the car for two weeks.
The tires seem to be quiet and grippy. Wet weather is no problem. I have limited snow experience with the stock Michelins, but they seem to be above average for an all-season tire. I may buy a set of Pilot Alpins as well.
Steering/handling/ride - I am disappointed in the overboosted steering, being one who prefers a tighter wheel. It sometimes feels disconnected in fast curves and tight turns. That said, the car still handles wonderfully, especially for a front wheel driver. Upon turn-in, the car tends toward understeer, then seems to just take a line and hold it through the curve. I haven't noticed much body roll at all.
Despite the sporty handling, the ride is absolutely smooth. I have yet to hear/feel the suspension slam over potholes, speed bumps, or the like. I believe that this is partially due to the long wheelbase (and partially to outstanding chassis engineers - bravo!), which is what causes the longish turning radius.
You can't have everything, and I don't mind trading the occasional three point turn into a parking slot for miles of smooth riding.
Seats/interior quality/comfort - The interior of the vehicle is very well done. Instead of the crappy hard plastic instrument panel shroud that you get in most cars in this price range, Mazda provides a soft-touch closed cell foam-like material. Sometimes, it's the details that count.
The seats are comfortable and supportive. With the luxury package, you get the 8-way power drivers seat. Between that and the tilting/telescoping steering wheel, I had no trouble finding a comfortable driving position. I am not too happy about the heated seats, though. I would like a low and high setting for the bun warmers, not to be stuck with "thermonuclear" or "off". Also, the leather seems like it is pretty high in quality compared with my wife's Escape Limited.
The electronic automatic climate control (EATC) system works very well. I was skeptical, being a three-dial man, but it has been a pleasant surprise. Previous vehicles that I have owned with EATCs seem to have had minds of their own. This doesn't, although the controls take some getting used to.
Finally, rearward visibility is mediocre. Lot's of mirror use with craning ones neck seems to do the trick, but the sporty stance (with the rear end rising up) and the spoiler take their toll.
Stereo - My vehicle has the Bose system, which sounds above average. There is an annoying resonance in the drivers door region during some songs with strong bass. I'm not exactly sure it's worth the $500 invoice mark-up, but, as some other reviewers pointed out, it isn't going to be easy to upgrade the stock system. It probably isn't impossible to do, but it definitely wouldn't be cheap.
Exterior features - One cool feature is the white LEDs (or the look of having white LEDs) in the headlamp clusters. When the headlamps (or just the parking lamps, for that matter) are on, the innermost lamp has two points of white light emanating from it. While it is not nearly as cool as BMW's illuminated ring headlamps, this isn't a $40,000 car.
I also like that the driving lights (some may call them "fog lamps", but real fog lamps are yellow) are integrated into the headlamp clusters.
Vehicles I drove prior to deciding on this one -
Acura TSX - While I liked it, all they had was an automatic. Plus, it was about $2000 more than the loaded 6 sticker price.
Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT - Very nice vehicle. Again, at least $2000 more than the 6, plus it seems a bit smaller. (Good luck finding anything but loaded Limiteds for >$30,000.) Additional considerations were insurance (60% more than the 6), premium fuel, and it only has a 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty (vs Mazda's 4 yr/50,000).
That's it. Motor Trend saved me the trouble of test driving a Camry or Accord.
Name - I hate the "alphabet soup" names these days. Can't someone come up with a cool name for a car anymore? When you say "Mazda 6s" it winds up sounding like "Mazda success" which is lame. Perhaps some marketing folks thought they were clever, but no. You can't just call it "6" (as in, "I'm going to take my 6 to the store"). Car names should be at least two sylables.
Wish list -
Memory settings for seats/mirrors
Heated wiper park
Factory Sirius radio (I hate those aftermarket antennae)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 21162
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: 6s manual
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Epinions.com ID:
donwa7
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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