[GWL]

Mazda 6 is a real 'looker' — gets more glances than sales

Mazda 6 is a real 'looker' ? gets more glances than sales | TribLIVE

But the 184-horsepower engine felt sleepy, particularly under 3,000 rpm. Though rated at 185 pound-feet of torque, the motor's twist doesn't arrive in full until 3,250 rpm.

I don't think it's that bad below 3000 rpms compared to other cars with a NA 4 cylinder car.

Read a comment below the review, "Add a 2.0T with 240HP and this car will sell, other wise a 2.0T Ford Fusion makes more sense".
Funny CR test results showed 0-60 mph of 7.5 seconds for the 6 and 7.4 seconds for the Fusion with the 2.0T.
Not sure why as the Fusion has 240HP/270 torque, the gearing of the transmission plus the heavier weight must rob the power or it's overstated numbers.

 

[ChrisHas6]

Yeah, in all of the reviews that I had watched on the 6 they all said the same thing, basically that the car was really nice but that in the segment that engine was going to be a problem. I agree, the car is beautiful and has all the gizmos and gadgets you could want but the engine is very underwhelming and does not exactly give the car that 'total package' wow factor. Not sure what Mazda was thinking with that move. However, it can always be fixed with another engine option. We'll see what Mazda does.

 

[93V]

honestly the thing i liked about it the least was the suspension. it just feels pretty average. the first gen cars are untouchable in that regard. even on a base 6i with crap wheels and tires, the steering was great.

 

[RedBluff]

Kinda funny....I just completed the emailed online Customer Satisfaction questionnaire last night.

My issues (not necessary in order of importance).
1. The engine needs to make at least 200 HP, 230 HP would be preferable.
2. The stock Dunlops suck....switch to Michelins or Continentals.
3. Add backlighting to all 4 door control switches.
4. Replace the rear vent fan motor with a larger and powerful one.
5. Replace the head unit with a higher end unit that actually functions. I'd also dump the BMW wannabe center console knob.
6. Dump the pedestrian sounding Bose speakers and go with Harmon Kardon or Focal.
7. Add more sound deadening...especially in the wheel wells.

I love my car......but it's just a few steps away from being a world class car that could compete with anyone.

 

[michael95350]

Kinda funny....I just completed the emailed online Customer Satisfaction questionnaire last night.

My issues (not necessary in order of importance).
1. The engine needs to make at least 200 HP, 230 HP would be preferable.
2. The stock Dunlops suck....switch to Michelins or Continentals.
3. Add backlighting to all 4 door control switches.
4. Replace the rear vent fan motor with a larger and powerful one.
5. Replace the head unit with a higher end unit that actually functions. I'd also dump the BMW wannabe center console knob.
6. Dump the pedestrian sounding Bose speakers and go with Harmon Kardon or Focal.
7. Add more sound deadening...especially in the wheel wells.

I love my car......but it's just a few steps away from being a world class car that could compete with anyone.

On points 2, 4 and 5 I'm with you 100%. The Dunlops suck, the rear vent barely blows any air and the head unit's connectivity to peripheral devices is spotty. I don't hold a 'lack of power' against Mazda. That's all I read is how the 2.5L is lethargic under 3000RPM. The motor is made for efficiency and not speed. With fuel economy requirements becoming more and more strict, manufacturers (especially ones with small fleets like Mazda) will be doing even MORE to squeeze economy out of the motor over raw power.

It's a sign of the times. Why else would the Fusion ditch V6 motors altogether?

And FYI, the EcoBoost aren't all they're cracked up to be either. Heard plenty of reliability complaints about them. I'll take my motor normally aspirated, thank you.

 

[btp589]

The problem for me isn't the car, it's the car in respect to its price point.

Simply put, a fully loaded Mazda 6 GT with Tech Package and everything should be under $30,000 MSRP. Reason being is because all the competing mid-size sedan offers a more powerful engine as an alternative: Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion all offers a turbocharged engine while the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord offers a V6. All of these cars will top out at about $33,000 - $35,000 fully loaded AND with a turbocharged engine or a V6.

I understand that the car looks amazing, has premium interior materials, good tech, amazing fuel economy and everything. In fact, it is the fuel efficiency that attracted me to the Mazda 6, so in a sense, I understand that I did not buy this car for its raw power. Still, the price point irks me for how little power we get.

In Mazda's defense, Mazda's NA 4 cylinder engine IS more powerful than the competitors' 4 cylinder NA engines though.

 

[michael95350]

I find nothing wrong with Mazda's price point. Toyota, Ford and Honda are somewhat difficult to negotiate with because their brand recognition gives them an ego. Mazda, on the other hand, seems to rarely sell a car at MSRP. It took me 5hrs on average to negotiate sales on my last 2 Fords I bought new. It took me less than 2hrs to get my Mazda finalized. Both Fords ended up being MSRP plus markup because the dealers wouldn't budge. I had to walk out of the dealership both times to get them to even give me fair trade for my other cars. Mazda gave me $1700 off MSRP on the first round of talks. I'm sure if you took a Mazda 6GT after sale and compared it to some sorry sap who bought a Ford Fusion Titanium, the price gap would be more in Mazda's favor than you realize.

Again, I don't get the power thing. You're getting better mileage off a more reliable normally aspirated engine with the Mazda than you would off a turbocharged car with spotty reliability. Find some folks who have owned a EcoBoost equipped car for a couple of years and ask them about their fuel economy or performance. I'm sure you wouldn't get rave reviews. My friend bought an F150 with the EcoBoost and his best answer is "I deal with it"

 

[RedBluff]

LOL......I'm being Jeremy Clarksonish.

 

[solar365]

I think the stock engine setup is very soft. Response is very soft. Ultimate acceleration is good but with soft bushings a cavernous muffler, and conservative timing advance during initial acceleration make it seem slow, relative to the responsiveness of the steering.

 

[GWL]

Toyota, Ford and Honda are somewhat difficult to negotiate with because their brand recognition gives them an ego.

Agree with Toyota and Honda on price negotiation being more difficult but not Ford.
Ford has employee pricing if you don't like negotiating and plentiful Fusion's on the lot that need to be sold. Maybe it's where you live because where I live GM, FCA and Ford always sell on discounted pricing.

 

[richkrz]

Myself, I purchased 6 Sport with the automatic being the only option. So for my price point (about $21k) I think I got a pretty darn good performing car. (Although I spent $500 on a tune to make it perform a little bit better

 

[Mason1019]

Agreed. $24k out the door for my atx touring. My neighbor whos drives a corolla was pretty p*****d when i told him the price. Im happy. I just wish i didnt let them sucker me into the gap insurance and extended warranty

 

[OCTOGONPC]

Of all the complaints and concerns I have read here have basically been addressed by this forum "family". IF Mazda desires new customers to acknowledge them, they need more "propaganda" styled guerrilla marketing (like the STAR WARS Campaign but not overboard...like the R2D2 Soup), and have the 6 in TV and Movies.

Overall I LOVE my 6, and wouldn't trade it for any competitor vehicle! I have addressed most of my personal gripes through my aftermarket endeavors, and have a few more to go. Besides how often can you find something that looks twice as nice than other vehicles that cost twice as much? IMHO, Mazda is doing it, and doing it well!

 

[michael95350]

Agreed. $24k out the door for my atx touring. My neighbor whos drives a corolla was pretty p*****d when i told him the price. Im happy. I just wish i didnt let them sucker me into the gap insurance and extended warranty

Just curious, why wouldn't you want GAP coverage?

 

[Mason1019]

Just curious, why wouldn't you want GAP coverage?

Not that i didnt want the gap coverage i just probably could've gotten it cheaper through my insurance. In all honesty, i never called progressive to find the price but im sure it would have been less expensive

First time ive ever dealt with it though

 

[michael95350]

Next time you buy a car and get to the F&I guy, know that the GAP insurance and extended warranty are both negotiable. I found this out back in 2005 when I bought my Subaru Impreza. I was intent to only get the GAP coverage. Told the F&I guy I'd pass on the extended warranty. He instantly sliced the extended warranty price in HALF, claiming he didn't want to see me go without it. So from $1500 to $750.

Ever since then, when I buy a car I initially decline extended coverage and just opt for GAP. The price comes down real fast after that.

 

[Mason1019]

Good wisdom. My buddy told menthe same. Lesson learned for next time i guess

 

[Patdunbarton]

Gap Insurance also depends on how much you put down on the car when you buy it. If you are "upside down" meaning you owe more than the car is worth, it is wise. But also less expensive through your own insurance provider. You may already have it and not know it.

If you owe less than the car is worth, Gap is a waste of money.

 

[Eddy Lau]

I fully agreed that the Mazda 6 is a looker