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Article Comments - 2009 Mazda 6 First Drive and Full Test

229 messages, Last post on Aug 25, 2008 at 6:33 AM
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First Drive: 2009 Mazda 6 - First Impressions: With most of its major flaws fixed, the 2009 Mazda 6 is easily one of the most impressive sedans in the midsize class. (more)
Full Test: 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring - Bottom Line: Manages to keep some of the zoom-zoom athleticism despite pandering to the Accord/Camry market.(more)
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Wow, this is a big improvement over the current Mazda 6. When I was shopping for a midsize sedan recently the Mazda 6 wasn't even on my list, but had this one been out I would have test driven it. The gas mileage figures are a little disappointing, but with more power goes fuel efficiency. I actually think anything over 250 hp is too much for fwd. My 09 Sonata has 249 hp and 229 torque and that is about perfect. There is zero torque steer in my car. What's funny is so many manufactures are moving to 6-speed auto's when my 5-speed auto gets better gas mileage than all of them. 19 city/29 hwy. Same with the 5-speed Accord V6. Giving any extra gear is only good if it results in better mileage. |
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I think they are heading in the right direction with this model. Company's are realizing that people want quality fit and finish, and this models shows it well. It looks grown up and classy.
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Replying to: bvdj84 (Jun 02, 2008 8:28 am) Altima is a nice car, but has CVT (continuously variable transmission), and even though Nissan seems to do this better than anyone so far, driving one (to me) is a little like driving a 1955 Buick with Dynaflow (for you older folks out there, which includes me) -- just too mushy. And some Camry (used to have one) owners are experiencing trouble with the computer control of the transmission in the new V6 model. I drove a V6 Mazda 6 several years ago, when I bought my Accord, and liked it, but felt road (or tire) noise was a bit much. I did like the ergonomics, steering, handling, and power. This new model is described as quiet. Just as important, to my way of thinking, Mazda is avoiding VCM and CVT, two things touted as advances that have no appeal to me. I want a nice handling, roomy enough, reasonably powerful V6 sedan that avoids certain forms of "advanced" technology, and the new Mazda 6 appears to punch my ticket. I also like the looks of it. Can't wait for a test drive to see how it all fits together.
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Replying to: austinman7 (Jun 02, 2008 9:20 am) Seems like a lot of current Accord owners are shying away from the VCM Accord. I am waiting to drive one and see what all the fuss is all about. |
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Hey All: I currently drive a '97 626 - and as it gets older the problems get greater so im looking to upgrade in the coming year. Before now - I ruled out purchasing another Mazda given the known history of transmission (which i have experienced on my current model) and other mechanical problems - but I truly like the the 2009 Mazda6! My ideal 2009 Mazda6 would be: i4 Engine - Grand Touring Onyx Black -or- Dark Cherry Mica Beige Interior Moonroof/Bose Package
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Replying to: rrcoleman (Jun 03, 2008 12:55 pm) Well, I'm glad you are coming back o Mazda! As far as I know, the transmission problems were mainly limited to that generation of 626 models, so it shouldn't be a problem with any Mazda since the zoom-zoom campaign. My ideal Mazda 6 is pretty much the same as yours, except that I'm still detating whether to go for the V6 or the I4.....
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Replying to: blackadder5639 (Jun 03, 2008 1:48 pm) I would love to purchase the V6 - but three factors hinder that: A) Price - the V6 Grand Touring Model with the moonroof/bose is about a 29-30K vehicle...being a college student (near graduation) I simply cannot afford that (If i could - i would probably purchase the 2009 Acura TSX) B) Age - Being 21 (or any age under 25) and a male insurance is already very costly - and will probably increase on a newer model vehicle (eventhough my driving record is spotless with no tickets or accidents) I would shudder to see the insurance figure on at V6. C) MPG - significantly reduced on the V6 model - and with the current price of gas and its steady uprising trend it adds additional expense on the cost of the vehicle and daily running. Being a college student near graduation I am looking for a car that blends luxury and sport nicely without appearing to "old" for my generation - I think they have accomplished this with the redesign - NOT TO MENTION some of the tech features are going to be great - (pushbutton start - blind spot monitoring - etc)
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Replying to: rrcoleman (Jun 03, 2008 2:45 pm) For us V6 customers (and this was probably pointed out before, but it may bear repeating), the Mazda website shows EPA figures of 17 city/25 highway for its 2008 Mazda6 V6, and 17(manual) and 18(automatic) city/25 highway for its 2009 V6 model. Virtually identical figures, and a significantly larger engine. A good thing. Yes, I know EPA figures are just an estimate, but it's a beginning point for comparing. |
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Replying to: rrcoleman (Jun 03, 2008 2:45 pm) Is your 626 a V6 or a I4?
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Jun 04, 2008 5:53 am) Don't get me wrong - I would love to purchase the V6 - However a cost/benefit analysis just doesn't seem to suit my needs: A) About 4-5K more added to the purchase price of vehicle (I4 Grand Touring slated to be about 25K - the V6 Grand Touring about 29K) B) Reduced gas mileage between the I4 and V6 mean increased number of trips to the gas station in the V6 model (especially for those who have a significant daily commute)
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