Review: Mazda6 Grand Touring
Test drove: 1/16/2008 – 1/23/2008
Mazda6’s All-You-Can-Eat Approach Doesn’t Satisfy
My husband loves those ginormous Chinese buffets that offer miles upon miles of gleaming, steaming cuisine. He takes a deep breath and a warmed plate and wades in to lay waste to the landscape; basically, he’s all about quantity. I, however, am not quite so excited by those prospects. You see, I know the kung pao chicken, mu shu pork and lo mein aren’t going to live up to the hype. In the end, regardless of how much I choose to load on my plate, I’m going to come away unsatisfied. I had that same experience driving the Mazda6. It looked really pretty in my driveway and has an impressive list of features and options. By all indications, it should be a great car, yet I found it to be extraordinarily mediocre. Not unlike that Chinese restaurant, I was left feeling somewhat empty.
The Mazda6 is sporty and cute, and the Touring version I drove even had some nice rims on it (I don’t notice wheels, but my husband was kind enough to point them out to me). My husband also commented on the comfy, eight-way-adjustable heated seats, which I enjoyed as well — initially. After they were on a couple of minutes, though, they started to get uncomfortable, and I couldn’t find the button to turn them off without looking away from the road (it’s hiding underneath the center console, FYI).
The Mazda6 looks pretty good on the inside, as well. The instrument panel is attractive and boasts a seriously cool pop-up navigation screen. Push a button, and — voila! A 7-inch display appears. Ironically, however, the navigation system is, well, hard to navigate. I got where I was headed before the system could locate my destination and calculate a route.
The Mazda6 also comes with a big platter of cool standard and optional features, most of which work better in theory than in practice. There’s a V-6 engine that’s supposed to be all peppy and stuff, but it’s not. The automatic climate control took some serious figuring out, especially since the controls are at the bottom of the instrument panel and the little screen that tells me what I’m choosing is at the top. That screen, by the way, displays info for the climate control, clock and stereo systems all at the same time. It’s just not big enough to contain all the information it houses. Most of the information is abbreviated and hard to decipher. I love satellite radio, but it’s too much work in the Mazda6. The little screen and multifunction buttons made it difficult to find my channels, and the integrated antenna kept losing the signal. So even when I managed to find a song I liked, it cut out every time I went under a tree; it sounded as if the stereo was stuttering. I gave up and just listened to CDs instead.
The backseat is roomy enough that I didn’t feel at all guilty sticking our friends back there on double-date night. It could even fit three, so long as the center passenger didn’t require a safety seat or much legroom. The trunk in the Mazda6 is pretty good-sized, and the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split in case you need more space.
Basically, the Mazda6 looks great on paper, but I had tons of little gripes that, put together, overshadowed the basic style and functionality of the car. My foot kept sliding off the gas pedal because it seemed to sit too close to the wall, and the bottle holder in the front doors wouldn’t hold anything bigger than a soda can. The auto-locking seat belts were a bit too sensitive, so my kids needed several tries to extend the belt out far enough. Also, the receptacles were wiggly, so my little one couldn’t get them to buckle without a struggle (by which I mean whining). There aren’t any hooks or other containment devices in the trunk, so my groceries went rockin’ and rollin’ all the way home. The wide turning radius made U-turns and parking far more difficult than it needed to be, and even the V-6 engine, as I mentioned, seemed sluggish. I felt like my minivan could blow the doors off this sport sedan; I’m sorry to mix my ethnic food metaphors, but that’s just not kosher.
Just like my husband at the Chinese buffet, I had high expectations when the Mazda6 pulled into my driveway, but after every last crumb had been wiped away, this car just wasn’t as appetizing as I’d hoped it would be.
For more information on the Mazda6 and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2008 Mazda6 Sedan s Grand Touring | |
| Base price: | $27,000 |
| Price as tested: | $30,126 |
| Engine: | 212-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 |
| Fuel: | 18/25 mpg |
| Length: | 186.8” |
| Width: | 70.1” |
| Step-in height: | 5.1” |
| Turning radius: | 19.4’ |
| Cargo space: | 15.2 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 4 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 4 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 5 Stars |
Comments
Hahaha. I think you are right about most of the aspects of the Mazda 6. My opinion is that it was designed for asians. I don't think I will get any taller than 5'5, although there are plenty of tall asians lol. hahaha. Lets just say that Mazda did a good job not putting an i-drive like device in the 6 lol, but yes, the controls aren't as intuitive as other Japanese brands. I'm just one of those drivers who learn about most of the functions before I go on a cruise, but then again some people aren't so worried about their learning curve and are more concerned with appreciating the other aspects of their new vehicle. =)
Posted by: Law | Feb 18, 2008 6:10:28 PM
2009 Mazda6 is coming soon.
Current version only looks good. Inside it is junky, cheap, like rental Chevy. Altima would be easy a better car for driving.
Posted by: | Feb 18, 2008 6:56:04 PM
the problem with putting too much power to the front wheels is torque steer. Ever try to wrestle with a 3.5 V6 Altima?
i assume Lori meant acceleration when she was mixing her "ethnic food metaphors." otherwise i'd like to see what minivan she drives that can out-slalom the Mazda6 -- or any sedan for that matter -- or beat it on the track.
for most people, some cars take a little longer to remember where all the buttons are. with only a few exceptions, you can quickly get familiar with most of them and the important things like comfort, handling, etc become factors that really matter. that's why you should always test drive a car. i guess if you're power-hungry, you're out of luck with Mazda cuz they're never known for making big, muscular cars that can blow any body's doors off. but i still think they make great smaller, sporty cars that don't try to fight back like a walrus.
as far as the 2009 change, Mazda's made the mistake of making it into a generic bloated boat again to fit into the mainstream tastes so i wouldn't hold my breath. they've made that mistake before... Mazda needs to keep its sporting character and making fun, smaller & lightweight cars (okay, so my BMI allows me to still squeez into a smaller car), as in keeping with the heritage of the MX-5 Miata, RX-7 and RX-8
and don't knock Chevy's unless you have something specific to say
Posted by: DL | Feb 18, 2008 8:45:20 PM
@ DL.
With the exception of the new Malibu that I haven't driven yet, all Chevys suck. I know this because I used to drive them at the car rental agency where I used to work. Their interiors are cheap, engines are loud and unrefined when revved hard, and their styling leave much to be desired. Need I say more? I really hope that their release of the new Malibu is just a start of better things to come.
Posted by: R. H. | Feb 18, 2008 10:30:51 PM
To each their own. This is why you test drive first. I have a 6 and love it. Actually one of the few speed6. I did drive the normal 6 and thought it was great. My wife hates it, i think only cause she wants an Accord. Ehh, its not all that. Personal pref. There are a few things here and there that could be better but that is with any car. I feel Mazda gears itself towards those who like a true road car that can handle the turns and a straight away as well. If your not much for the sports car theme and feel then you will probably not like this vehicle.
As for the minivan. We got one of those too. Comparable in acceleration? Not likely. I thought the van had some get up at first. Not so much.
Oh, Chevys suck.
Posted by: Bill P | Feb 19, 2008 7:31:45 AM
Actually, this is funny, but new Malibu is exactly match to Mazda6.
Size, quality...
I wouldn't be surprized if Camry stays Number 1 car.
It is just well rounded sedan where there is little to complain about and price helps.
Don't knock Chevy? LOL. They knocking themselves. New Malibu AC controls feel so cheap. I am sure they will fall apart in 5 years. You should see my wife's face when she got into it. But she couldn't leave that new Corolla. And she is just average american consumer. And there is something in those Toyotas that attract average consumer to it.
Posted by: Tony | Feb 19, 2008 8:47:16 AM
don't know much about Chevy's, just tried to stand up for the loser ...
Camry's are granny boats that undulate like there's no tomorrow. of course my rear isn't wide enough to appreciate the extra width of the Camry. if you look around, the Camry recently had a bit of a drop in reliability. i guess Bill P is right, to each his own. i don't know how to appreciate soft suspension.
my parents have a Corolla. actually 2 of them. talk about reliable kitchen appliances. Mazda3 runs circles around them
Posted by: DL | Feb 19, 2008 5:14:06 PM
DL, there are very little cars that as reliable as we think Camry is.
Yes, Camry, Accord, Civic, Corolla - all have problems. But there is still less of them then other cars.
Reliable kitchem appliances? - Yes. This is Toyota. Average consumer's car. Not everyone buys fancy Panasonic Dish washer or fridge. Most people go with GE or Wirpool.
But when you buy a car you need to look at couple of different things.
For example:
- Camry is cheap to maintain because its parts are mass produced and cost less
- For same reason it is cheaper to insure Camry. It is cheaper for insurance company to restore it, because of cheap parts.
- If you total your Camry you'll get more money back then most other cars because it depreciates less
So, are you ready to give upa little driving experience to save some $$? Because you shopping Mazda6, not BMW or Porsche. So we not talking here black and white, it is just black and very dark grey.
Posted by: Tony | Feb 20, 2008 10:35:20 AM
ok, i no shopping BMW, i talking poor-man have some fun.
each to his/her own. the fair perspective is that to someone who likes to be a proud owner of a car that looks a little more unique, handles a little bit more nimbly, but willing to give up a little tush room and to put up with some depreciation/ hassle of repairs, and give up 2 mpg highway fuel economy, then this is a strong option to consider.
i've had my Mazda6 for a few years and have never had any trouble whatsoever. i smile every time i see some twisties up ahead. and all my controls and knobs are exactly where i like them. it took me, oh, a day to remember a few buttons' locations. i have a bigger trunk but slightly less passenger room than a Camry, so what. that's life, tradeoffs and compromises. i would buy another one in a heartbeat if i were to need another mid-size, cuz this car fits my needs -- which i dare say is NOT unique.
Posted by: DL | Feb 20, 2008 12:12:12 PM
btw, nobody who's driven my car ever complained to me of his or her foot falling off the gas pedal.
i think most people are able to look away from the road for a second to find an unfamiliar button.
i guess it's a bit of a hassle to get optional grocery nets/hooks at the dealer. i mean, they are NOT tough to put in, by yourself even ... they're like 50 bucks.
Posted by: DL | Feb 20, 2008 12:25:15 PM
I purchased my 6s (red with appearance package and lip spoiler and sunroof) in the fall of 03. With the exception of owning the first year and having a few recalls for computer recalibration and a fan motor needing to be replaced, this has been a great car. I've tested Accords V6 and a Camry v6 as well. I was and still am much more impressed my the athletic nature of my car compared to the other family cars. It's the second car I've owned that people would litterally stare at the car. I've even overheard teenagers litterally stating that I had a cool car within themselves. Foot slipping off = never had this issue. I'm 6'2" and am very comfortable especially with the factory sunroof. Comfort level = I drive 10 hours to an from northern PA to Charlotte NC withou much issues. Don't have, nor care to have the navigation (I use mapquest) nor satelite radio. I'd rather burn music on a cd and go. I fully expect this car to reach 300k miles and am planning to own it that long. Next oil change will start giving it synthetic to make sure this happens.
Posted by: Travis | Aug 2, 2008 7:18:33 PM
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i own a 4-cyl verson and i think it's plenty fun. mine is pretty slow on takeoff, sure. but how much fun one has is dependent on handling as well. i think the nicely weighted steering is relatively uncommon in a class full of frumpy, bloated boats like the Camry. for a FWD this car can handle pretty decently. it has the tendency to understeer when pushed hard, but that's inherent to FWD setup. it's very easy to stay in control though. i'm surprised you put so much weight on the acceleration issue. the police must be pretty nice around where you live.
another point is that most people probably will buy cheaper versions than your fully loaded V6 Grand Touring model. mine has minimal options; i like how nice touches like the steering wheel audio controls were standard even back in 2004. now traction control is standard too.
i have to admit, though, that the gigantic turning circle makes for an embarrassing driving experience in Boston.
Posted by: DL | Feb 18, 2008 6:08:47 PM