EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MAZDA MAZDA6
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Tired of the dull, sensible, vanilla-flavored family car? If you''re willing to give up some passenger room, the Mazda 6 offers to add a dash of zing to your daily commute.
Pros
More fun to drive than most family sedans, slick shifting manual transmission, smooth power delivery, nicely appointed interior, multiple body styles.
Cons
Tight rear-seat accommodations, V6 doesn''t have the power of its competitors, interior materials aren''t always top quality.
What''s New for 2004
New hatchback and wagon body styles are scheduled as midyear additions. Minor adjustments to the 6''s optional equipment packages are the only other changes for 2004.
Overview
Introduction:
Known primarily for the use of rotary power plants and the RX-7 sports car, Mazda was put on the map by the 626 at a time when consumers wanted clean, crisp European styling combined with performance and Japanese reliability -- but didn''t want to pay much for it. Originally debuting in the United States in 1979, Mazda''s midsize sedan, the 626, was first redesigned for 1983 when a handy five-door hatchback joined the existing sedan and coupe in the lineup. This theme continued in the 1988 626, which again came as a sedan, coupe or five-door hatch with available turbo power plants. Four-wheel steering was even briefly available. For the next redesign in 1993, the coupe split from the line to become the MX-6, and the hatch was dropped. "Staid" best describes the redesign for 1998, which saw the coupe disappear and the sedan''s sales plummet. For 2003, Mazda started all over again with a new name, new engines and a sleek design that turns heads. Yet despite all it had going for it, the 6 suffered from sluggish sales in the U.S. while it flew off the lots overseas. Since then, positive word of mouth has begun to give Mazda''s latest midsize effort the push it needs to convince sedan buyers to give it a try. In designing the 6, Mazda sought to define a new design philosophy called "Emotion in Motion." This philosophy, the company says, calls for cars and trucks that are athletic in terms of appearance and performance. Driver pleasure and occupant comfort and safety are priorities, as are solid craftsmanship and packaging flexibility. The 6 definitely adheres to this philosophy with its sharp road manners, stylish design and well-appointed cabin. Unlike many family sedans that focus purely on functionality, this Mazda seeks to add driver involvement to the mix. It''s smaller than some of its competitors due to the fact that it''s sold in numerous countries around the world, but unless you''re sitting in the backseat you won''t notice the difference. Its drivetrains aren''t as powerful as the competition, either, but their smooth and quiet operation makes up for the lack of overall power. Bolstering the 6''s appeal will be new four-door hatchback and wagon body styles set to appear as midyear additions. Both of these models maintain the sedan''s attractive bodywork while offering additional cargo room for increased utility. No matter how you cut it, the Mazda 6 is a unique vehicle that offers more than just the status quo. If you''re like a lot of people and the idea of buying a Camry or an Accord doesn''t do much for you, this midsize Mazda could be the perfect alternative.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The 6 is available as a sedan, wagon or four-door hatchback. Sedans and wagons come in either base "i" and high-line "s" trim; the wagon comes in s trim only. Standard equipment on the i includes a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, a CD stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. The s model adds a V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, lumbar adjustment for the driver and automatic climate control. Both models are eligible for the Luxury Package, which adds leather, a power driver seat, red electroluminescent gauges and heated seats and mirrors; and the Sport Package, which provides foglights, an underbody kit, faux titanium interior trim and a rear spoiler. Separate options include a moonroof and a Bose stereo with an in-dash CD changer.
Powertrains and Performance:
Standard on the i is a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine making 160 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is also standard, but buyers can opt for a four-speed automatic. The s model upgrades to a 220-hp, 3.0-liter V6. Unlike most V6-powered midsize sedans, this one can be equipped with a five-speed manual, or you can go for the optional five-speed automatic.
Safety:
All models come with four-wheel disc brakes and whiplash-reducing front seats. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and traction control are standard on the s model and optional on the i. Optional on both models are side airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the 6 received a perfect five stars for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal collisions. In side-impact tests, the 6 earned just three stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for rear passengers, but the vehicle tested did not have side airbags. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Mazda earned the top rating of "Good."
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the 6 has a clean and contemporary design with solid build quality and easy-to-operate controls. Most of the materials used are attractive, but they''re a step or two below the premium-quality stuff used in class leaders like the Accord and Passat. Rear-seat occupants benefit from a center armrest, but shoulder room is a bit tight for this class. A 60/40-split rear seat folds to expand the generous 17.6-cubic-foot capacity of the sedan, while the hatchback boasts a 22-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 59 cubic feet. Roomiest of all is the wagon, which offers 33.7 cubic feet with the rear seat and 61 cubes with the seat folded down.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Like most other vehicles in the Mazda stable, the 6 is a blast. Neither engine is as powerful as competing motors, but their smooth, quiet power delivery offsets this, particularly on V6 models. A communicative steering rack goes a long way toward making the 6 fun to drive on the highway or from corner to corner on back roads. The suspension achieves a superb balance between ride quality and handling, and as a result, the 6 is comfortable enough for weekday commutes and highly entertaining on weekend road trips.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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