2004 Mazda 6 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Wagon and 4-dr hatchback models joined Mazda 6 sedans for mid 2004. Mazda 6s are compact-size cars that compete with both compact and midsize cars in power and marketing focus. The "i" sedan and hatchback have a 160-hp 4-cyl engine. Uplevel "s" versions and the wagon use a 220-hp V6. Manual transmission is standard. The optional automatic is a 4-speed unit on 4-cyl models, a 5-speed on V6s; both have a separate gate for manual shifting. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are tilt/telescope steering wheel and split folding rear seatbacks. ABS with traction control is standard with V6, optional on 4-cyl models. Front side airbags with curtain side airbags are available. Standard on hatchbacks are sport-oriented interior trim, aero body add-ons; those features are optional on other models. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on hatchbacks and s models; optional to replace 16-inch steel wheels on i sedan. Other options include sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and in-dash CD changer. Evaluation includes preview drives of wagon and hatchback.

News

Look for a racy MazdaSpeed 6 by mid-2005, maybe sooner. Mazda is still avidly courting the "tuner car" market, so this addition will likely be a 4-cyl sedan with more power than stock, probably through turbocharging, plus handling-oriented suspension, special interior trim, "aero" body addenda, and upsized wheels and tires. Otherwise, few changes loom for Mazda's latest midsize. There had been talk of a tall-body 6-based wagon to counter the Nissan Murano and other sporty crossovers, but this now looks doubtful even though Mazda has lately moved back into the black after several years of heavy red ink.

2004 Mazda 6 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Acceleration (4 cyl/auto.)

Handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	5	6	6	5.2

Fairly peppy with 4 cyl and manual transmission; automatic dulls acceleration, but using its manual-shift feature can partly offset that. V6s don't spring off the line and need high rpm for max punch, but are lively enough with either transmission. Test manual-transmission s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Automatics generally smooth and responsive.

Fuel Economy

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.3

Test manual-transmission V6s averaged 20.9 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. Test V6 automatic averaged 22.0 mpg. With manual transmission, 4-cyl manual averaged 22.3 mpg. Mazda recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	5	6	6	6.2

Taut, but generally absorbent and comfortably controlled, even with 17-inch tires. Some sharp reaction to pavement seams at highway speed.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	8	7	7	6.1

Best with Sport Package, but all models agile and composed, even the wagon. Modest body lean in turns, responsive steering, fine straightline tracking. V6s show mild steering-wheel tug in fast takeoffs. Wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes strong, progressive.

Quietness

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.8

Engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but neither is super quiet. Marked rough-surface tire noise, especially with 17-inch treads. Modest wind rush.

Controls

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.4

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like the red lighting. Main climate controls are simple knobs, but silvery finish makes their markings tough to read by day. Same goes for audio controls, which have busy design. Climate and audio settings appear in center dashtop display, remote from controls themselves. Interior has nicely padded upper surfaces, but disappoints with hard, thin-feeling plastic below.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Firm but comfortable seats, though some drivers may want a longer cushion. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel a plus, but may not tilt high enough for tall drivers. Wagons provide easy all-around visibility. Rear spoiler hampers over-the-shoulder view on hatchbacks and Sport Package sedans.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Seat support nothing special. Good toe space. Leg room exceeds compact-class norm unless front seats are moved well back. Adequate head room. Entry/exit easy enough despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider. Center-occupant shoulder belt on wagon, hatchback is awkward to find and fasten.

Cargo Room

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	7	4	7	4.6

All models have roomy, nicely trimmed cargo bays with compact, noninvasive strut-type hinges on trunklid/hatch. Sedan trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but hatchback and wagon will. Convenient spring-loaded seatback releases in sedan trunk and hatchback/wagon cargo area, but seats don't quite lie flat. Decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in hatchback and wagon.

Value within Class

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Despite tepid 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission, Mazda 6 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise. Yet it's as practical as any compact sedan--and even some midsize cars. Pricing and equipment levels are competitive, and the new wagon and hatchback have little class competition. In all, Mazda 6 is a solid Recommended choice.

Total Score

i sdn, auto.	i hatch, man.	s sdn, man.	s wgn, auto.	Class Average
58	61	58	61	56.1

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		56
High Score		72

2004 Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

i 4-door sedan	$18,895	$17,430	$520

i 4-door hatchback	$20,795	$19,179	$520

s 4-door sedan	$21,525	$19,851	$520

s 4-door wagon	$22,225	$20,494	$520

s 4-door hatchback	$22,895	$21,111	$520

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, cargo cover (hatchback), rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback), automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights (hatchback), rear spoiler (hatchback), 205/60HR16 tires (sedan), 215/50VR17 (hatchback), wheel covers (sedan), alloy wheels (hatchback).

s adds to i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, cargo cover (hatchback, wagon), intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback, wagon).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Luxury Pkg.
i, s	$1,540	$1,232
Leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats and mirrors. Sedans require Sport Pkg. i sedan requires 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Pkg.
sedan	$710	$568
Titanium-colored interior trim, body cladding, dual exhaust outlets, fog lights. i requires 17-inch alloy wheels.

Sport Pkg. w/Rear Spoiler
sedan, wagon	$770	$616


Appearance Pkg.
sedan	$800	$640
Aerodynamic body cladding, exhaust tips.

Chrome Appearance Pkg.
sedan, wagon	$450	$360
Chrome grille trim and rear finisher, chrome bodyside moldings.

Security Pkg.
i	$950	$760
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. Requires Sport Pkg., 17-inch alloy wheels.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
i	$850	$740


5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
s	$900	$783


California/Northeast emissions
i, s	$100	$87


Safety
Antilock brakes
i sedan	$400	$320
Includes traction control. Requires automatic transmission.

Front side airbags
s	$450	$360
Includes curtain side airbags. Requires Bose Audio Pkg., power sunroof. Sedan requires Sport Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
i, s	$700	$560
Requires Bose Audio Pkg. i w/manual transmission requires Sport Pkg., Security Pkg., 17-inch alloy wheels. i w/automatic transmission requires 8-way power driver seat, alloy wheels. s requires Sport Pkg., front side airbags.

Sunroof wind deflector
i, s	$40	$32
Requires power sunroof.

8-way power driver seat
sedan	$300	$240
i requires 17-inch alloy wheels.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror
i, s	$250	$200
Includes compass, universal garage-door opener.

Bose Audio Pkg.
i, s	$635	$508
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Sedans require Sport Pkg. i requires 17-inch alloy wheels.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
i, s	$500	$400


Cassette player
i, s	$200	$160


Cargo organizer
i, s	$150	$125


Cargo tray
i, s	$50	$40
Std. w/cargo organizer.

Cargo net
i, s	$40	$32


Cargo mat
hatchback, wagon	$40	$32


All-weather floormats
i, s	$60	$48


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alarm system upgrade
i, s	$60	$48
i requires Security Pkg.

Roof rails
wagon	$300	$240


Bright alloy fuel-filler door
i, s	$100	$80


Satin-finish alloy fuel-filler door
i, s	$100	$80


Mud guards
sedan	$35	$28
NA w/Sport Pkg.

Door-edge guards
i, s	$70	$57


Rear bumper step plate
wagon	$45	$36


Fog lights
sedan, wagon	$250	$200


Sport grille
sedan, wagon	$175	$140


Rear lip spoiler
sedan	$420	$336


Rear wing spoiler
sedan	$300	$240


16-inch alloy wheels
i sedan	$400	$320


17-inch alloy wheels
i sedan	$550	$440
Includes 215/50VR17 tires.

2004 Mazda 6 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mazda 6 4-door sedan	Mazda 6 4-door hatchback	Mazda 6 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	105.3	105.3	105.3

Overall Length, in.	186.8	186.8	187.8

Overall Width, in.	70.1	70.1	70.1

Overall Height, in.	56.7	56.7	57.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3042	3166	3389

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.2	58.7	60.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	18.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	5	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7	38.7	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.3	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1	36.7	38.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.5	36.5	36.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /138	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	160 @ 6000	220 @ 6300

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	155 @ 4000	192 @ 5000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	24/32	19/27

4-speed automatic	22/29	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	19/27

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mazda 6 4-door sedan	Mazda 6 4-door hatchback	Mazda 6 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5	5

Rollover Resistance	5	NA	NA

Side Impact, Driver	3	3	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	4	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2004 Mazda 6 Photos

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Mazda 6 Road Test

Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment

Mazda 6 Specs & Safety

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