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2006 Mazda 6 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2006 Mazda 6 Review:
5. 
Mazda 6 Photos

6. 
Mazda 6 Full Review

7. 
All Mazda 6s

8. 
All Mazdas


2006 Mazda 6 Review
An available 6-speed automatic transmission and a new performance model highlight Mazda's 2006 midsize car lineup. Mazda 6 models are grouped under "i" and "s" prefixes and are joined for '06 by the performance MazdaSpeed. The i and s versions come as 4-dr sedans and hatchbacks; wagons are offered in s form only. The i and s models have front-wheel drive. MazdaSpeeds are sedans with all-wheel drive. The i has a 160-hp 4-cyl engine, the s a 215-hp V6, MazdaSpeeds a 274-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. The i and s offer a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic--a 5-speed on i models, the new 6-speed for s versions. MazdaSpeeds come only with a 6-speed manual and include a sport suspension and specific trim. ABS and traction control are standard on all. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are optional for base i sedans, standard otherwise. A navigation system is available on most models.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
News
Our spies have no Mazda 6 news at the moment. And there's not likely to be much anyway, as 2007 is the year of the crossover for Mazda, which will be focusing on its new CX-7 and CX-9 models. But keep checking back with us for late-breaking news and rumors about the midsize cars.
2006 Mazda 6 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Acceleration (4 cyl/auto.)
Handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
4 5 6 6 5.6

The i versions are acceptably peppy with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic. V6s lively, but need high rpm for maximum punch. Test manual s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. MazdaSpeed rewards with strong takeoffs, did 6.4 sec 0-60 in our test. MazdaSpeed clutch pedal has short travel but some testers complain of imprecise engagement.
Fuel Economy

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

No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission. With manual, test i models averaged 22.3 mpg. Test s sedans averaged 20.9-24.2 mpg, but 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. Test s wagon averaged 17.9 in mostly city driving. MazdaSpeed averaged 21.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.9 including performance tests. MazdaSpeeds require premium-grade fuel. Other 6s use regular-grade.
Ride Quality

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.1

Taut, but generally absorbent, even with MazdaSpeed's 18-inch tires and firmer suspension. All show some sharp reaction to pavement seams at highway speed. And highway-speed dips, rises trigger slight float.
Steering/Handling/Braking

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
6 7 7 7 6.1

All models except MazdaSpeed use basically same suspension settings. All models tested corner with agile confidence, modest body lean, and have fine straightline tracking. V6 versions show only mild torque steer--pulling to the side in fast takeoffs. MazdaSpeed moves like a sports car, abetted by AWD. On all, wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes strong, progressive.
Quietness

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

Non-turbocharged engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but none are super-quiet. MazdaSpeed whines under throttle. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise slightly better than hatchbacks, wagons. No undue wind roar. Disappointing squeaks and rattles noted in some test cars.
Controls

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.8

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like red dashboard illumination in Grand Touring and MazdaSpeed models. Some also dislike design that displays climate and audio settings in center dashtop display, remote from controls. Simple rotary knobs for most audio, climate functions a plus. Navigation system easy to use, operates independently of audio and climate controls. Interior mixes nicely padded upper surfaces with hard, flimsy-feel plastic panels below.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.6

MazdaSpeed's bolstered sport seats snug occupants in fast turns; other seats less adept at lateral location and could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel a plus, but may not lift high enough for tall drivers. Visibility great in wagons, hampered to rear by spoiler on hatchbacks and Sport sedans, but not MazdaSpeed.
Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Seat cushions a bit soft, have subpar support. Adequate head room, good toe space. More leg room than in some like-sized cars, but it slims noticeably with front seats moved very far back. Entry/exit easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider.
Cargo Room

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
4 8 8 4 4.5

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. Note that MazdaSpeed rear seat does not fold. Decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in hatchback and wagon.
Value within Class

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

For overall refinement, Mazda 6 is just slightly off the pace set by such rivals as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. Interior materials and 4-cyl acceleration with automatic-transmission also fail to inspire. Wagon and hatchback body styles are unusual for this class, however, and there's enough overall competence, roominess, style, and sportiness in any Mazda 6 to warrant our Recommended badge.
Total Score

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
58 64 64 60 58.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
44
Average Score
58
High Score
70
2006 Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
i Base 4-door sedan $19,110 $17,658 $560
i Sport 4-door sedan $21,810 $20,143 $560
i Sport 4-door hatchback $22,210 $20,511 $560
i Grand Touring 4-door sedan $24,710 $22,812 $560
i Grand Sport 4-door sedan $25,210 $23,272 $560
s Base 4-door sedan $23,010 $21,248 $560
s Base 4-door wagon $23,610 $21,799 $560
s Sport 4-door sedan $23,910 $22,076 $560
s Sport 4-door hatchback $24,510 $22,628 $560
s Sport 4-door wagon $24,610 $22,719 $560
s Grand Touring 4-door sedan $27,260 $25,159 $560
s Grand Touring 4-door wagon $27,160 $25,067 $560
s Grand Sport 4-door sedan $27,110 $25,020 $560
s Grand Sport 4-door hatchback $27,710 $25,752 $560
s Grand Touring 4-door wagon $27,910 $25,757 $560
MazdaSpeed Sport 4-door sedan $27,995 $25,833 $560
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring 4-door sedan $29,925 $27,608 $560
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
i Base
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, 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, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/60VR16 tires, wheel covers.
i Sport adds to i Base:
Safety
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, rear wiper/washer (hatchback, wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
i Grand Touring adds to i Sport:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear spoiler.
i Grand Sport adds to i Sport Touring:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, unique exterior trim.
s Base adds to i Base:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Safety
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, rear wiper/washer (hatchback, wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
s Sport adds to s Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights.
s Grand Touring adds to s Sport:
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear spoiler.
215/45VR18 tires.
s Grand Sport adds to s Grand Touring:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, rear spoiler, unique exterior trim.
MazdaSpeed Sport adds to s Sport:
Powertrain
2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat.
Xenon headlights, sport suspension, 215/45VR18 tires.
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring adds to MazdaSpeed Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, keyless access and starting, heated power mirrors.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
i Base
$1,000
$800
8-way power driver seat, alarm, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
Bose Audio and Moonroof Pkg.
i/s Sport
$1,400
$1,120
Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof. NA MazdaSpeed.
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Base, Grand Touring
$350
$280
Chrome grille trim and rear finisher, chrome bodyside moldings. NA MazdaSpeed.
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
i Base, i Sport
$900
$783
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
s Base, s Sport, s Grand Sport
$950
$827
California/Northeast emissions
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$100
$87
Safety
Front side airbags
i Base
$500
$400
Includes curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Grand Touring, Grand Sport, MazdaSpeed
$2,000
$1,600
Power sunroof
MazdaSpeed
$700
$609
Remote engine start
i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$350
$280
Requires automatic transmission.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$250
$200
Includes compass, universal garage door opener.
Cassette player
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$200
$160
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
i/s Base, i/s Sport
$500
$400
Satellite radio
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring
$430
$344
Requires monthly fee after 6th month.
Sunroof wind deflector
Sport
$50
$40
Requires Bose Audio and Moonroof Pkg. NA MazdaSpeed.
Cargo organizer
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$150
$125
Cargo tray
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$50
$40
Std. w/cargo organizer.
Cargo mat
hatchback, wagon
$60
$48
Cargo net
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$40
$32
All-weather floormats
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$60
$48
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alarm system upgrade
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$60
$48
Base requires Convenience Pkg., front side airbags.
Chrome alloy fuel-filler door
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$100
$80
Satin-finish alloy fuel-filler door
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$100
$80
Roof rails
wagon
$300
$240
Door-edge guards
i, s
$100
$80
Rear step pad
wagon
$45
$36
Sport grille
Base, i/s Grand Touring
$100
$80
Rear lip spoiler
Base/Grand Touring sedan
$420
$336
Base/Grand Touring wagon
$300
$240
NA MazdaSpeed.
Rear wing spoiler
Base/Grand Touring sedan
$325
$260
NA MazdaSpeed.
Special paint
MazdaSpeed
$200
$160
Wheel locks
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Base, i Grand Sport, i Grand Touring, i Sport, s Base, s Grand Sport, s Grand Touring, s Sport
$40
$32
i Base requires Convenience Pkg.
2006 Mazda 6 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mazda 6 4-door hatchback Mazda 6 4-door sedan 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. 3172 3091 3404
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 58.7 15.2 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. 36.7 37.1 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 Turbocharged dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.3 /138 3.0 /181 2.3 /138
Horsepower @ rpm. 160 @ 6000 215 @ 6000 274 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 155 @ 4000 199 @ 5000 280 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/32 20/27 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- --/-- 19/25
5-speed automatic 24/31 --/-- --/--
6-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 hatchback Mazda 6 4-door sedan Mazda 6 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5 5
Rollover Resistance 5 5 4
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, Japan
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Mazda 6 Review:
5. 
Mazda 6 Photos

6. 
Mazda 6 Full Review

7. 
All Mazda 6s

8. 
All Mazdas


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