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2007 Mazda 6 Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2007 Mazda 6 Review:
5. 
Mazda 6 Photos

6. 
Mazda 6 Full Review

7. 
All Mazda 6s

8. 
All Mazdas


2007 Mazda 6 Review
Curtain side airbags are standard for 2007 on all versions of Mazda's midsize cars. The 6 offers 4-dr sedans and hatchbacks in various trim levels grouped under "i" and "s" prefixes. It also offers "s" wagons and sporty MazdaSpeed sedans. MazdaSpeeds have all-wheel drive, other models front-drive. The i Sport models have a 156-hp 4-cyl engine. MazdaSpeeds have a 270-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. Other 6s use a 212-hp V6. MazdaSpeeds have a 6-speed manual transmission. Other versions have a 5-speed manual or optional 5- or 6-speed automatic, depending on model. ABS and traction control are standard on all. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags; these had been optional for some i models. A navigation system is available for most models. MazdaSpeeds have a sport suspension and specific trim.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
A redesigned Mazda 6 is expected in spring 2007, likely as an '08 model. Some components and even architecture will come from the Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ sedans--ironic, as those triplets are based on the original Mazda 6 design. Informants say the new 6 will be quite a bit longer to improve rear-seat space, but won't be quite as large as Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. A massaged 2.3-liter 4-cyl should remain base power, but the Ford-sourced 3.0-liter V6 option gives way to the American company's new 3.5-liter unit with around 250 hp. A new MazdaSpeed6 probably won't appear until fall '07 at the earliest. No word yet on whether the hatchback and wagon will continue, nor whether Mazda will offer all-wheel drive as Ford plans for its models. But such matters should clear up soon, so keep checking back here for the latest news.
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2007 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 5.9

The base 4-cyl is acceptably peppy with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic. V6 noticeably stronger, but best go demands high rpm. Test manual s sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. MazdaSpeed makes fast getaways, did 6.4 sec in our test; its clutch has short pedal 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 5.1

No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission. With manual, test 4-cyl models averaged 22.3 mpg; V6 sedans 20.9-24.2 mpg, but just 18.2 with gas-eating acceleration runs. Test V6 wagon averaged 17.9 mpg in mostly city driving. MazdaSpeeds averaged 21.7-25.6 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.9 with performance testing. MazdaSpeeds require premium-grade fuel; others use regular.
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 MazdaSpeed with 18-inch tires and firmer suspension. At highway speeds, all show some sharp reaction to pavement seams, slight float over dips and humps.
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 6.2

All but MazdaSpeed use basically same suspension settings. Result is agile, confident cornering with modest body lean, plus fine straightline tracking. V6s show only mild torque steer. MazdaSpeed moves like a sports car, abetted by AWD. On all, wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes are 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 neither is super-quiet. MazdaSpeed whines under throttle. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise a bit better than hatchbacks, wagons. No undue wind roar. Some test cars had minor squeaks and rattles.
Controls

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.7

Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like red dashboard lighting in Grand Tourings and MazdaSpeeds. Some also dislike dashtop display for climate and audio settings, remote from controls, but do like the simple rotary knobs for most of those functions. Navigation system easy to use--and separate from audio, climate systems. 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 6.8

MazdaSpeed's bolstered sport seats snug occupants in fast turns; other seats hug less well, could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg space, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel a plus, but may not lift high enough for some drivers. Visibility great in wagons, hampered to rear by spoiler on hatchbacks.
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 5.1

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 4.8

All models have roomy, nicely trimmed cargo holds and compact strut-type hinges for trunklid/hatch. Sedan trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but hatchback and wagon will. Folding rear seats have convenient spring-loaded releases behind backrests, but 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
6 6 6 6 6.3

Mazda 6 is a bit less refined than Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Volkswagen Passat. It also trails those rivals for interior materials and 4-cyl acceleration with automatic transmission. It is one of the sportiest midsize cars and competitively priced, with the practical wagon and hatchback models an added attraction for some buyers.
Total Score

i Base sdn, auto. i Sport hatch, man. s Base wgn, man. s Sport sdn, man. Class Average
56 62 62 58 59.2
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
59
High Score
69
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2007 Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
i Sport 4-door sedan, manual $18,930 $17,493 $595
i Sport 4-door sedan, automatic $19,830 $18,322 $595
i Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, manual $19,430 $17,953 $595
i Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, automatic $20,330 $18,781 $595
i Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, manual $20,430 $18,874 $595
i Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, automatic $21,330 $19,703 $595
s Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, manual $22,090 $20,401 $595
s Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, automatic $23,040 $21,276 $595
s Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, manual $23,090 $21,323 $595
s Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, automatic $24,040 $22,196 $595
s Sport Value Edition 4-door wagon, automatic $24,090 $22,242 $595
i Touring 4-door sedan, manual $21,520 $19,876 $595
i Touring 4-door sedan, automatic $22,420 $20,705 $595
i Touring 4-door hatchback, manual $22,520 $20,797 $595
i Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic $23,420 $21,625 $595
s Touring 4-door sedan, manual $24,180 $22,325 $595
s Touring 4-door sedan, automatic $25,130 $23,199 $595
s Touring 4-door hatchback, manual $25,180 $23,246 $595
s Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic $26,130 $24,119 $595
s Touring 4-door wagon, automatic $26,180 $24,165 $595
i Grand Touring 4-door sedan, manual $23,990 $22,150 $595
i Grand Touring 4-door sedan, automatic $23,090 $21,322 $595
i Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, manual $23,840 $22,011 $595
s Grand Touring 4-door sedan, manual $26,050 $24,045 $595
s Grand Touring 4-door sedan, automatic $27,000 $24,919 $595
s Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, manual $26,800 $24,736 $595
s Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic $27,750 $25,611 $595
s Grand Touring 4-door wagon, automatic $27,800 $25,655 $595
MazdaSpeed Sport 4-door sedan, manual $27,995 $25,833 $595
i Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic $24,740 $22,839 $595
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring 4-door sedan, manual $29,925 $27,608 $595
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
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Mazda6 $3000 or 0% financing. Customer 06/02/08
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 Sport
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope 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/s Sport Value Edition adds to i Sport:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine (s), 5-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (i) or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (s).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear wiper/washer (hatchback, wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler (hatchback, wagon), 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
i/s Touring adds to i Sport Value Edition:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof.
i/s Grand Touring adds to i Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, xenon headlights, 215/45WR18 tires (s).
MazdaSpeed Sport adds to i 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
Automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat.
Rear spoiler, fog lights, xenon headlights, sport suspension, 215/45YR18 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, heated power mirrors, keyless access and starting.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$350
$280
Chrome grille trim and rear finisher, chrome bodyside moldings. NA hatchback, MazdaSpeed.
Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$100
$87
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed
$2,000
$1,600
Power sunroof
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring
$700
$609
Remote engine start
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$350
$280
Requires automatic transmission. NA MazdaSpeed.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
i Sport, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$250
$200
Includes compass, universal garage door opener. Std. i/s Grand Touring. NA MazdaSpeed.
Cassette player
i, s
$200
$160
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
i Sport
$500
$400
Satellite radio
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$430
$344
Sunroof wind deflector
Touring, Grand Touring
$50
$40
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring requires power sunroof.
Cargo organizer
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$150
$125
NA MazdaSpeed.
Cargo tray
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$50
$40
Std. w/cargo organizer. NA MazdaSpeed.
Cargo net
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$40
$32
Rubber floormats
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$60
$48
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy fuel-filler door
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$100
$80
Satin-finish alloy fuel-filler door
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$100
$80
Roof rails
wagon
$300
$240
Door-edge guards
i, s
$100
$80
Rear step pad
wagon
$45
$36
Sport grille
i Sport
$100
$80
Rear lip spoiler
i Sport/Sport Value Edition/Touring sedan
$420
$336
Rear wing spoiler
i Sport/Sport Value Edition/Touring sedan
$325
$260
Wheel locks
MazdaSpeed Grand Touring, MazdaSpeed Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring
$40
$32
NA i Sport.
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2007 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. 3091 3199 3483
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.2 58.7 60.5
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 Turbocharged dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.3 /138 3.0 /181 2.3 /138
Horsepower @ rpm. 156 @ 6000 212 @ 6000 270 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 154 @ 4000 197 @ 5000 280 @ 3000
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 23/32 19/27 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- --/-- 19/25
5-speed automatic 24/31 --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 20/27 --/--
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 5 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 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
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, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Mazda 6 Review:
5. 
Mazda 6 Photos

6. 
Mazda 6 Full Review

7. 
All Mazda 6s

8. 
All Mazdas


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