2008 Mazda 6 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Mazda 6 is little changed, but the wagon and MazdaSpeed models have been discontinued. The 6 offers 4-door sedans and hatchbacks in various trim levels grouped under "i" and "s" prefixes. The i models have a 156-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. The s models use a 212-hp 3.0-liter V6. Various transmissions including 5-speed manual or 5- or 6-speed automatics are available depending on the model. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system is available on Grand Touring models.

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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News

A redesigned Mazda 6 is expected with some components and even architecture coming 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 later. 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.

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mazda 6 Road Test

Pros	Cons

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

Handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
4	5	6	5.6

The base 4-cylinder is acceptably peppy with a manual transmission but is sluggish with an automatic. The V6 is noticeably stronger, but best power demands high rpm operation. A manual transmission s sedan did 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	5	5.6

No opportunity yet to measure with the automatic transmission. In Consumer Guide testing, manual-transmission 4-cylinder models averaged 22.3 mpg. V6 powered sedans returned 20.9-24.2 mpg, but just 18.2 with gas-eating acceleration runs. Mazda 6 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6

The ride is taut but generally absorbent. At highway speeds, all show some sharp reaction to pavement seams and slight float over dips and humps.

Steering/Handling/Braking

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	6

All models use basically the same suspension settings. The result is agile, confident cornering with modest body lean, plus fine straightline tracking. V6s show only mild torque steer. On all, a wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes are strong and progressive.

Quietness

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6

Both engines are relaxed at cruise and make nice pedal-to-the-metal growls, but neither is super-quiet. Modest rough-surface tire noise with the 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise a bit better than hatchbacks do. There is no undue wind roar.

Controls

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	6.3

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

Details

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	5.6

Interior mixes nicely padded upper surfaces with hard, flimsy-feel plastic panels below. Some test cars had minor squeaks and rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

The seats could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg space and adequate headroom. The 6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a plus, but it may not lift high enough for some drivers. Visibility is hampered to the rear by the standard spoiler on hatchbacks.

Room/Comfort (rear)

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

The seat cushions are a bit soft and have subpar support. There is adequate headroom and good toe space. Occupants will find more legroom than in some like-sized cars, but it slims noticeably with front seats moved far back. Entry and exit are easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider.

Cargo Room

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
4	8	4	4.1

All models have roomy and nicely trimmed cargo holds with compact strut-type hinges for the trunklid or hatch. The sedan's trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but the hatchback will. The folding rear seats have convenient spring-loaded releases behind the backrests, but they don't quite lie flat. There is decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in the hatchback.

Value within Class

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

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

Total Score

i Sport Value sedan, automatic	i Sport Value hatchback, manual	s Sport Value sedan, manual	Class Average
63	68	64	63.3

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/01/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

i Sport 4-door sedan, manual	$19,140	$17,687	$650

i Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, manual	$19,900	$18,386	$650

i Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	$20,800	$19,124	$650

i Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, manual	$20,750	$19,169	$650

i Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, automatic	$21,650	$19,997	$650

s Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, manual	$22,360	$20,649	$650

s Sport Value Edition 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,310	$21,523	$650

s Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, manual	$23,210	$21,431	$650

s Sport Value Edition 4-door hatchback, automatic	$24,160	$22,306	$650

i Touring 4-door sedan, automatic	$22,390	$20,678	$650

i Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic	$23,240	$21,459	$650

s Touring 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,000	$23,079	$650

s Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic	$25,850	$23,862	$650

i Grand Touring 4-door sedan, automatic	$24,240	$22,379	$650

i Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic	$24,840	$22,931	$650

s Grand Touring 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,150	$25,058	$650

s Grand Touring 4-door hatchback, automatic	$27,750	$25,610	$650

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

Mazda 6	$2250-$2750 cash back 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, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

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) 5-speed manual 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, intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler (hatchback).

i/s Touring adds to i Sport Value Edition:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, Bose sound system.

i/s Grand Touring adds to i Touring:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, fog lights, xenon headlights, 215/45WR18 tires (s).

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.

Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$100	$87


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Grand Touring	$2,000	$1,600
Includes voice recognition.

Power sunroof
Sport Value Edition, Touring	$700	$560


Remote engine start
i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$350	$280
Requires automatic transmission.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror
i Sport, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$275	$220
Includes compass, universal garage door opener. NA i/s Grand Touring.

Cassette player
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$200	$160


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


Satellite radio
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$430	$344


Cargo organizer
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$150	$125


Cargo tray
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$50	$40


Cargo net
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$40	$32


Cargo mat
hatchback	$60	$48


Rubber floormats
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$78	$62


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Chrome alloy fuel-filler door
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$100	$80


Satin-finish alloy fuel-filler door
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$100	$80


Door-edge guards
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$100	$80


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
i Sport, i/s Grand Touring, i/s Sport Value Edition, i/s Touring	$50	$40

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

2008 Mazda 6 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

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

Wheelbase, in.	105.3	105.3

Overall Length, in.	186.8	186.8

Overall Width, in.	70.1	70.1

Overall Height, in.	56.7	56.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3093	3192

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.2	58.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.0	18.0

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.7	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.3	42.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1	36.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	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.	156 @ 6500	212 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	154 @ 4000	197 @ 5000

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	21/29	17/25

5-speed automatic	21/28	--/--

6-speed automatic	--/--	18/25

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

Front Impact, Driver	5	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5	5

Rollover Resistance	5	5

Side Impact, Driver	4	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	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	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	--/--	--

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

< 2008 Mazda 6 Photos

2008 Mazda 6 New Car Quote >

Locate a Dealer

Get a FREE Price Quote:

Also in the 2008 Mazda 6 Review:

Mazda 6

Mazda 6 Road Test

Mazda 6 Prices & Equipment

Mazda 6 Specs & Safety

Mazda 6 Photos