2009 Mazda 6: Tester's Comments
2009 Mazda 6 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $18,550 - $28,260
- Invoice: $17,601 - $26,099
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mazda 6
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Mazda 6. See if the 2009 Mazda 6 is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | i/s Grand Touring |
| Arrival Date: | 12/01/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 28,260 |
| Price as Tested: | 32,790 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 7186 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 7291 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 105 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 12.639 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 17.64 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Navigation system, Moonroof and Bose Package (Bose audio system, power moonroof, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio), California/Northeast emissions
From the Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski
One of the first new cars I ever evaluated (prior to working at Consumer Guide) was a first-generation Mazda 6 sedan with the V6 and manual transmission. It was rough around the edges when compared with Accord or Camry, but it was a heck of a lot more fun to drive than those cars, or just about anything else in the segment. It was a good value for the money, too. The 6's redesign brings a shot of refinement, but at the expense of the old car's raucous, yet charming, character. The new car is also really pricey when you pile on the options. At this point, the 6 is merely a competent midsize sedan that merits consideration, but not over Accord, Malibu, or Sonata.
Jack Stewart
The Mazda 6 is distinctive midsize sedan with a more sporty feel than most rivals. The 6 can get expensive. The sticker price of the top-line Grand Touring test car with options was over $32,000. This is several thousand more than comparably equipped rivals.
Tom Appel
Like the Honda Accord before it, Mazda6 in being redesigned gives up some sportiness in exchange for a more mainstream product. That's not all bad, however, as the new 6 does everything most small families might want. Opt for the S with its potent (and conspicuously large) V6, and you'll have one of the fastest cars in this class. The new 6 does nothing to change the midsize-sedan category, but it does belong on your shopping list.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Mazda 6 |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | i/s Grand Touring |
| Arrival Date: | 03/25/2009 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 24,910 |
| Price as Tested: | 29,340 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 6713 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 7313 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 600 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 24.041 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 24.96 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Navigation System, Moonroof & Bose Package (Bose Audio System, Power Moonroof, 6-Disc CD Changer, Sirius Satellite Radio)
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
I'm impressed that Mazda was able to add this much sporty character into a relatively mainstream midsize car. And they did it without sacrificing much of that mainstream practicality or comfort.
David Hall
With its mid-pack pricing and fuel economy, peppy 4-cylinder, good front- and back-seat interior room, and sport aspirations, this seems like the "driver's car" of the pack. Altima, one of the other "sporting" entries, has a marginally more powerful 4-cylinder and slightly better fuel economy, but it has a higher sticker price, and doesn't have the 6's rear-seat room and comfort.
Don Sikora
Our 2009 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring test car was an impressive piece. The 4-cylinder 6-speed combination was sweet, and the overall package is very practical. Add in a handsome, well trimmed interior, and you have one of the best cars in its class.
Ed Piotrowski
Where a previous experience with a V6 2009 Mazda 6 showed a sedan with too much engine, too much tire, and too much suspension for what it offered, the slightly toned down 4-cylinder version is exceptionally well balanced. It's sufficiently powerful and rides and handles well while sporting a nicely appointed interior. Save yourself nearly $4000 by skipping the sunroof, Bose audio system, and navigation system, and you can have yourself a fun family sedan for well under $26,000. That's a lot of car for not a lot of money.
Rick Cotta
Mazda's new 6 impresses as a sportier, edgier, hipper alternative to Camry and Accord that gives up nothing in the way of practicality. Resale value may not match that of those stalwarts, but if you just can't stand the thought of adding yet another "me too" midsizer to the traffic flow, the 6 might be the way to go.
Tom Appel
I really enjoyed this car. A decent shifter, fun-to-rev engine, and a posh(ish) cabin made this sedan feel a little above the class fray. There's a sense of sensible sporty luxury to this car that really appeals to me. Our loaded i just fell short of $30,000. Skip the navigation system, Bose audio, and sun roof and you're under $26,000. Call this the very-poor-man's 3-Series and I won't argue with you.
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
