New Car Review of the 2006 Mazda6 Mid-Size Sedan, Wagon and Hatchback
Base MSRP Range: $19,110 - $29,925
Base Invoice Range: $17,658 - $27,608
MSRP As Tested: Not Available
Versions: Base, Sport, Touring, MazdaSpeed.
Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Sedan, Wagon and Hatchback
Engine Location: Front Engine
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive .
Standard Engine: 2.3-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4,160 - horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 lb-ft torque at 4000 rpm.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 5-speed automatic 23/32, 5-speed manual 24/31,.
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 5-speed manual.
Optional Engine: 2.3-liter, Turbocharged, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valves, I-4, 274 - at 5500 rpm and 280 lb-ft torque at 3000 rpm.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6-speed manual 19/25.
Transmission: 6-speed manual.
Optional Engine: 3.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, V-6, 215 - horsepower at 6000 rpm and 199 lb-ft torque at 5000 rpm.
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 6-speed automatic 20/27, 5-speed manual 19/27.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
Standard Safety Features: Driver and passenger airbags, "> Anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, Emergency inside trunk release.
Competition: Buick Century, Chrysler Sebring, Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Stratus, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mercury Milan, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac Grand Prix, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
Introduction
Parent company Ford doesn’t do a very good job of promoting it, but the 2006 Mazda6 is not only a peppy, sporty car, it’s also one of the best values in its class. Just ask Consumer Guide (CG), which rates the mid-size sedan/wagon an 8 out of 10 for its overall value, and gives it the CG Recommended Award.
Lots of little improvements make this already-good car even better. A new grille, improved performance across the board, higher-quality interior design and the addition of the turbo-charged MazdaSpeed6 all make for a car that has tons of potential against fellow class members like the Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu and Honda Accord.
Besides the MazdaSpeed6, the 6 comes with two engine options - the four-cylinder “i” and the six-cylinder “s” - and four package levels (entry-level, Sport, Grand Touring and the new Grand Sport). Choose from the four-door sedan, the Sport Wagon or the 5-Door (which is essentially a sedan with a large liftback). Prices range from just under $20,000 to just under $30,000.
PERFORMANCE
Although the acceleration on the automatic I-4 comes up lacking, the six-cylinder version in the Mazda6 lineup are definitely adequate.
The base four-cylinder sports a 2.3-liter, 16-valve Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine has variable valve timing (VVT). The “little engine that could” puts out 155 lb.-ft. of torque (at 5,000 RPM) and 160 horsepower (at 6,00 RPM). Mazd6s sold In California, Vermont, New Hampshire Massachusetts and New York - all of which have strict emissions standards -have a special engine rating called Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). This drops the horsepower a small amount - down to 153 - and the torque and even smaller amount - down to 151 lb.-ft. - but the PZEV designation drastically decreases the amount of pollution it contributes to the atmosphere.
This PZEV designation is also found on the 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine. Horsepower comes in at 215 (at 6,000 RPM), with torque totaling 199 lb.-ft. (at 5,000 RPM). Both engines have VVT and multi-port fuel injection.
The MazdaSpeed6 sedan is the newest addition to the lineup, and boasts a turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine that puts out 274 horses and comes in the Sport or Grand Touring editions. It reportedly clocks in at 6.4 seconds in 0 to 60 MPH tests; the s sedans clock in around 7.5 seconds for the V6 model.
Also offered is an all-wheel-drive version, but the Mazda6 comes standard with front wheel drive, like the rest of the series. Choose from a 5-speed manual (standard) or sport automatic transmission in all models. The Grand Touring editions have automatic 5-speeds with manual shift capabilities.
Ride and Handling
Though Mazdas aren’t known for their superior handling, they’re definitely not bad. In fact, we were quite pleased with the ride and handling capabilities. For families, the wagon’s extra space is incredibly convenient, and all models are a good choice for everyday driving both on city roads and highways.
The base Mazda6 handles better than its competitors - Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and even the Honda Accord. So many vehicles in this mid-size category are as bland as white bread, but the fun-loving Mazda6 is more like an energy drink for the eyes -- and pedal foot.
The 6 wagon is similar to the Lexus is300 wagon; both are sporty and handle well, and can haul lots of stuff - especially pets. You’ll just find a bit more refinement - and a way cheaper sticker price - in the Lexus.
The suspension system in all the models is the same, although the MazdaSpeed6 has a sport-tuned suspension. In the front is an independent, high-mount, double wishbone setup, with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. In the rear, the car has independent, E-type, multi-link suspension, also with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. A wider track and the addition of the stabilizer bars improve the stability further - especially with the electronic traction control system (ETC). The turning radius is wider than last year, which is to be expected from the changes made for the 2006 models.
Safety
Mazda didn’t cut corners in the safety department, either. The Antilock Braking System (ABS) takes it one step further than many other class competitors with bigger disc brakes, Power Assist (PA), and four-wheel, four-sensor, 3-channel ABS. It also includes Electronic Brake Distribution, which balances the breaking power from the front to the rear.
The car is built with a Triple-H body construction that’s even stronger. Built into all doors (excluding the back-hatch on the 5-door model) are side beams, which help absorb much of the energy from a side-impact collision.
Inside the cabin, there are dual front airbags (standard on all Mazda6s), front-side airbags, and side curtain airbags (standard on every Mazda6 but the entry-level version.) Three-point safety harnesses safely hold every passenger in the correct position, and both front and rear occupants have whiplash-reducing head restraints.
The remote keyless entry has a myriad of goodies right at your fingertips - door lock/unlock, auto open/close of the front windows, a trunk release and a panic button, just in case. And an anti-theft system is also included on all Mazda6 models.
The MazdaSpeed Sport edition bumps it up a notch, including an anti-skid system to help keep a grip on the road in those more extreme driving situations you’re going to want to put it in.
Interior
The interior of all Mazda6’s is ready for any driving situation, as well, with plenty of room for five in all models. Although interior materials are a little behind competitors like Volkswagen, they have improved over the 2005 Mazda6. New fabrics, a larger center console and cooler front door handles all make for slight, but significant, improvements.
Things got a little more comfy inside, too, with an eight-way adjustable power seat for the driver and better cloth seating all around - especially in the MazdaSpeed with sport seats with big side bolsters. Grand Touring editions get leather seating.
Standard features abound - even the entry-level sedan boasts power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning with a special air filter, digital clock, and outside temperature gauge. New lighting features include automatic-off headlights, with illuminated visor mirrors and map lights returning for 2006.
The three-spoke leather-wrapped power steering wheel has tilt and telescopic capabilities, as well as fingertip cruise and audio controls. And you’ll want to play with those sound controls on the “bumpin’ “ system Mazda6 brings to the road. The radio setups include the standard 6-speaker AM/FM/CD player (with tweeters in the A-pillar of the door,) and a formidable 200-watt Bose System that comes standard on Grand Touring and Grand Sport editions (optional on other 6’s.)
Other options include a navigation system for the MazdaSpeed, Grand Touring and Grand Sport editions.
Conveniently, the rear seats in all models except the MazdaSpeed fold down. They don’t lay completely flat, but the extra room is a godsend for those with lots of stuff to haul around.
Exterior
Unlike most Hondas, Nissans, and the like, the styling of the Mazda6 is not just another boring commuter car - particularly not the Mazda6 Sport Wagon, whose distinctive lines are the perfect combination of sporty and sensible. Because of this, Mazda has changed little exterior-wise for 2006, choosing only to sharpen certain lines and change the taillight bezels to dark grey.
Base i models get 205/60VR16 tires with drab 16-inch wheel covers - but hey, it’s an entry-level edition, so get over it. The i Sport gets 17-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, fog lights, and 215/50VR tires. The Grand Touring edition has all the above minus the spoiler, and the s Grand Sport gets some additional, unique exterior trim, and, along with the MazdaSpeed, adds 18-inch rims and 215/45VR tires.
The overall rear styling is great, particularly in the taillights and with the Sport and Grand Sport spoiler. But up front, the lights need to be a little taller - they look like half-closed eyes (despite the fact that they’re HID lights, which are brighter and last longer.) We’d also like to see those headlights match a little better with the taillights, whose interconnecting circular lights and black background enhance the Mazda6’s sporty, youthful image.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a hippie or just hip, the 2006 Mazda6 is sure to please all buyers with its Partial Zero Emission Vehicle rating. This drops the horsepower just a tad from the 2005 model, but improves gas mileage and is easier on the environment, and meets clean air standards from California, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York.
As a member of the Mazda6’s target audience, I would recommend this car to just about anyone looking to find a little extra oomph and fun wrapped up in a moderately-priced vehicle. If you cannot affords the Audi wagon, check out the Mazda6, which is about $10,000 less.
Pros: It’s sporty, got lots of pep and is a great value.
Cons: Mazda is owned by failing Ford. The 4 cylinder engine under-powers the mid-size 6.
Ratings (1-10)
- Style: 9
- Performance: 9
- Price: 9
- Handling: 9
- Ride: 9
- Comfort: 8
- Quality: 9
- Overall: 9
More Data
Where Built: USA, Japan
Major Options: Convenience Package, Bose Audio and Moonroof Package, Chrome Appearance Package. 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, Front side airbags, Navigation system, Remote engine start, Satellite radio, Sunroof wind deflector, Cargo net, Alarm system upgrade, Roof rails, Rear step pad, Sport grille, Rear lip spoiler, Rear wing spoiler, Wheel locks.
Seating: 5.
Number of Rows: 2.
Length in Inches: 186.8 - 187.8
Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 5 years/unlimited miles Corrosion protection, 4 years/50,000 miles Roadside assistance.
Weight in Pounds: 3172 lbs. - 3404 lbs.
Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.
Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 4312 - 4491 lbs.
Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Available.
Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 18.0
Destination Charge: $560
