2005 Mazda6 Sport Wagon: Autoblog Garage Follow Up Test Part 2
A solid V6, slick shifting five-speed is a great combination in any vehicle, but how does it handle? The weight of the
Mazda6 doesn't make it as fun as a Mazda3, but this is clearly the mid-size wagon for the enthusiast-driver. Even if
there was a wagon offered by other makes of popular midsize sedans, the Mazda6 is clearly the winner in chassis
dynamics. It's hard to shake the sensation of driving a performance car. The tossable chassis tracks well, and the only
limitation seems to be where the rubber meets the road, in the OEM tires that is. They are more than adequate for most
situations, but it's obvious the platform has more to offer. The Mazda6 handles predictable and safely at the limit.
The balance is exemplary. How exciting it is to coerce this family wagon into a graceful four-wheel drift. Definitely
do not try this at home, or more appropriately, with your average midsize wagon.
There are almost no compromises in utility or comfort, even with the sporty dynamics of the Mazda6 wagon. The interior is hushed at highway speed. Its remarkably quiet. Not that the quietness really matters, as our test was equipped with the optional Bose seven speaker stereo. Under the rear hatch, which well get to later, is a subwoofer placed inside the rim of the spare tire. Oh, this system made all the more tempting to thump along in traffic to Geto Boys, Danger Doom, or maybe a nice bluegrass Metallica cover. The Bose system is the best option for the audiophile without the patience for a do-it-yourself upgrade. Were certainly not qualified to review every detail of the audio system, but at all volume levels the sound is clear with smooth response. Plus, the extra oomph from the subwoofer is satisfying. The true test of a good system is how it doesnt hurt your ears at high volumes. After cruising around at criminal volume levels, our hearing seems intact. Huh, whats that? Seriously, we give two big thumbs up to the Mazdas Bose system.
Besides a kicking subwoofer, the rear of the Mazda is equipped with spacious accommodations for all your goodies.
Groceries, for amateurs! A trip to Home Depot, no problem! Its nice to have the ability to carry the goods and rock
the back roads with abandon. The interior accommodations are also very appropriate for the Mazda. Mazdas designers
tried to carry the zoom-zoom into the interior. Unfortunately, its hard to think of how superior the Mazda3s interior
is. The fact that the Mazda6 could be referred to as the first wave in Mazdas revitalization makes it a little easier
to justify the design and finish differences between the two. Its certainly more appealing than some of its other
midsize competition.
Whats the verdict? We love the car, its handling, engine, and brakes. The Mazda is loaded with mechanical goodness.
Its like oatmeal for the drivers heart. Also, the long lines of the Sport Wagon really mesh well with the long
sweeping hood. Stylistically, its a great wagon. Their really isnt much competition for it, and if you want a midsize
wagon with a V6 and a manual transmission this is the only game in town. The interior has a high utility value, but it
doesnt compare well to Mazdas latest attempt with the 3. Sorry Mazda. The door panel panels feel a touch on the cheap
side, and some of the controls and buttons have a toy-like feel. There is some good news; we didnt get the same
impression with the MAZDASPEED6 that was at Frankfurt, and the Mazda6 is set for a design refresh soon. So, our
solution is to just crank up the volume and enjoy the drive. That is what the Mazda6 Sport Wagon is all about.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
djSyndrome 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
"but how does the handle?"
"The Mazda6 handles predictable and safely at the limit."
"Unfortunately, its hard to think of how superior the Mazda3s interior is."
Randall, that's two articles in one morning : one for blatant wrong information (the Bluebird from earlier today), and this one for horrific grammar. I honestly don't think I can read Autoblog anymore, if for no other reason than I just can't understand what the hell you all are trying to say.
Put another way, maybe this is proof that AOL will truly buy anything, regardless of its quality.
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Matthew 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
djSyndrome:
His grammar is good, maybe you just need to understand english better. But if that's all it takes for you to brush off a site like Autoblog, then good riddance to you. Please don't ever come back.
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Steve 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
What "mid-size" sport wagons are you comparing this to? Outback XT? A4 Wagon? V70R? Magnum? 325xi Wagon? They're all in different price ranges... but to use broad terms such as "the choice" doesn't really clarify this review at all. Manufacturers have really marketed some nice sport wagons which have come a long way since the Taurus. There are many cars that I would qualify as wagons for the enthusiast with some responsive chassis, especially when you include "wagons" like the WRX, which are only marginally smaller.
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CJ 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Oh come on! djSyndrome is right - if this was just some amatuer blog it would be one thing, but this is supposed to be somewhat professional.
I had a Mazda6 in europe for 6 months last year - I know its a bit different from the US version - but I'd say even the VW Passat is a more entertaining drive.
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matt 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Wait.. wait.... how can you possibly say that there are no other wagons out there that are fun to drive? have you been asleep for the past year? I am a hundred percent sure the legacy GT wagon would smoke this car in handling and straightline (maybe not ride comfort). and what about the Magnum hemi.. though i believe its not as good as the legacy (slower and legacy has better awd and handling) it surely is better than the mazda 6 wagon. I just think whever you guys get a car to test drive you must feel obligated to write nice stuff about it no matter how bad it is. sad (sorry but thats how i feel)
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djSyndrome 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Hi Matthew, I would seriously hope that I would not have to deconstruct the three examples I provided to prove my point. Anyone with an eighth-grade education can see the mistakes.
Maybe I'll stick around awhile longer, just to annoy blind apologists like yourself :)
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Randall Halcomb 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Oh, the Taurus comment was tongue-in-cheek!
However, there is no Accord wagon, Camry wagon, Nissan Altima wagon to compare it to. These vehicles are technically the competition for the Mazda6.
I would put the Legacy GT wagon against the Mazda, but it's so much more expensive. Same with the other wagons you listed, The Audi, BMW, and Volvo wagons mentioned are pricey. For the money (around 25k), this is the most sport-oriented wagon available. The Magnum isnt in the same class, its so much larger.
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Marc Marton 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Doesn't look like my post from yesterday took.
I mentioned that I went to a Mercedez event two or three years ago for the introduction of the new E class. All they had were sedans. I asked one of the professional drivers Mercedes had on hand about that and he said the wagons always handle better than the sedans.
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Steve 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Thanks for the clarification but this should be in the review. But the GT is only marginally more expensive, especially when you consider street prices.
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matt 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Ya the legacy gt is 3,200 more expensive. So instead of getting leather and a moonroof in a mazda 6 i would go for the cloth interior and the sunroof in the gt. Has anybody ever been in a subaaru with a moonroof. those things a ridiculous reminds me of a convertible.
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Tom Walker 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Grammar and such aside, one thing in your article is spot on. The OEM tires that Mazda picked (was given - forced to - coerced to provide?) SUCK! The fact that Michelin can even make a tire this bad amazes me. For the $185 each replacement cost per Tire Rack, I could have at least three different tires, all rated MUCH higher, and save $50 or more per tire. The tires are truly the limiting factor of the car's handling. My next set will be either Kuhmos or Contis. Mazda should be embarressed to have these tires on such a great car. Mine is the 5-door 6s by the way; I couldn't bring myself to buy a wagon no matter how much my dog begged me.
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djSyndrome 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The Legacy GT has the added benefit of two extra driven wheels (which may or may not be important to you). The going rate for this across other automakers is about $1700, give or take, so that just about halves the difference between the two.
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JustJase 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
I can't comment on the wagon, but my best friend bought a Mazda6 s 4-door about a month ago. They're practically giving away the '05 models- sticker of just under $28k, bought it for $22.3k with rebates.
I'm impressed with it, although not thrilled with his choice of the 6-speed automatic. I'd have gone for the manual myself. He got black with black leather. The interior is nice looking, but I agree with the comment that some things feel a little chintzy. The Bose stereo is great, though.
I have loved the 6 from the first time I saw one. The only thing that caused me to bump it down on my shopping list is Mazda's own 3!
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Mike 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Marc: Yeah, that seems to be the situation with Mercedes wagons. Since the E is RWD, the added weight in the back allows more traction. In fact, the E55 AMG wagon outguns the E55 AMG sedan.
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Chris K 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The Legacy GT compares very nicely to the Mazda6, but only if you're talking loaded versus loaded. The Mazda6 certainly gets you in the door cheaper.
If you're in the snowbelt, the Legacy is a better value, I think. If you're not, it's a toss-up.
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Jim O'Sullivan 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
"The door panel panels feel a touch on the cheap side, and some of the controls and buttons have a toy-like feel."
Much of that is changed for '06. Coming soon to a theater near you.
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Sid Ghosh 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Jim is correct. They're upgrading the interior to the 3's standard. The 6 5-door with the wing package is so awesome. When I drive it, people actually look up and stare. It stands out.
Still take the 3 5-door any day of any week, though;-)
Bravo, Mazda.
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hip 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Am I the only one who thinks the Mazda6 sedan looks very similar to the Acura TSX?
Too bad Honda/Acura decided against importing the EuroAccord Tourer.
Until they do (if ever), the 6 wagon looks really slick to me. Although I'm sure driving dynamics, quality and features are not the same?
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CrunchyCookie 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
Randall, how could not comment that the Mazda 6 V6 has the CRAPPIEST CLUTCH on the market, ruining an otherwise fine driving car? Totally vague and unreadable left pedal...
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Dan Hoxworth 10:45PM (12/18/2005)
The Subaru Legacy GT or Outback XT with the AWD and 250 horsepower and a short throw shifter put the Mazda to shame in comparisons for performance and fun factor. Given the discounts available now through Subaru the cost of the vehicles is much more competitive. The rebates match Mazda's. Mileage is close to the same on the 6 and the Subaru's. The 6 wins on exterior looks and Bose stereo. So it comes down to priorities. AWD seals the deal for me.
Hox
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