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2006 Mazda Mazda6 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by sixto7

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Reviewed: 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6

4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.3L I4 6-speed manual AWD

Why the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6?

Powertrain performance

Once the engine is revved to 3000 rpm or more, the power delivery is impressive, smooth and without torque steer. The AWD system, while not as sophisticated as an EVO or STI, is still capable of delivering surprising grip and performance.

Handling

Little body roll but does tend to understeer quite heavily when pushed hard. Switching to performance springs (H&R sport), made a night and day difference. With sport springs it is much more crisp handling car and more willing to rotate around a corner.

Safety & braking

Brakes are outstanding! The feel is firm and reassuring, and can bring the car to a hault quickly. This car is actually fairly heavy, but the brakes respond as though they are slowing a car with half the weight, the car never "feels" heavy when braking.

Price or payments

Picked mine up pre-owned with 17k on the clock and about 3 years old. As a used car, it is hard to find a better bargain for what it offers. Cost thousands less than any Evo, Sti, or R32 I could find on the market.

Materials & workmanship

I was surprised by the interior finish, actually a nice place to be. Cabin is comfortable, even on long road trips. Interior plastics do not have cheap feel and fitment is on par with an Acura sedan.

Why Not the 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6?

Fuel economy

Not necessarily a dislike, just a natural trade off for having 270 horsepower on tap. Averaging 22mpg with mostly city and traffic driving. It actually still bests my old 00 VW Golf turbo, which typically mustered only 20mpg with half the horsepower!

Quietness

There is a fair amount of road noise, tire choice can go a long way to counter it. Think Honda rather than Lexus. I dislike the quietness of the exhaust note, it is simply not there. A little engine growl would go a long way to adding some character.

Ride smoothness

In stock form, there is little body roll but it is fairly soft and under steer heavy. Correcting it is easy with sport coil springs, but the trade off is a slightly more jarring ride. Still it is quite comfy, even after hours of continuous driving.

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