We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2004 Mazda Mazda6 Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by benrk

A member in Manitoba, Canada

0

Sign in or join to like this review.

Reviewed: 2004 Mazda Mazda6

4dr Sedan 160-horsepower 2.3L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Why the 2004 Mazda Mazda6?

Handling

Suspension/running gear does produce somewhat of a sporty feeling for those who like it, zoom zoom....

Why Not the 2004 Mazda Mazda6?

Powertrain performance

torquey long stroke engine with little power reserves at higher rpm does not correspond well with stick shift and the zoom zoom feeling sportiness, more of a cruiser for a family van/crossover with A/T, if you want to have some fun try the V6

Fuel economy

terrible fuel consumption for the performance, never below 8.5l/100km hwy or 11l city, equal size European or Asian market vehicles use 20-30% less at comparable performance, if you're looking for fuel economy look elsewhere as this is the smallest engine for this car

Ride smoothness

not sporty enough for a summer toy, not comfy enough as a daily driver on North American pothole streets, not exclusive & luxurious enough for better maintained upscale neighbourhoods and gated communities

Audio & nav systems

head unit integrated into main center console panel along with HVAC controls etc. DIN slot conversion panel costs more than a midrange aftermarket head unit

Reliability & durability

interior out of cheap plastic that easily scratches, seat foam partially collapsed, annual caliper lube required, bought the car as a 5year lease return w/ 84 000 km, now getting close to 9years 135 000km, replaced suspension bushings/ball joints from day1, clutch at 125k, no holes yet but plenty of rust, haven't been able to track down a couple of noises, might have been there since new, doing almost as much work on the car as on my 19year old 340 000km Volvo 850 though the Volvo is easier & more fun to work on, this Mazda isn't designed to receive any more than the most urgent maintenance with a design lifespan around 10years/250 000km, whichever comes 1st...

Conclusion

cheaply made throwaway budget bucket, other Asian brands are better @ equal price, Scandinavian & some German cars offer much better value for a slight premium

Return to top

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.