- sedan 89,417
- Greer, SC
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- autoshopper.com
2008 mazda 6 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Zoom-zoom in the family sedan. introductionthe mazda 6 (or mazda6, as the manufacturer prefers) is the mid-size sedan for the driving enthusiast. The mazda6 looks leaner than its competitors, and the driving experience confirms the impression, with agile handling and responsive engines. The mazda6 feels tighter in corners and holds the road better than the toyota camry, honda accord or nissan altima. It's lighter on its feet and stops quicker. In short, it's more of a driver's car. For 2007, mazda made anti-lock brakes (abs), electronic brake-force distribution (ebd), traction control, and side-impact and side-curtain air bags standard across the mazda6 lineup. A comprehensive three-year/36,000-mile warranty covers all but routine-wear items. All are well equipped. additionally, there's the base-level 6i sport, offered only as a sedan 18,990), but still equipped with air conditioning; cruise control; six-speaker am/fm/cd audio; tilt and telescope steering wheel; power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry; a 12-volt power outlet; automatic headlight shut off; variable intermittent windshield wipers; rear window defogger; and 215/50 all-season radials on 17-inch alloy wheels. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a five-speed automatic 900) is optional. the 6i sport ve sedan 19,750) and hatchback 20,750) add a body-color grille; side sill extensions; eight-way power driver's seat; in-dash 6-disc cd/mp3 changer; and leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle. New for 2008 is a standard security system. Again, a five-speed manual is standard, but the optional automatic is a six-speed 950). Sirius satellite radio 430) and a cassette player 200) are optional on all models. A remote engine starter 350) is available only with automatic transmission. About a dozen accessories are also available, including several cargo-organizing options 40-50), wheel locks 50), and an auto-dimming mirror/compass with 275) or without 200) homelink. safety features that come standard on all models include abs, ebd, traction control, and a full complement of air bags: advanced dual-stage front, side-impact, and side-curtain. New for 2008 is a tire-pressure monitor. walkaroundthe mazda6 is among the sportiest of the midsize sedans. Visually, it has more personality than the accord and other family cars. It has a strong front-end treatment that's consistent with other mazdas. Cat's-eye headlamps and big, multi-element tail lamps enhance the action at each corner of the car. the mazda6 benefits from a kind of muscular conservatism inside and out. Everything in, on and under this car makes sense, and it all looks good doing it. The relationship of the lower body to the upper body looks perfect, yet the roof shape is designed for people, not for style. Its sporty profile makes the mazda6 look smaller than it is. mazda last freshened its look for 2006, with new headlamps, revised tail lamps, new front and rear bumper fascia, and new side sills that added more edge to the styling. Headlight housings are clear or smoked-black, depending on model and body style. the shape of the mazda6 is truly fetching when painted a hot color. The basic sport sedan is handsome, and its dual oval exhaust outlets are a nice, sporty touch. The outside door handles are well designed and easy to grab. As mazda says, it looks fast even when standing still; and yet casual observers may not notice the difference between the 5-door and the sedan. A stiff chassis is a key element to achieving sharp handling and a smooth ride. interiorthe front seats of the mazda6 are comfortable through a wide range of adjustments. We found them suitable for hard driving, with good upper body support and enough lower back support with the optional lumbar adjuster for all-day comfort. The rear seats are quite accommodating, whether in the sedan or hatchback. Switchgear is labeled well, legible during the day and illuminated in red at night. The heating/air conditioning system is easily controlled by three big knobs. The bose radio does not look upscale, however, with shiny black buttons that are flush-mounted and similar in appearance. The seat heater switches are tucked away on the center console. Lots of open and covered storage is available, and the seat pockets and door pockets are huge. Cup holders are provided in the front and rear center consoles as well as in the door pockets. the trunk of the sedan measures 15. 2 cubic feet, and the compact, lateral-link rear suspension allows for a perfectly flat trunk floor. The trunk lid is designed with hinges that do not impinge on the storage space. The standard 60/40 split rear seat folds to expand luggage space. The release levers are in the trunk for security and the seat backs are spring-loaded so they fold instantly with just one pull of the release. the 5-door hatchback's rear liftgate opens to reveal a covered cargo compartment with 22. 1 cubic feet of space, nearly 50 percent more than that of the sedan. Cargo space more than doubles to 58. 7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded, which is a hair more (yes, more) than in mazda's cx-7 suv/crossover. The 60/40 split seats fold with the touch of a button, and no need to remove the head rests, revealing a nearly flat cargo floor. Cargo tie-downs and two hidden compartments in the side panels add versatility. driving impressionwhen it comes to sporty handling, the 2008 mazda6 is among the best in the class. AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Climate Control✔ Cruise Control✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
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