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2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

July 6, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Sensuous body shape
Kelley Blue Book

Clean and contemporary design
Edmunds

Simple rotary knobs
ConsumerGuide

Mazda's mid-size sedan, the Mazda6, returns for 2008 with some changes to the lineup; the 2008 Mazda6 is still also available as a five-door hatchback, but the Sport Wagon has been discontinued. In addition, the Mazda6 loses its hot sports version, the Mazdaspeed6, for 2008.

The current version of the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 first appeared five years ago, so there's nothing groundbreaking stylistically on this latest 2008 Mazda. However, the fact that the Mazda6 has managed to sell well and still appear decently fresh after such a long run is a testament to its styling virtues. Kelley Blue Book writes that "the sleek MAZDA6 stands in stark contrast with the rest of the midsize family sedan field," thanks to the "sensuous body shape" and "prominent grille" on the sedan. Kelley Blue Book reviewers add that the other available body style of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6, a five-door hatchback, manages to "add versatility without interfering with the car's attractive appearance," an impressive feat that is the result of "disguising the hatchback so that it appears to be a conventional rear window and trunk lid." The words used to describe the exterior of the Mazda 2008 Mazda6 sedan range from "sporty and cute" at Mother Proof to "stylish" at Edmunds to "handsome" from Car and Driver. The praise continues for the hatchback version of the Mazda6, which Edmunds claims "maintains a very sedanlike profile and to some eyes, its fastback profile is more attractive than the traditional four-door sedan."

The Mazda6's interior styling, considered among the best five years ago, is now becoming dated, but it still manages to look attractive. The climate and audio controls are quite low in the driver's field of vision, and the controls are unnecessarily odd (with buttons that appear to be knobs), while the display is mounted higher. ConsumerGuide loves the "unobstructed gauges" and "simple rotary knobs" that control the audio and climate systems. Reviewers at Edmunds appreciate the "clean and contemporary design" that is coupled with "attractive" materials. Kelley Blue Book adds that for Mazda, 2008 brings an interior appearance that is "quite good," and in particular praises the "nickel finish" that adorns the "wide center stack" containing most control knobs. Further noteworthy styling cues include "an oversized speedometer and tachometer," along with gauges that are "backlit in a constantly glowing, easy-to-read deep red light," according to Kelley Blue Book.

Conclusion

The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 is beginning to show its age, but for the last model year of this style, it has held up remarkably well.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Sensuous body shapeKelley Blue BookClean and contemporary designEdmundsSimple rotary knobsConsumerGuide Mazda's mid-size sedan, the Mazda6, returns for 2008 with some changes to the lineup; the 2008 Mazda6 is still also available as a five-door hatchback, but the Sport Wagon has been discontinued. In addition, the Mazda6 loses its hot sports version, the Mazdaspeed6, for 2008. The current version of the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 first appeared five years ago, so there's nothing groundbreaking stylistically on this latest 2008 Mazda. However, the fact that the Mazda6 has managed to sell well and still appear decently fresh after such a long run is a testament to its styling virtues. Kelley Blue Book writes that "the sleek MAZDA6 stands in stark contrast with the rest of the midsize family sedan field," thanks to the "sensuous body shape" and "prominent grille" on the sedan. Kelley Blue Book reviewers add that the other available body style of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6, a five-door hatchback, manages to "add versatility without interfering with the car's attractive appearance," an impressive feat that is the result of "disguising the hatchback so that it appears to be a conventional rear window and trunk lid." The words used to describe the exterior of the Mazda 2008 Mazda6 sedan range from "sporty and cute" at Mother Proof to "stylish" at Edmunds to "handsome" from Car and Driver. The praise continues for the hatchback version of the Mazda6, which Edmunds claims "maintains a very sedanlike profile and to some eyes, its fastback profile is more attractive than the traditional four-door sedan." The Mazda6's interior styling, considered among the best five years ago, is now becoming dated, but it still manages to look attractive. The climate and audio controls are quite low in the driver's field of vision, and the controls are unnecessarily odd (with buttons that appear to be knobs), while the display is mounted higher. ConsumerGuide loves the "unobstructed gauges" and "simple rotary knobs" that control the audio and climate systems. Reviewers at Edmunds appreciate the "clean and contemporary design" that is coupled with "attractive" materials. Kelley Blue Book adds that for Mazda, 2008 brings an interior appearance that is "quite good," and in particular praises the "nickel finish" that adorns the "wide center stack" containing most control knobs. Further noteworthy styling cues include "an oversized speedometer and tachometer," along with gauges that are "backlit in a constantly glowing, easy-to-read deep red light," according to Kelley Blue Book. ConclusionThe 2008 Mazda Mazda6 is beginning to show its age, but for the last model year of this style, it has held up remarkably well.  2008 MAZDA MAZDA6 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "Sensuous body shape" Edmunds: "Clean and contemporary design" ConsumerGuide: "Simple rotary knobs" Mazda's mid-size sedan, the Mazda6, returns for 2008 with some changes to the lineup; the 2008 Mazda6 is still also ...

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Other Choices:

The Ford Fusion, which is loosely based on the Mazda6 and shares some components, is also a lot of fun to drive, but it feels more contemporary than the 2008 Mazda6 with more aggressive, upright styling and options that include the SYNC communications and entertainment interface. The Fusion also has a roomier backseat than the Mazda6, though it's still not best-in-class for space. Then there's the Altima, which is somewhat cramped in back but is considerably larger--about the size of the Camry, Accord, and Malibu--on the outside. Like the Mazda6, the Altima favors a sporty feel at the slight expense of ride comfort. Sized more closely to the Altima is the Volkswagen Passat, which in base 2.0T form is quite quick yet more fuel-efficient than the Mazda6. It also has a more spacious backseat, with increased legroom throughout for taller folks. The Subaru Legacy might also be a competitor to the Mazda6; it's about the same size as the Mazda and rides firmly, favoring handling, but it has standard all-wheel drive.

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See the Mazda MAZDA6 in Other Years:

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