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2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Quality Review

July 6, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

It is slightly smaller than some of its competition and is lacking in refinement
Car and Driver

Hatchback boasts a very impressive 22-cubic-foot cargo hold
Edmunds

The backseat is roomy enough
Mother Proof

The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 presents occupants with a suitable, if not class-leading, interior and respectable cargo space.

The front seats offer "ample leg space and adequate headroom" for six-footers, according to reviewers at ConsumerGuide, but "the seats could use longer cushions." In the back of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 sedan, Mother Proof finds that the "backseat is roomy enough" for a pair of adults and can "even fit three, so long as the center passenger [doesn't] require a safety seat or much legroom." However, Edmunds finds that "rear hiproom and shoulder room are tight."

For a mid-size sedan, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 offers impressive cargo space and interior practicality. ConsumerGuide is surprised to find that "all models have roomy and nicely trimmed cargo holds," and while "the sedan's trunk won't swallow bulky objects," the hatchback's certainly will. Edmunds provides a couple of firm numbers for this 2008 Mazda by saying that "the sedan has a 15.2-cubic-foot trunk capacity, while the hatchback boasts a very impressive 22-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 59 cubes with the rear seat folded down." Inside the passenger cabin, "there is decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in the hatchback," ConsumerGuide writes.

Interior materials and build quality are becoming ever more important to consumers, and if there's one gripe about the Mazda's 2008 Mazda6, this would be it. Car and Driver feels that the "less than stellar interior materials make the 6 feel a bit less refined than some of its competition," and Edmunds agrees, writing that "most materials are attractive, but they're a step below in quality compared to what's found in the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima." Kelley Blue Book offers a differing opinion, however, finding that the "quality of materials is quite good" for the price. However, the majority of reviews read by TheCarConnection.com disagreed.

While it may be fun to throw this 2008 Mazda sedan around corners, hard driving exposes another drawback on the Mazda6: road noise. Reviewers at Cars.com find that the "raucous, raspy noises emanating from the engine compartment and the tailpipe" seriously detracts from driving enjoyment, and they list this as a "big downside." ConsumerGuide agrees, writing that neither engine "is super-quiet," though on the positive side, they feel that "there is no undue wind roar."

Conclusion

The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 has ample front seat room, tight rear seat room, and versatile cargo space.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:It is slightly smaller than some of its competition and is lacking in refinementCar and DriverHatchback boasts a very impressive 22-cubic-foot cargo holdEdmundsThe backseat is roomy enoughMother Proof The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 presents occupants with a suitable, if not class-leading, interior and respectable cargo space. The front seats offer "ample leg space and adequate headroom" for six-footers, according to reviewers at ConsumerGuide, but "the seats could use longer cushions." In the back of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 sedan, Mother Proof finds that the "backseat is roomy enough" for a pair of adults and can "even fit three, so long as the center passenger [doesn't] require a safety seat or much legroom." However, Edmunds finds that "rear hiproom and shoulder room are tight." For a mid-size sedan, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 offers impressive cargo space and interior practicality. ConsumerGuide is surprised to find that "all models have roomy and nicely trimmed cargo holds," and while "the sedan's trunk won't swallow bulky objects," the hatchback's certainly will. Edmunds provides a couple of firm numbers for this 2008 Mazda by saying that "the sedan has a 15.2-cubic-foot trunk capacity, while the hatchback boasts a very impressive 22-cubic-foot cargo hold that expands to 59 cubes with the rear seat folded down." Inside the passenger cabin, "there is decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in the hatchback," ConsumerGuide writes. Interior materials and build quality are becoming ever more important to consumers, and if there's one gripe about the Mazda's 2008 Mazda6, this would be it. Car and Driver feels that the "less than stellar interior materials make the 6 feel a bit less refined than some of its competition," and Edmunds agrees, writing that "most materials are attractive, but they're a step below in quality compared to what's found in the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima." Kelley Blue Book offers a differing opinion, however, finding that the "quality of materials is quite good" for the price. However, the majority of reviews read by TheCarConnection.com disagreed. While it may be fun to throw this 2008 Mazda sedan around corners, hard driving exposes another drawback on the Mazda6: road noise. Reviewers at Cars.com find that the "raucous, raspy noises emanating from the engine compartment and the tailpipe" seriously detracts from driving enjoyment, and they list this as a "big downside." ConsumerGuide agrees, writing that neither engine "is super-quiet," though on the positive side, they feel that "there is no undue wind roar." ConclusionThe 2008 Mazda Mazda6 has ample front seat room, tight rear seat room, and versatile cargo space.  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 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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