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2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Safety Review

July 6, 2008

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal impact protection; four stars, side impact protection
NHTSA

Good, frontal offset test
IIHS

Electronic stability control is not available on the Mazda6
Car and Driver

The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 has been crash-tested by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it performed quite well.

For 2008, Mazda has earned the NHTSA's highest award for frontal impact protection, a full five stars, and four out of five stars for side impacts. In IIHS tests, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 earned the Institute's highest rating, "good," for frontal offset tests.

When it comes to standard safety equipment, the Mazda 2008 Mazda6 offers the usual assortment of features; Car and Driver writes that "dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seatbelt pretensioners, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the Mazda 6 lineup." However, they also write that, "disappointingly, electronic stability control is not available on" any of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 vehicles. Mother Proof adds that the Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 features a pair of "LATCH connectors" for installing child safety seats.

For 2008, Mazda does not offer any optional safety features on the Mazda6.

Sitting in the driver's seat of the 2008 Mazda6, Consumer Guide writes that drivers will find that "visibility is hampered to the rear by the standard spoiler on hatchbacks," which creates a potential safety concern. However, other than that one configuration, visibility is good in all directions.

Conclusion

The lack of stability control is a concern, but otherwise, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 is an acceptably safe sedan.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal impact protection; four stars, side impact protectionNHTSAGood, frontal offset testIIHSElectronic stability control is not available on the Mazda6Car and Driver The 2008 Mazda Mazda6 has been crash-tested by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it performed quite well. For 2008, Mazda has earned the NHTSA's highest award for frontal impact protection, a full five stars, and four out of five stars for side impacts. In IIHS tests, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 earned the Institute's highest rating, "good," for frontal offset tests. When it comes to standard safety equipment, the Mazda 2008 Mazda6 offers the usual assortment of features; Car and Driver writes that "dual front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seatbelt pretensioners, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard across the Mazda 6 lineup." However, they also write that, "disappointingly, electronic stability control is not available on" any of Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 vehicles. Mother Proof adds that the Mazda's 2008 Mazda6 features a pair of "LATCH connectors" for installing child safety seats. For 2008, Mazda does not offer any optional safety features on the Mazda6. Sitting in the driver's seat of the 2008 Mazda6, Consumer Guide writes that drivers will find that "visibility is hampered to the rear by the standard spoiler on hatchbacks," which creates a potential safety concern. However, other than that one configuration, visibility is good in all directions. ConclusionThe lack of stability control is a concern, but otherwise, the 2008 Mazda Mazda6 is an acceptably safe sedan.  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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