2009 Mazda MAZDA6 Quality Review

The 2009 Mazda Mazda6 is an improvement over the outgoing model in every way in comfort and quality.

The 6 sedan has grown significantly since last year, and the extra space is most noticeable in terms of passenger room and comfort. Automobile Magazine is pleased to find that the interior is "much larger than before," and "whereas the last 6 was at the bottom of its class in interior space, the new one is at the top." This means that up to five passengers can fit comfortably inside the Mazda6. In the front seats, ConsumerGuide says there is "ample headroom and legroom for average sized" drivers, while the "6's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a plus" and makes it much easier to find a comfortable driving position. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com gush over the available rear passenger room, and Motor Trend reports that the available "head and legroom" allow "two full-size-adults—or three in a pinch—to travel in real comfort." Road & Track also appreciates the increased room, stating that the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 features a "6-percent-larger passenger compartment, making it the new class leader."

Added volume also finds its way into the trunk of the Mazda, and overall usability has been greatly increased. Motor Trend notes that "cargo capacity...steps up by 10 percent, to...16.6 cubic feet," which Cars.com points out is "slightly larger than that of the Malibu and Accord." Cars.com further mentions that "all trim levels get 60/40-split folding rear seats with remote capability," but ConsumerGuide finds that those seats are "difficult to fold." Another improvement in terms of cargo space comes in the form of increased interior storage; ConsumerGuide says that the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 "has decent small items storage space including a large glovebox and deep, two-tier center console," but they're disappointed that "there are no rear door pockets."

The Mazda6 has taken a great leap forward in terms of overall quality for the 2009 model year. Regarding the outgoing version of the Mazda6 Mazda, AutoWeek says "quality was the No. 1 reject reason" that consumers listed when asked why they wouldn't buy a Mazda6, so Mazda designers knew exactly where to focus for 2009. Their effort definitely pays off, and the materials inside the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 are top-notch. Car and Driver raves about the "excellent graining on the dash and dour panels, finished with a perfect satin sheen," and Automobile Magazine feels that the interior is "of equal or better quality than Mazda's main competitors." Motor Trend piles on further praise, and reviewers there appreciate the "inviting balance of textured plastic to soft-touch surfaces," which is "tastefully accented by bright and matte metallic trim." In terms of build quality, AutoWeek reviewers report that the new Mazda6 they drove "felt solid and looked fit and trim both inside and out."

One of the other chief complaints about the old Mazda Mazda6 is that it suffers from quite a bit of road noise. While the 2009 Mazda Mazda6 isn't perfectly quiet, it represents a significant improvement in terms of interior decibel levels. ConsumerGuide is pleasantly surprised to find that "the 4-cylinder is nearly silent at cruise," although the "V6's buzz is borderline intrusive during acceleration." Car and Driver reviewers are also impressed, claiming that "noises, both road and wind, are dialed way back."