Used 2004 Mazda 6 Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Love at first Zoom
As a family we needed a third vehicle to cover our increasing transportation needs. We own a van and an SUV and thought a sedan would balance out the family vehicle situation. We bought this car after realizing that though many Civics and Camrys out there would certainly do, many were abused by their previous owners and made for a pretty shabby used car. The local Mazda dealer explained how Mazda owners tend to have a special bond with their car and treat it nicer, and after about a week with the Mazda6 I could completely understand why. I'll never buy from another car manufacturer again. Even though its a rock bottom base model, it still evokes some jealousy in my friends. They can't tell.
awesome mazda
I"ve had this car since 2008 it had 178,000 miles on it now it has 250,000 mileson it. The still drives like it was new. The hatch back is so awesome and gives the car a sporty profile. I still get 29mpg with a 4speed AT. The car has more then pad for it's self in value.
- i SedanMSRP: $4,750102 mi away
- s SedanMSRP: $2,000210 mi away
- s 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $1,995324 mi away
Disappointed...
Bought this car used with 20,000 mi. LOVED this car, how it drove how it looked, the amount of room. But after about a year every few months we had to replace something: the clutch, the shocks, tires (2x), and air box system. Finally the engine in the car blew due to a cracked seal that caused the oil to leak dry(the oil was changed every 3000 mi). the carpeting is coming off in the cabin area and the drivers side speaker goes in and out. So we are getting rid of the car (after taking a huge hit on the loan) and never buying another mazda.
Zoom zoom indeed!
I have owned this car for seven years and this was the best car I have ever owned. I is a smooth ride, fast and handles well.
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Wish they still made one
The 2004 Mazda 6 hatchback is a car before it’s time and One that predates and inspired the much higher priced Audi and Mercedes five door models. How can a vehicle so quick, (220 horsepower Ford Duratec engine) so responsive, so utilitarian and so economical no longer be produced? This is a vehicle that checks off more boxes and combines more features than any SUV or sports sedan. Plus, the styling looks like it came off the assembly line last year. I’ve heard compliments like wow, that is a really nice looking new car! Don’t know any other 15-year-old vehicle that would inspire that kind of response.
18 years old
18 years old with 114,000 miles and still going strong with very few issues to report. Bought new in august 2004 and has been ultra reliable and fun to drive all these years. I own other toy cars, 300ZXTT, Ferrari 360 6 spd, Fearrari 348, 1997 Viper GTS and this car in many ways is more fun to pilot down a favorite back road on a nice day.
Nothing too fancy but a great family car
Bought the car very recently and have put about 200 miles on it and love the car so far. The handling on it for a front wheel drive wagon is superb for the price I paid for it ($9000) and the engine seems to have the power needed to haul the little bit of extra weight around all the time. Myself and my girlfriend have 3 kids between the two of us and we can all ride comfortable without a problem around town and still have enough room to pick up groceries if we need to. Traded my 02 xterra for better gas economy and a firmer ride. Didn't have a need for 2 SUVs
Love it!
Bought my 04 6s hatch nearly 2yrs ago with only 87k miles. This car is fully loaded and must have been babied by the previous and probably original owner. Nearly flawless except a torn bolster on the driver seat back and small rust spots on the rear wheel wells. It handles amazingly well but the downside of the suspension is you feel nearly every crack in the road! The 3.0l v6 gets you up to and right past the speed limit quickly and loves to be wound out. The 5spd transmission has a smooth, almost gated feel while shifting, one of my favorite things about the car! Although I paid the very high end of the book price for a 17yr old car, its been worth every penny and I have no regrets! At 113k now, with normal maintanence I'm sure I can easily tripple the milage before I'm ready to let it go!
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Stay Away
Bought at 91000 miles from owner who gave it to Coparts. I have owned 7 Mazdas since 2002 --- currently 4, 2 2003 Protege 5,2006 Speed 6 and Mazda 6 . This car built in US when Mazda and Ford were together. DON'T BUY THIS CAR. Nothing but problems. Thought low mileage like my other PR5 would be the same. Had to replace radiator, computer (had to reprogram which only dealer can do), and CATALYTIC CONVERTER. which I have done in my cars including all the Mazdas I own currently. Speed 6 with turbo bought at 90,000 miles and now 104,000 has been problem free. Guess being built in USA was noy good for this model.
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Better cars out there
This car is sharp looking and hatchback is awesome. Gas mileage and lack of hp is poor. Had a lot of brake rotor problems and a wheel bearing out at 50,000 miles. Eats tires every 30k despite correct alignment and quality tires. Car has excellent paint quality.
Surprise After Fixing
Bought at 91000 miles from owner who gave it to Coparts. I have owned 7 Mazdas since 2002 --- currently 4, 2 2003 Protege 5,2006 Speed 6 and Mazda 6 I am reviewing. Thought I bought a bad car from auction. But discovered it needed plugs and coil pack. Then after disappointment of take off I figured it was the computer even though dealerships said no. Well, it was and I bought one from salvage yard which was a lot cheaper than from dealer. Car with auto tranny with sport mode still had throttle response problems off the line. 2 major things now has corrected that problem. Cold air intake filter and update from Mazda with the auto tranny mode. Mazda realized there was something wrong with take off to have update. Now the car has good take off and like all owners who have given reviews, once it hits 2500 rpm, the engine comes alive. Using the sports mode also gives a great feel but the update of auto tranny mode lets the car take off a lot better in auto mode. And when you put the foot into it when getting on freeway, the car will stay in 2 gear to 6,000 rpm to give power. Leather interior is almost exactly to my Speed 6 including the Bose speakers. Only problem like most will complain is gas mileage due to 4 speed tranny. Once Mazda installed a 5 speed auto tranny, I read mileage increased. Owners with 5 spd manual say the get 27-28 mpg. I get 23-25 highway mileage which even my Speed 6 and 3 I owned got better mileage. Suspension give a tight feel in turns which is why this car was rated higher when it came out than the vanilla Honda and Toyotas in the mid sedan category. Made Car and Drivers Best 10 .
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Great Car and Fun to Drive
After munch review, comparisions and time I finally deceided on this car. What a great car to own and drive. Unlike the boring Honda Accord and lack luster Toyota Solara. The Mazda 6 was the car of choice. Great performance and a lot of fun to drive. Mazda has integrated some great technology into this car. You will not go wrong owning this car.
Grab the 6 5-door
I had to write a review regarding this car. I have the automatic. I test drove competing cars like the Camry and Altima (the Accord and Galant were too ugly to be considered) and the 6 won hands down. The 6 looked better than all the competitors, had many of their optional features standard and blew them away with the space of the 5-door that still looks like a cool sedan! The warranty is better at 4yrs/50,000 miles with free rental cars and roadside assistance! The price I paid for mine was also less than I would've paid for the other boring cars that you see at every single street light!
My Best Car Yet! Zoom Zoom!
This is my second Mazda and I've got to say, this is a fantastic automobile! The exterior design is best in class (looks great in Onyx Black Mica) and the interior is clean and functional. Controls are well placed, a majority of which can be activated from the backlit steering wheel buttons. The engine seems a bit weak at the start of acceleration, but kicks in nicely later on in the cycle. The handling is superb! If you're into space, the 5-door gives you as much room as the sport wagon with the rear seats folded down. The best part is that Mazda listened to the suggestions and complaints of 626 owners and corrected them in the Mazda6. Zoom Zoom!
ZOOM ZOOM - FUN
MY Mazda6 gets the looks and is fun to drive. I looked at Nissans and Hondas when shopping for a car. The price on my Mazda couldn't be beat.
Lovin' it
Thank you Mazda! Less known than Honda or Toyota, but more bang for the buck!
5 doors of fun
Excellent car! Fast, fun, and comfortable. Handling on this car is great, not a great deal of body roll on hard cornering, in fact you don't hear the tires squeal! Great acceleration, no brake fade, the Bose audio system is "da bomb"! The hatch makes it easy for us to carry 2 sets of golf clubs and luggage. The styling of the car, screams fast! Can't wait until they increase the horsepower and have a 6-speed manual transmisson!
Affordable BMW
The Mazda 6s 5-speed is a blast to drive. Although FWD, it is amazing how the precise handling and braking emulate the feeling one gets from a vastly more expensive BMW. All this and it still is a comfortable family sedan and commuter. Even loaded up, this vehicle is remarkably affordable. Terrific job, Mazda!
My second 6
This is my second 6. My newest is a 2004 6s 5 door. I gave my 2003 S Sedan to my son. The 6s is absolutely the best sport sedan for the money. It handles on par with any FWD sports sedan. The leather interior is classy, yet understated. The driving experience is second to none. Its the best value out there. Now comes the 5 door..OMG...take all the attributes of the sedan and add the ability to carry almost anything I need to! AND it doesnt look like a stodgy hatchback. In fact its difficult to tell between the Sedan and the 5 door, until you open the trunk. With this feature, the value went up again!
Better than my VW!
Traded in a 2002 Passat, 1.8T. Good decision! Got 21mpg myfirst tank (with VERY spirited driving).Second tank garnished 25 combined (200on freeway, 178 in town). Not as bad asI thought from reading these reviews(and I read all 183 of them). Power is great,handling is better. As good as my Mercedes sedan was. Test drove a Lincoln LS sport also, handles just as well as that did. Leather seats are sooo comfortable. Could do with a little less chinzy silver trim, more of the carbon fiber would look better. Blue color is very attractive. Hatchback and folding seats are great. Would recommend to anyone to buy this car.
All In One!
How many all-in-one devices do you know that really do everything they are suposed to do, really well....not many? I don't know if Mazda really knows yet just how Good And Versitle my Mazda6 Five door really is. I have just eclipsed the 3000 mile mark and I am loveing this car more each day. And each day is important as you aquire the feel for the tight clutching that makes you really drive this car that wants to be driven. My wife and I recently hauled home a piece of furniture more than six feet tall. The seats fold down with ease to almost flat. With room to cart around my wifes two teenage daughters and their friends comfortably, this car never lets you forget that this is the Mazda6!
New family car
I love this vehicle. I have a child on the way, and my husband and I were looking for a family vehicle. I am still young enough that I can't see myself driving a minivan or station wagon or even a full-size car. The Mazda 6 is perfect. It is still sporty yet gives us the room we need will a growing family. Who says moms can't drive cool cars?
Overall we love it
Bought this new and have over 50K on it after 4.5 years. Only issues have been an LCD display problem (very recently at the 4.5 year mark so it's out of warranty) and the plastic around the lower end of the steering wheel column rubbing against something and sometimes "creaking" very low as you drive -- otherwise the fit and finish of the car was/is excellent. We avoided the 6cyl version as that was a Ford engine with noted reliability issues. Besides being a little underpowered, the 2.3 4cyl has been excellent so we bought the same the next year in our Mazda5 (which has also been excellent after 50K miles). Overall we've been very pleased with our Mazda6 "Sport" (hatchback).
Tight Car - loads of room
The build quality of this car is great. If average German quality were a 5 and Japnese a 4, this car would score a 4.5 in my book. There is a solid "thunk" when closing the doors, quiet ride, good cornering. I went with the 2.3L for the fuel economy, not disappointed performance-wise, but if I did not care about mileage, I would have taken the V6. Even with an manu-matic the car is not a slug, just won't beat a Hemi off the line. I would highly recommend this car for its good looks, versatility and value.
great price, great car
I'm very happy with the car, though the gas mileage has been far less than the epa tested (the only major issue with the car, probably would not be an issue to me without the high gas prices). The only quality issue so far is a rattle in the rear hatch which the dealer promptly fixed.
LOVIN' IT
I love my Mazda 6! Its fast, sporty, and fun. Its fully loaded!.I'd recommend it to anyone!
AWESOME! I love this car
So, this is the first time I have EVER felt compelled to offer an online review. I am 43 years old and have owned 12 new cars, and this is by far the best. GREAT looks, catlike handling, a very smooth ride, it is very quiet and silky smooth. With incentives, and out the door price at 23k invoice this is the steal of the century. Mine has everything but leather (any leather burns your legs in summer, and is cold in winter, and is slippery). The Lapis Blue is stunning when seen in person. Manual transmission smooth and precise. Gripes? Ha! Get real, go see for yourself. Wish list - Nav as an option.
great little car
Very impressive acceleration, fun to drive, very comfortable
I love my Car
I looked at the mazda 6 since they first came out and finally got it. Its exactly what i wanted.
Not a bad car for the $$$$
Overall a great car; been buying hatchs for years, GTI's, CRX's and so on. Love the exterior and interior. Standard sport package "makes" the car. Kinda wish I could have afforded the V6.
Fantastic Car
This is a great car. I had read the great reviews it had received and stopped in at the local dealer to get some info. The new sport wagon caught my eye first (driven mini-vans for 18 yrs) but it was the 5Dr Sport Sedan that got my attention. After the test drive I did not need to look anywhere else. The car looks great in Volcanic Red. It is unique enought that I don't see myself coming and going all the time. It handles and rides great. I am 6'3" and fit comfortable. I took my daughter back to school and everything I had brought home last spring (in the van) fit in the car for one trip. I love this car.
Lucky Number Seven
Our seventh Mazda -- A terrific vehicle, much fun to drive. This may be Mazda's best car ever, and it really turns heads. The only, and we mean only, criticism we have is that the manual tranny is difficult to shift into first -- too little gas and it wants to lug and too much gas makes it bolt (the clutch is too sensitive as you try to get underway). Be sure to check out the new hatchback -- it is so versatile, and it is the only hatchback sedan available in America now. We expect a lot from a vehicle, and this ride does not dissappoint!
I LOVE IT!
Ive had my car for a few years now and can say that I'm very satisfied, I get so many comments on the car cause it looks like something that would cost a lot more then it actually dose. I get great gas mileage I get about 28.5 mpg. The car handles like a go kart, and has the looks to back it up.
Mazda 6i 5 Door
The car is a head-turner. Black with the optional clear taillights, brushed aluminum gas door and the 17 inch wheels really set the car off. The car has most options including the moon roof, Bose stereo (nice!), security system, ABS/Traction control etc.... I do have the automatic transmission which is a little sluggish, or non- existent, on the downshift from second to first when slowing down. This takes some getting used to especially if you need to accelerate if you were coasting at 8-10mph. Otherwise the car handles well, rides smoothly and is a blast to drive. The interior is wll laid out and the fit is very clean.
Formerly Honda, now Mazda owner!
I've had my 6i hatch (auto) for over 10 months and put on almost 14K miles. Mazda got it right! I'm a former Honda Civic owner (15 years, 3 Civics) who wanted more features and horsepower and did not want to lose reliability. So far, I have had no issues (other than a little sputtering in the cold with no warmup). The 6i is not as quick to accelerate under 20mph as my Civic was, but it's not a VTEC. The gas mileage truly stinks with the way I drive; I've gotten as low as 19mpg and no higher than 26.5mpg so far. Car hugs the curves, though. I wish it came in a hybrid - I'd trade this one in for it. The amount of room I have is astonishing. I recommend test driving to see if it's for you.
Love My 6
I just went from a Volvo 850 Turbo to my 6 five-door hatch back - I love the car thus fare! Great handling, sporty comfortable ride, cant beat what you get for the money. I am currently at 3700 miles. I test-drove an Accord, WRX, TSX, Vue, Equinox, Altima, and Murano. The 6 provide the sport and the hatch back provided the utility.
So much fun, so little compromise
I can't say enough how much I love this car! I know there are no perfect car for <$50k (or above?). But it's amazing to me how little you give up for how much you get in this sexy 5-dr hatchback! I can go to a $50k budget and there isn't another car that can beat out this package in every major aspect. The holistic approach that Mazda took to driving pleasure really pays off (see below for highlights). Beneath the aggressive exterior is a car that blends in the handling (and good looks) of a sports coupe, the luxurious ride of a lexus and the utility of a compact suv. Simply unbelievable!
Denmark - Actually 2.0 liter
Great car in Denmark. Has good pickup for a 2.0 liters 141 hp. and that's pretty good for a European car. Nice interior (alcantara like). Mine is Sparkling silver which is a pretty nice mix between silver and golden, it actually changes color depending on the weather. When it's dark the color is more silver and when it's sunny the color is more golden. It has the standard CD and no-name speakers which sound pretty nice. You have to understand that all car prices in Denmark cost "the price of the car" plus 180% tax, so all extras cost a fortune. I used to have an Opel vectra 1.6 liter and this is a step up, although I feel that some of the parts are a little cheap.
Mini SUV ??
Best new car yet (my 5th). Initial quality excellent, and absolutely no problems to date. Drives like on rails, stops on a dime, and just feels great at all times.
sport without the price
I bought this vehicle two days ago. I have only put 80 miles on it. I took it to Snowbird (ski resort) yesterday and it was a blast. This car was priced below what I was loking at (2001 lexus is-300). The car was brand new with all options and had all of the features of the is plus more. From the driving I have done and what I have seen this car is one of the best deals for the price around. I dont know where else I could get a brand new four door sports car with leather, moonroof, 6 speaker bose stereo, 6 disc changer, 3.0 litre V6, 17 inch wheels and many others for 22,000! Oh yea....it also has another small feature...4 year 50,000 mile warranty.
Bang for the buck
I bought my Mazda 6 used and have had it for 2 1/2 years.. The car has been a pleasure to own everything has been beyond expectations.. The car has plenty of power and great MPG I avg 26-27 mpg with the V-6 something hard to find now days. The car is just right for the the new dad, that still wants something sporty to put the baby seat in. The car has been 100% reliable not a single problem and the inside of these things is so nice looks like a vehicle that would cost so much more.
Check Engine Light
I have had my Mazda for 3 months. Aboutr 1 month ago the check engine light came on. I checked the gas cap and found it was loose. The light went out. About 3 weeks ago the light came back on. I took it to the mazda dealer and they said they fixed it. I got the car back and the light came on that night. I took it back to the dealer. They said it was a sensor and they had to order it. It sould be in next week. I hope this is the problem!
Mazda 6i blue
Love my car.... The car drives smooth and it is fuel economic. I get over 400 miles per tank. Comfortable driver seat. Very driver friendly. All the needed buttons are easy to access including the radio on the steering wheel. Drives well in the pouring rain. Great ABS system. Tested that feature out unfortunately.
Just bought it!
I love this car. It was a toss up between the TSX and the 6. I couldn't take the hassle with the hard to come by TSX and the 6 was more bang for the buck. It has a lot more room, especially in the trunk. Perfect for the family I hope to have soon.
Fun, practical, could be more efficient
This car is fun to drive and the hatchback version is very practical. A few things could have been better, like auto window buttons but this is a fine car and has been very reliable. The average gas mileage is probably only 19 mpg so this is probably the biggest shortcoming I can find.
MAZDA6 i hatch
Lots of features in an attractive package. Reliability unfortunately has declined just as Consumer Reports has indicated in the 6. Throttle problems and now a malfunction in the Bose stereo. A few rattles as well. My previous '90 MX-6 GT was a better car, actually the best car I ever owned. May trade it for a Toyota. I bought it due to the safety ratings.
04 mazda 6s 5 - door
Great car for the price. Amazing how many head's turn with this car.
Fun on wheels
It is easy to go car shopping at just about any dealership and find a nice car that will provide you with everything you need...4 wheels, a seat and a few other parts, but I feel mazda did pretty above average on my mazda 6 5-door. It is excellent to drive, and I find any reason to just go out and drive it and I dont think that I will ever come close to the 21/26 mileage rating with how nice the 5-speed revs up Being a college student, the 5-door helps me move in and out all my gear easily and the stylish interior with leather makes the women melt. I havent found any problems or flaws with design to this car and I would recomend it to any lead foot person
Gas Guzzler
Did Mazda six stand for 6 miles to a gallon less than advertised? Used to own Plymouth Breeze that got on average 5 miles to gallon better. I've had it in the shop 3 times now for a rattle coming out of the dash when AC/defrost is on. Dealership still doesn't know what it is, and even tried to bill me for a $130 on the first look because they said it was leaves jammed up in the cabin air filter. Probably will look at a different make and will sell this off before I pay out my lease. Other than looking good, car seems a little less than average. For 10,000 miles, I wouldn't have expected to be in the shop 4 times to fix things.
Why look anywhere else?
This car is amazing. My heart still beats faster each time I walk up to it. The interior is beautiful and exciting to look at each day and it gets even better at night with all of the backlit gauges staring back at you. The bright red exterior and black leather interior look great together. The 5-spd is so much fun to drive and the engine revs willingly and with a great sound. The hatchback makes this car like a mini station wagon and it is very useful. This car really satisfies all that you could need in a car, from the practical to the fantastic. I feel sad for the masses of drivers who have settled for bland, dull, boring, Accords/Camry's. Get the Mazda!