why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Mazda MAZDA6

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 2 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Mazda MAZDA6

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

By KBB.com Editors

The most horrible day in a driving enthusiast's life is when he or she realizes it's time to trade-in the beloved coupe for a traditional family sedan. Few companies understand this angst better than Mazda, which is why it created a fun-to-drive four-door family sedan with racy good looks and a budget-friendly price tag. The 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 is in the same market category as the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, but offers a much more flavorful driving experience, not to mention a wide and varied lineup that includes a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Although not as roomy inside or as large outside as the Camry, the MAZDA6 is a more satisfying daily driver, with more than enough room to accommodate a family of four.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need the practicality of a midsize sedan, but you'd really like the driving involvement and performance characteristics of something with more personality, the 2008 Mazda MAZDA6 makes for the perfect compromise.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The MAZDA6 is not as spacious as many of its competitors. Front-seat headroom is about an inch less than in the Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat and almost two inches shy of that in the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

What's New for 2008

For 2008, a tire-pressure monitoring system is made standard, while Touring trims receive a Bose audio system and the i Sport models receive new 17-inch alloy wheels. Sadly, the wagon model has been dropped from the line up.

Driving the MAZDA6

Driving Impressions The thoughtful ergonomics of the MAZDA6's interior, with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel, multiplicity of seat adjustments and variable lumbar support, make finding a comfortable driving position quite easy....

Once settled behind the wheel, you can enjoy the exceptional driving experience. The MAZDA6 turns into corners with the level of response and precision you would expect from the best sports sedans; this is the kind of car that can have you searching for the long way home. The rear suspension is what Mazda calls "E-Type" and, in addition to contributing to the excellent handling, it also eliminates the conventional rear strut towers that intrude into the cargo areas of other designs.

Favorite Features

Smart Hatchback Design
The five-door's clever design offers the functionality of a hatchback with the profile of a sedan.

Standard Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
We appreciated the standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls.

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Details

Interior

As is becoming typical of Mazda products, the interior appearance, functionality and quality of materials is quite good. The door panels alone are lessons in design and assembly precision, with overlapping shades, differing textures and fabrics and tasteful chrome. The instrument panel is highlighted by a wide center stack, with a nickel finish, that contains the large knobs for the audio and climate functions. A narrow readout atop the dash displays information for the sound system, CD and outside temperature. The instrument cluster is composed of an oversized speedometer and tachometer flanked by the fuel and temperature gauges, all backlit in a constantly glowing, easy-to-read deep red light.

Exterior

The sleek MAZDA6 stands in stark contrast with the rest of the midsize family sedan field. Its sensuous body shape, striking 17-inch alloy wheels and prominent grille make a definite performance statement. The five-door models add versatility without interfering with the car's attractive appearance, disguising the hatchback so that it appears to be a conventional rear window and trunk lid.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The MAZDA6 i is powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission, and includes air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), traction control, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, front and rear cup holders, tire pressure monitor, rear defroster, illuminated keyless entry, cruise control, power windows, auto-off headlamps, dual power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, split-folding rear seat, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls and 17-inch wheels. Choose the MAZDA6 s and receive a potent V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission (Sport only) and some other features. Grand Touring models include automatic climate control, automatic transmission, leather seating, heated front seats and a 200-watt Bose audio system with a six-disc MP3-compatible CD changer, subwoofer and seven speakers.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim level and include an in-dash six-disc CD changer, power glass moonroof, heated mirrors, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, a rear spoiler and several other packaged and individual features. An option exclusive to the Grand Touring is Mazda's voice-activated navigation system.

Under the Hood

Considering its modest displacement, the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine of the MAZDA6 i is a strong performer, but only when operating in the higher engine speed ranges. Fuel economy and a lower price are the primary reasons to choose the four-cylinder alternative. Enthusiasts will want the 3.0-liter V6, which features improved low-end torque, more power and a smooth, quick response. The V6 can also be matched with the slick-shifting five-speed manual, an uncommon feature among V6 sedans in this market segment.

2.3-liter in-line 4
156 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
154 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (manual), 21/28 (automatic)

3.0-liter V6
212 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
197 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (manual), 18/25 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mazda MAZDA6 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 874 Ratings for the 2003 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

Speed6- Wish I could buy this brand new again

By PK (CT) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "corners like a go-kart, very fast"

Cons: "Can't buy them new anymore"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"2007 Speed6. Love this car. Bought new in 2008.Very disappointed that Mazda changed the body style. Personally, I don't like the 2nd gen body style. I would buy another one of these if they were still making them. 98,000 miles and never once broke down. AWD is essential where I live. Awesome traction in snow(with real snow tires). Average 24.9 mpg on my 60 mile round trip to work. Very fun to drive. Six speed manual was the only transmission offered on this limited edition model, and its a joy to run through the gears. The ride is probably too firm for some, and there isn't much low end torque until the turbo is making some boost. The interior is not as spacious as some sport sedans, but I've taken 300 mile trips with adults in the back seat, with no major complaints. All in all, a very good value in a car that's somewhat rare."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

LOVE THIS CAR!!

By Laurenn (AR) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Gas Miles, Sporty, Sound, Reliability, Space"

Cons: "Sits low; must be careful with parking stumps! lol"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I never thought I would drive an actual car.. I've always driven trucks for smaller SUVs. This is the first vehicle I have bought on my own and I don't think I could've picked out a better one! Not only does this car look sporty, without actually being a sports car, but it also gets amazing gas millage. I drive a lot on a weekly basis and living in Arkansas, you have at least a 15min drive from home to go anywhere. I'd say I fill up my car about once a week to a week and a half. I took a 10 hour drive (each way) vaca and it only cost my about $80 each way! This car is cost efficient and very reliable! With the mileage I bought my car with, many people thought I would have lots of problems... but I've only had to repair little things here and there that come naturally over the additional miles added. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a reliable car, with good gas mileage, that still looks sporty and "cool." I am a very proud Mazda owner!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Explanation of lower ratings/what i love about it

By Susie-q (KS) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, read review"

Cons: "read review"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Quality: i rate this "9" because both front control arms have been replaced - the passenger side under warranty and they aren't cheap. Driving Dynamics: of the Mazda 3's and 6's (not Speed 6) this 6i model (sport) has the best pick-up; although, it hesitates a bit too much when you punch it. it is still better than the others, though. not bad, though, for a car that isn't really a sports car:-) love everything else about it- the styling, love the console, love all the cubby holes. my son drove it and liked it so well he traded his car in on one! awesome little car!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

GREAT!!!

By Chelle (CA) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,425

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my 2005 mazda 6 sport new, and after 8 years it's running strong, mileage 89425.....I love my mazda! Still rides new and looks great! People always ask what year it is......Clean Car!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best car I have ever owned

By Russ (MI) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 78,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good gas milage and very reliable"

Cons: "Could use a little more room in the back seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This was my first "New" car got it with 12k on it in 2007, It has taken me to Texas several times as well as several trips to New Mexico never a single issue and decent on gas! Never thought I would fit in a mid size car as I am 6 foot 7 but it is very comfortable, it is at 78k miles now and I have yet to do ANY major repairs save for a small factory recall. Resale is good!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse