- :
- 2006 MazdaSpeed6 GT
I've had my MS6 for five days now, and I just thought I'd post my initial impressions based upon about 300 miles of driving so far...
Things I absolutely love about this car
Styling: Although I was initially pretty neutral on the overall styling, that has actually become one of my favorite things about the car. I love the extra definition on the hood due to the intercooler, and while I initially actually DISliked the rear of the car when compared to the Legacy GT (the other car I came close to buying), I have really come to like that as well. I'm a big fan of straight lines (Acura TL being a prime example), and I love how Mazda straightened this car out a bit more compared with the 6 (particularly the doors) and love the bulging fenders.
Gearbox: Love it, love it, love it. Love shifting this gearbox. Nothing vague about it in the least. Love the precise gates and the short throws.
Solidness of car: Love the heaviness of this car, how solid it feels when driving
Passing power (power in general): It seems like you just lightly touch the throttle, and the car is happy to zoom-zoom around slow traffic in an instant. I just love this turbocharger.
Bose Stereo: Bose seems to be a matter of taste for some people. I happen to love the stock stereo. It's not going to be powerful enough for those of you who like the neighbors a mile away to feel your bass, but if you're after a family car that has a stereo that will be loud enough to hear when the windows are down at 75mph, the Bose is perfect.
Stopping power: Man, the brakes on this car are SWEET... Barely tapping the brake is enough to pull this car to a stop VERY fast. Those giant rotors do a really nice job... Lots of surface area to grip, not a lot of pressure needed to stop.
Things that are going to take some getting used to
The clutch: Yep, still getting used to it. Haven't stalled it other than in the first 24 hours of ownership, but it still takes some concentration. Oddly enough, I notice when I just relax and don't try so hard to "get it right," and I'm just trying to feel my way through the shifts, things go a lot better... Especially when downshifting to get around a corner... Instinct works best over attempted RPM/gear calculations before downshifting
Seating position: I'm kind of surprised how "high" the seat is in this car. I guess it really IS a family automobile. You sit up in it, even with the seat lowered all the way. Those people coming out of the Impreza/WRX or Evo will need to get used to the fact that you won't be sitting on/near the floor anymore. It took five days, but I think I finally found a good position for the seat and steering wheel. The telescoping wheel is a godsend.
Suspension: I can see why some reviewers thought that the Legacy GT would be easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, but I cannot see where other reviewers called the suspension "sloppy." Sloppy it ain't. It's a VERY firm suspension, and if you live where the roads are rough, the car will exhaust you. The car will eat up the rough terrain with hardly any noticeable body flex, but you're going to feel it in your seat. Oddly enough, it feels a lot like my old Chevy Lumina Eurosport. I think I'd rather have it this way though than any softer. It's just going to take some getting used to.
Straight line stability: I drive on the Long Island Expressway to get to and from work. The big rigs wear down the road and create "grooves" in the driving lanes that I never quite noticed before until I drove this car. The Speed6 wants to follow the groves in the worst way, and even when I'm in the far left lane (where the trucks aren't allowed) it seems like straight-line stability isn't the best. Previous experience tells me that the tires can make all the difference with this, and it might just be these Potenzas. I've never driven pure-summer tires before, so perhaps this is a difference as well. My local dealership offers a winter tire/rim pack that uses Blizzaks. Will be interesting to see if that makes any difference.
Wind Noise with Windows Down: Not good. Roll down all the windows, open the sunroof, you're getting massive air disturbance in the cabin at 70mph. Wife will not like this at all.
Have you seen the VW commercial where the wife/girlfriend is asking, "can we roll the windows up?" "You know, honey, It's tough for me to enjoy the sound of the engine with all that yakkin..."
Things I dislike
Hulking SUV's self-policing the left hand lane at 55mph. (poke)
Anyway, that's just a few thoughts... I'm sure there's more I'm missing, but I just thought I'd post an update...
Things I absolutely love about this car
Styling: Although I was initially pretty neutral on the overall styling, that has actually become one of my favorite things about the car. I love the extra definition on the hood due to the intercooler, and while I initially actually DISliked the rear of the car when compared to the Legacy GT (the other car I came close to buying), I have really come to like that as well. I'm a big fan of straight lines (Acura TL being a prime example), and I love how Mazda straightened this car out a bit more compared with the 6 (particularly the doors) and love the bulging fenders.
Gearbox: Love it, love it, love it. Love shifting this gearbox. Nothing vague about it in the least. Love the precise gates and the short throws.
Solidness of car: Love the heaviness of this car, how solid it feels when driving
Passing power (power in general): It seems like you just lightly touch the throttle, and the car is happy to zoom-zoom around slow traffic in an instant. I just love this turbocharger.
Bose Stereo: Bose seems to be a matter of taste for some people. I happen to love the stock stereo. It's not going to be powerful enough for those of you who like the neighbors a mile away to feel your bass, but if you're after a family car that has a stereo that will be loud enough to hear when the windows are down at 75mph, the Bose is perfect.
Stopping power: Man, the brakes on this car are SWEET... Barely tapping the brake is enough to pull this car to a stop VERY fast. Those giant rotors do a really nice job... Lots of surface area to grip, not a lot of pressure needed to stop.
Things that are going to take some getting used to
The clutch: Yep, still getting used to it. Haven't stalled it other than in the first 24 hours of ownership, but it still takes some concentration. Oddly enough, I notice when I just relax and don't try so hard to "get it right," and I'm just trying to feel my way through the shifts, things go a lot better... Especially when downshifting to get around a corner... Instinct works best over attempted RPM/gear calculations before downshifting
Seating position: I'm kind of surprised how "high" the seat is in this car. I guess it really IS a family automobile. You sit up in it, even with the seat lowered all the way. Those people coming out of the Impreza/WRX or Evo will need to get used to the fact that you won't be sitting on/near the floor anymore. It took five days, but I think I finally found a good position for the seat and steering wheel. The telescoping wheel is a godsend.
Suspension: I can see why some reviewers thought that the Legacy GT would be easier to live with on a day-to-day basis, but I cannot see where other reviewers called the suspension "sloppy." Sloppy it ain't. It's a VERY firm suspension, and if you live where the roads are rough, the car will exhaust you. The car will eat up the rough terrain with hardly any noticeable body flex, but you're going to feel it in your seat. Oddly enough, it feels a lot like my old Chevy Lumina Eurosport. I think I'd rather have it this way though than any softer. It's just going to take some getting used to.
Straight line stability: I drive on the Long Island Expressway to get to and from work. The big rigs wear down the road and create "grooves" in the driving lanes that I never quite noticed before until I drove this car. The Speed6 wants to follow the groves in the worst way, and even when I'm in the far left lane (where the trucks aren't allowed) it seems like straight-line stability isn't the best. Previous experience tells me that the tires can make all the difference with this, and it might just be these Potenzas. I've never driven pure-summer tires before, so perhaps this is a difference as well. My local dealership offers a winter tire/rim pack that uses Blizzaks. Will be interesting to see if that makes any difference.
Wind Noise with Windows Down: Not good. Roll down all the windows, open the sunroof, you're getting massive air disturbance in the cabin at 70mph. Wife will not like this at all.
Have you seen the VW commercial where the wife/girlfriend is asking, "can we roll the windows up?" "You know, honey, It's tough for me to enjoy the sound of the engine with all that yakkin..."Things I dislike
Hulking SUV's self-policing the left hand lane at 55mph. (poke)
Anyway, that's just a few thoughts... I'm sure there's more I'm missing, but I just thought I'd post an update...
Last edited:
