2005 Mazda MAZDA6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Mazda expanded its line of Mazda 6 mid-size vehicles for 2005 by adding a new Sport package for all three of the Mazda 6 body types --...
Mazda expanded its line of Mazda 6 mid-size vehicles for 2005 by adding a new Sport package for all three of the Mazda 6 body types -- sedan, five-door hatchback, and wagon. In addition, a Grand Touring package was added for the sedan and wagon. Also, a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature was available on vehicles with the "s" designation. All of the s-designed vehicles, including the s sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with various trim packages, came with a 220-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine. Sedans and hatchbacks with the i designation featured a 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The base-level sedan, hatchback, and wagon came with such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a CD player. Sport packages added power seats, while the Grand Touring package added a sunroof and leather seats, among other features. Drivers found a lot to like about the Mazda 6 cars, including their handling, acceleration, styling, sound system, and value. Some drivers noted that dealership repairs could be expensive, but generally those were minimal, according to most drivers.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2005 Mazda MAZDA6 express a strong fondness for its fun driving experience, sharp handling, and good fuel efficiency. Many appreciate the vehicle's sporty appeal and comfortable ride. However, some owners have pointed out concerns regarding power, particularly in the 4-cylinder models, and issues with the transmission in the V6 variant. Additionally, there are mentions of the interior build quality needing improvement over time."
An outstanding car, but not without a few weak points (transmission, visibility, warranty, fuel economy ... see pros/cons). Just be sure to carefully verify, if you get the 3.0L V6 from 2005 to 2006 whether your transmission is from the factory, and if so, is it suspectible to service bulletin TSB 05-016/06. On the upside: It has good power, outstanding handling particularly for a FWD car of its size, tremendous cargo capacity and flexibility due to the hatchback, reasonably priced, aggressive and rugged good looks. It is just all around versatile, flexible, reliable, and fun to drive. It encourages you to misbehave when you drive it... and I like that. On the downside: If you have the 3.0L V6, and it is original from the factory from 2005 until early 2006 ... be warned. You have a $5,000 timebomb in your drivetrain. Google search for Mazda Service Bulletin "TSB 05-016/06". Basically there is a defect in the transmission they did not fix in mass manufacturing until early 2006. When it rears its ugly head, it will cause the car to slip out of 4th/5th/6th and in general not want to change between them at all. The defect is in the valve body. A valve body alone is $1,500. A remanufactured transmission is $2,500 with another $2,000 in labor to install it. It is truly horrible that Mazda admits there was a defect but chose to issue a service bulletin instead of a recall. The transmission only appears in the 3.0L V6 model, and only the one using the Aisin made 6-speed automatic. Next time Mazda ... make the transmission yourself instead of getting a junk company nobody has ever heard of to do it. Also, the warranty was only 6 years, 60,000 miles. There is a fair bit of road noise at high interstate speed. And you must check your blind spot *WELL* as the rear pillars basically extend your blind spot. I'd recommend aftermarket side mirror bubble mirrors. You'll struggle to do much better than 25mpg.
January 13, 2015Performance: Handles very well, good grip and steering feel. Accelerates with more of a kick than you'd expect from its 4 cylinder engine. Handles great, its got a good steering feel and lots of grip. Build Quality: Decent Appearance: Great looking car for it's price. Very Fun to drive.
February 20, 2010The Mazda6 is an exceptional midsize sports saloon. It is fun to drive and has a comfortable non-abusive yet communicative ride. The handling is superb for a FWD car of this size. The hatchback adds a flair of uniqueness which is missing in many of today's midsize family cars. It also greatly improves cargo handling flexibility. And of course mine features my favorite option: the manual transmission! I would love for it to have a 6th gear like the automatic, but there is no way I would give it up for the slush box.
April 16, 2008What owners say
An outstanding car, but not without a few weak points (transmission, visibility, warranty, fuel economy ... see pros/cons). Just be sure to carefully verify, if you get the 3.0L V6 from 2005 to 2006 whether your transmission is from the factory, and if so, is it suspectible to service bulletin TSB 05-016/06. On the upside: It has good power, outstanding handling particularly for a FWD car of its size, tremendous cargo capacity and flexibility due to the hatchback, reasonably priced, aggressive and rugged good looks. It is just all around versatile, flexible, reliable, and fun to drive. It encourages you to misbehave when you drive it... and I like that. On the downside: If you have the 3.0L V6, and it is original from the factory from 2005 until early 2006 ... be warned. You have a $5,000 timebomb in your drivetrain. Google search for Mazda Service Bulletin "TSB 05-016/06". Basically there is a defect in the transmission they did not fix in mass manufacturing until early 2006. When it rears its ugly head, it will cause the car to slip out of 4th/5th/6th and in general not want to change between them at all. The defect is in the valve body. A valve body alone is $1,500. A remanufactured transmission is $2,500 with another $2,000 in labor to install it. It is truly horrible that Mazda admits there was a defect but chose to issue a service bulletin instead of a recall. The transmission only appears in the 3.0L V6 model, and only the one using the Aisin made 6-speed automatic. Next time Mazda ... make the transmission yourself instead of getting a junk company nobody has ever heard of to do it. Also, the warranty was only 6 years, 60,000 miles. There is a fair bit of road noise at high interstate speed. And you must check your blind spot *WELL* as the rear pillars basically extend your blind spot. I'd recommend aftermarket side mirror bubble mirrors. You'll struggle to do much better than 25mpg.
January 13, 2015Performance: Handles very well, good grip and steering feel. Accelerates with more of a kick than you'd expect from its 4 cylinder engine. Handles great, its got a good steering feel and lots of grip. Build Quality: Decent Appearance: Great looking car for it's price. Very Fun to drive.
February 20, 2010The Mazda6 is an exceptional midsize sports saloon. It is fun to drive and has a comfortable non-abusive yet communicative ride. The handling is superb for a FWD car of this size. The hatchback adds a flair of uniqueness which is missing in many of today's midsize family cars. It also greatly improves cargo handling flexibility. And of course mine features my favorite option: the manual transmission! I would love for it to have a 6th gear like the automatic, but there is no way I would give it up for the slush box.
April 16, 2008The car has great handling but has no power. Has average room for a 4dr sedan. Leather was comfortable. Bose sound system was good for a stock system. Overall the car has no power which is why it is not worth the money.
February 11, 2008My whole family loves this car for it's reliability and endurance. It has great gas milage on Highway AND in town (stop and go) and a smooth ride to boot.
December 19, 2007Overall this is a good second car for me. Going from a 1996 Honda Accord with a 4cyl engine, to a zippy V6 is a nice transition. The quality of the car is great, it looks good when clean, and the car is fun to drive for the most part. Living in Minnesota, it gets through the snow well, except when going up a steep hill with a manual trans. LOVE the Bose stereo and roominess of the cab, and trunk.
January 24, 2011Great Car! A little annoying that the CD stacker has an intermittent fault (particularly during long drives) and has no music port for iPod etc.... aargh! Otherwise is brilliant. My favourite car so far! Mazda - they think! I love all the clever little storage places...
November 11, 2009Performance is great for the class. Smurf and I have earned the nickname Transporter from coworkers. Build quality overall is good (doors and major items are peachy), but more and more little things are starting to rattle on less than perfect roads. Gas mileage is solid, as well.
April 18, 2009Great fun to drive and the 2L diesel is solid and is a relaxing drive when you're in that sort of mood or let the turbo kick in for a sudden wooosh. Torque is crazy and is easy to wheel spin if you turn traction control off
July 16, 2009Overall a great driving car. Grey exterior with a grey leather interior. If I'd waited one model year it would have had a 6 speed, but the 5 speed is fine. Lots of storage room, especially with the rear seats folded flat.
October 17, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $27,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 33.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,555 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 22.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,455 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 33.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,055 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,585 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 22.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,685 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,855 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,585 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 33.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,555 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,755 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
