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Tags: Mazda, Style, Fun, Value, Toyota, Honda, Nissan

Tag Links: Mazda, Style, Fun, Value, Toyota, Honda, Nissan

"CAMRY KILLER:" The New Mazda6 - First Drive
Car companies don't admit mistakes, but Hiroshi Kajiyama doesn't have a problem fessing up to a few missteps. He's the chief program engineer for the forthcoming 2009 Mazda 6 and although his English isn't perfect, it's clear he knows the current car has problems.

Weak engines, a tight backseat and a dull interior were all on his fix-it list. He talks to us about maintaining plenty of zoom-zoom in the new car, and of course, an exciting exterior design wouldn't hurt either. "We sought an exterior design capable of stirring emotions and distinguishing the Mazda 6 from the competition. We also strived to achieve a character that encourages a strong level of interaction with the driver," says Kajiyama.

He'll need all those things to make the 2009 Mazda 6 a success. Sales of the Mazda 6/626 have stagnated at roughly 80,000 units for more than a decade. Over the same time period, the Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Altima have come out of nowhere to pass it by. Mazda is aiming for over 100,000 yearly sales this time around. Here's what Kajiyama and his team did to make it happen. Read Article




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Homer007Homer007 - 5/24/2008 3:19:52 PM
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Looks pretty good in the front but the interior is what really stands out. It is much better.

Previous Mazda 6-series had problem w/pronounced road noise and hopefully the new 6 has remedied that problem.

So many tough competitions ahead for the 6 however..Camry and Accord has sewn seeds as the premier familiy oriented cars in the U.S. market and also Nissan's awesome Maxima will give this car a lots of headache.


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NSXRNSXR - 5/24/2008 4:05:47 PM
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+1 They will also have to compete against the Chevy Malibu, which I think is the best bang for the cross country sedan.

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NSXRNSXR - 5/24/2008 4:07:14 PM
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+1

They will also have to compete against the Chevy Malibu, which I think is the best bang for the buck sedan for the cross country driving.


1fstmach1fstmach - 5/25/2008 12:40:08 PMView My AgentSpace
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Yeah if the whole dash assembly wasn't just colored plastics ahh wonderful GM quality

No thanks


91z4me91z4me - 5/25/2008 1:07:49 PM
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1fstmach,

All midsize volume sedans have interiors that are ALL colored plastic.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 5/24/2008 4:17:09 PM
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the camry beats its competitors for boredom though.

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JRobUSCJRobUSC - 5/24/2008 4:54:12 PM
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MichaelTaylor and Auto001 should start their own fansite blog and devote 24 hours a day to maintaining it. That way they don't have time to make everyone on here dumber who accidentally reads their posts.

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cycocyco - 5/24/2008 6:21:55 PM
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Good looking car.

Since Toyota's reliability is slipping (or just now gaining some spot light time), maybe some of the Toyota Kool-Aid drinkers will actually start looking at cars like this and the Malibu.

That may take a bit more time yet, but at least Mazda and Chevy are being very proactive.

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zorbeezezorbeeze - 5/26/2008 1:21:37 PM
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"Does it kill the Camry in reliability too?"
It doesn't kill it but it matches it.
And btw the Camry has been the most boring car known to mankind.

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BoredBored - 5/24/2008 5:48:43 PM
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If I was looking for a sedan, this would be on my short list.
Nice work, Mazda.

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autoproautopro - 5/24/2008 6:44:04 PMView My AgentSpace
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Htay7500Htay7500 - 5/24/2008 7:12:37 PM
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you suck more.


ShredmoShredmo - 5/27/2008 12:46:26 PM
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...not as good as you

(directed at autopro)


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/24/2008 9:43:27 PM
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why do people keep calling these cars camry killers the new Camry has beaten enough times by a few different brands to not be the benchmark, best seller doesnt mean benchmark

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asiancars233asiancars233 - 5/24/2008 10:29:36 PMView My AgentSpace
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It freakishly reminds me of the front of the nissan altima

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bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 5/25/2008 9:58:24 AM
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the profile does also


PorschinatorPorschinator - 5/24/2008 10:45:10 PM
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Very nice! Segment is defintely heating up. Best looking in my opinion. Hope it delivers in the reliability dept.

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StarStar - 5/25/2008 5:08:42 PM
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Good job Mazda!

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amazinBimmeramazinBimmer - 5/25/2008 10:14:34 PM
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Htay7500Htay7500 - 5/26/2008 8:05:05 AM
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why both posting?


M35MTM35MT - 5/27/2008 8:02:30 AMView My AgentSpace
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Looks Great! Go Mazda!!

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