GS69

Mazda6 MileStone Shows How Japan beats Detroit

1 of the reasons that Japanese automakers have seen so much success in the U.S. is that they stand by their models -- generation after generation. Case in point: Mazda, which just produced its two millionth Mazda6 worldwide.

It took 8 years and 6 months to reach the milestone. But it marks the 2nd fastest time to hit 2 million. 1st? That was the smaller Mazda3. Contrast the longevity of the Mazda6 and 3-- or Honda Accord and Civic or Toyota Camry and Corolla -- with most models from Detroit. The Big 3 are constantly change model names, forcing them to reeducate consumers each time a new one rolls out. Often they have little choice, having let a nameplate go downhill with little updating until it stands for little more than "worn out" to buyers.

The midsize Mazda6 was fully redesigned in 2007, and is probably due for another update. It is made in Japan, Michigan and China.

"Mazda6 is 1 of the core models which helped establish Mazda's brand image globally," said Seita Kanai, Mazda's senior managing executive officer in charge of R&D and Program Management. "I'm grateful to the 2 million-plus customers around the world who have purchased a Mazda6."

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Haven't seen many at all in my NYC metro area.
I owned a '86 Mazda 626.Wanted to buy a Honda Accord but with a new design and fuel injection it was a hot car and dealers in my area wanted $1200 over invoice.I went with the 626 and it was a good car.

mmarshall

$1200 over invoice is nothing. Many Accords, in the 1980's, because of the import-restrictions, went for that much (or more) over LIST.

The 626, agreed, was a good substitute, but some years, they had both manual and automatic-transmission issues. The succeeding Mazda6, for some reason, though sportier than equivalent Camrys and Accords, never quite had the "Kansei" BMW-like engineering/driving dynamics of earler FWD Mazdas.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

congrats Mazda!! Wish they would bring back the Speed6