DRIVEN + VIDEO: So, The Mazda 6 Is Good Looking And All Around Great — Why Don't They Sell MORE?

I find it funny. Recently, I ran a story asking the Spies their take on the all-new Honda Accord and its respective styling.

The comments were overwhelmingly negative on the all-new Accord's look. Frankly, I think it looks better than ever — and it's a knockout in its respective class.

One thing I did note was that commenters kept pointing to one particular vehicle. That would be the Mazda 6. When I think of a vehicle that looks more expensive than it really is, the perfect case study example is the Mazda 6.

When it first debuted, the rather sensual lines for this sedan echoed Maserati. That's not a bad thing.

And Consumer Reports just dropped a review video of the car. It did pretty well!

There's just one BIG elephant in the room. If it's admired so much and the vehicle looks killer, WHY isn't Mazda selling more?

After doing a bit of digging, it turns out that Mazda only sold about 33,000 units of the 6 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017. Compare that to the Accord, however, and it sold about 10 times more unites than that. So, what gives? Why doesn't Mazda sell more 6 vehicles?

MDarringer - 9/21/2018 10:27:58 PM

+1 Boost

It doesn't sell because:

Mazda has fewer dealers and a portion are still "afterthought" or "tag on" dealers with Mazda paired with the brand they really want to sell.

Zoom zoom is dumb advertising.

Mazda does not advertise the 6 much.

The 6 is not incentivized well for leasing.

Mazda dealers do not have the best reputation for customer service.

Assuming FCA can survive without being taken over--and I don't think it can--they should partner with Mazda.

Mazda has great designs but no market. When they were engineering for Ford it was a win/win.

Hell, Ford could use Mazda itself these days.

carsnyc - 9/21/2018 11:28:32 PM

+1 Boost

Nailed it in all accounts.

cidflekken - 9/22/2018 1:23:53 AM

+5 Boost

One of the Mazda dealerships in a major auto mall is so sad. It's small, dimly lit, and looks like no one really gives two shits about it. It felt like you were in some old, lightly populated town and this was like the last-standing dealership. But, alas, it's right in the middle of a pretty major city, amongst tons of other car dealerships.

I felt bad for the sales guy who was very energetic and was actually a good salesman. I almost recommended that he head over to Honda to get a job so he could make money.

OneOfOne - 9/22/2018 9:33:57 AM

+2 Boost

honda buyers dont come here. mazda buyers are quirky people to begin with so theres already a smaller market. most people are buying crossovers and suvs so even mazda fans wouldnt be buying a sedan just like other markets dont. finally the 6 has been a good car styling wise for a while but the interior lets it down and the lack of tech drops it entirely

MrEE - 9/22/2018 10:14:54 AM

+2 Boost

The previous 6 did not stack up well against the latest competition, other than class leading MPG, which hasn't been a leading feature lately. Current Mazda 3 did improve their position in compact class, so this may be a good indicator for the revised 6. Biggest sales issue is Toyota, Honda, KIA with a declining sedan market.

Local Ford dealer has Mazda attached and I imagine as Ford drops cars Mazda car sales will pickup.Problem is these customer may return for Mazda SUVs.

mre30 - 9/22/2018 1:52:14 PM

+7 Boost

Why buy a Mazda 6 when you can just buy a Honda Accord?

MDarringer - 9/22/2018 2:47:29 PM

-5 Boost

Oh I don't know...you don't want to be seen in the Aztek of mid-sized sedans maybe?

TomM - 9/23/2018 5:48:34 AM

+1 Boost

Actually - I recommended the Mazda 3 to two of my grand nephews - the local Mazda dealer is a long term local dealer who also sells Lincoln - and has a good reputation for service. Actually superior to the local Toyota or Honda dealers. But as far as the Mazda 6 is concerned - it needs more rear seat room - to compete with the Accord - which it cannot right now.