This Underrated JDM Sedan Is A Bargain In 2024

Sports sedans appeal to a wide range of gearheads, mainly due to the fact they combine high performance and impressive practicality in a package that doesn’t break the bank the way a proper sports coupe does. As many don’t tend to end up becoming classics like rarer sports cars or supercars, used versions of some forgotten gems can also be picked up for a bargain price long after they were available new from dealerships.

Mazda

Mazda is a Japanese automaker founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co and only started producing vehicles in 1931 when it made the Mazda-Go auto rickshaw. The Japanese automaker’s first official car arrived in May 1960 when the Mazda R360 launched, starting Mazda as we know it today, although the Mazda name was only adopted in 1984. Mazda has a rich history in motorsport, including the honor of being the only manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a car not powered by a reciprocating engine.

From European bruisers like BMWs and Alfa Romeos to American muscle sedans like the Chevrolet SS, there is something for everyone. For drivers who are partial to a cheeky Japanese sporting choice with four doors, there is a stunning and very underrated sports sedan that can be picked up for a criminally low price. CarBuzz decided to look into the finer details of this practical Japanese sleeper.

The Mazdaspeed 6’s Low Price Hides Its Sporting Potential

The vehicle in question is the 2006 Mazdaspeed 6, which is the spiced-up version of the first generation of the Mazda 6 Sedan. A hotted-up Mazda sedan had been hinted at for years before the Mazdaspeed 6 dropped, with concept versions of such a car being built by Mazda in the early 2000s. The marque showed off an MPS version of its 626 model, the forerunner to the 6, at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000.

It was set to have a tuned version of the 2.5-liter V6 used in the range-topping 626 of the time, with a pair of turbos tipped to boost its performance to another level. While the standard unit produced 200 hp, the twin-turbocharged engine was set to make 280 hp. The 626 was replaced by the Mazda 6 in 2002 though, and the MPS was never realized. To make up for the disappointment, Mazda produced an MPS version of the new car as a concept too, which debuted at the 2002 edition of the Paris Motor Show.

Discussion

Discussion: Is the CX-90 the best new car Mazda makes?

The CX-90 makes a strong case for itself as the best Mazda SUV ever with its six-cylinder engine and classy cabin, but it may not be Mazda’s best overall car. For many, that’s still the current MX-5 Miata, which brilliantly blends great handling with sporty styling.

The dream of JDM enthusiasts to have the car put into production remained just that though, at least for a few more years. Following some extra development, Mazda finally released the road-going Mazdaspeed 6 in 2006. Going up against rivals such as the 2009 Nissan Sentra Spec-V, the latest Japanese sports-sedan challenger was bigger than the Nissan, had all-wheel drive and more power, and could be had for $27,995 – $7k more than the Sentra but well worth it. Unlike some badge-engineered projects over the years, the 6 was certainly not one of them.

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

The Mazdaspeed 6 Entered The AWD Ring With Subaru And Mitsubishi

Utilizing an all-wheel drive system on performance cars was a well-developed practice by the mid-2000s, as Mazda’s Japanese rivals Subaru and Mitsubishi had proven with its Impreza STi and Lancer Evolution models over the preceding decade. German brand Audi had also illustrated its effectiveness with its range fitted with the legendary Quattro system. Feeling it was the right way to go, Mazda used an advanced AWD setup with a torque-split device, which helped apportion the power to whichever wheels needed it most to help improve traction.

This was backed up with a limited-slip differential, which ensured the grunt from the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine could be taken advantage of under acceleration. Mazda wasn’t messing about with the powerplant either, as its trusty aluminum L engine received a turbocharger, direct fuel injection, a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods to ensure it could take continued punishment without firing itself out the exhaust.

Related

Mazdaspeed Is Becoming Mazda Spirit Racing: Here’s What To Expect

Mazda is serious about taking the fight to Toyota Gazoo Racing.

The result of this work was 274 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which was enough to help slingshot the 3,500-pound family sedan to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. This power was transmitted to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox – also a rarity nowadays, and at risk of extinction.

The 6’s Foundations Were Beefed Up To Ensure It Could Slay Every Apex

Of course, a performance car is nothing without some chassis upgrades to deal with the extra power thrown at it. Mazda’s engineers knew this all too well, so it treated the body to reinforcements that ended up improving its rigidity by 50%, ensuring more precise suspension location under cornering stress. This also allows the car to take advantage of a stiffer suspension setup, and in turn, further improve its agility and reduce body roll.

Related

The 2021 Kia K5 GT Is The Ultimate Front-Wheel-Drive Sport Sedan

It’s in a different league.

Its coil springs are 25% stiffer than the standard components at the front, while the rear springs are 37% stiffer. Thicker front and rear stabilizer bars were also used to mitigate lean around corners, while the ventilated front brake discs were upgraded. The results of these improvements meant this special 6 provided a far more thrilling and engaging drive than standard models, and not just in a straight line.

The 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 Represents An Amazing Used Bargain

You’d think that given all these performance-boosting upgrades, the Mazdaspeed 6 would demand a pretty penny on the used market. Fortunately, that’s not the case, as Kelley Blue Book reports that a good used example should cost around $5,000. Interestingly, the more luxurious Grand Touring trim level is rated cheaper, as the standard Sport variant is expected to cost around $5,500.

Related

The 10 Most Successful Mazda Models Ever Built

These are the most successful Mazdas ever made, based on volume.

All versions of the Mazdaspeed 6 are perfectly usable as daily family wagons too, as they come with a handy list of equipment. All came with a remote keyless entry system, sports seats, and automatic climate control. Both variants also got a premium 200-watt Bose sound system, as well as a six-CD autochanger. The Grand Touring model came with some nice extras, such as leather heated seats that can be adjusted electrically and heated mirrors.

Related

What To Expect From The Upcoming Mazdaspeed Miata Successor

An all-new high-performance MX-5 could coincide with the 35th-anniversary model and feature a boost of power to turn the Miata into a sharp weapon.

The Mazdaspeed 6 also came with options such as a DVD-driven satellite navigation system and an electrically powered moonroof, so keep a lookout for these when trawling through used options. For JDM fans after a family sedan that has a bit of spice, the Mazdaspeed 6 is a good option. Be warned that it only achieves a combined MPG of 19 though, so you’ll need to budget a bit for fuel.

The Mazda RX-8 Is A Tempting Rotary-Powered Four-Door Alternative

For those not after a sports car parading as a family bus, another performance four-door Mazda could be up your street. The RX-8 may look like a conventional two-door coupe, but its small rear-opening rear doors make it a four-door. While passengers who use the cramped rear seats may complain of a lack of space, this just gives you an excuse to reach your destination faster.

Unlike the Mazdaspeed 6, the RX-8 uses Mazda’s Renesis rotary engine. There are two versions of the little 1.3-liter unit, with the smaller four-port variant offering up 197 hp, though this one is only available with a four-speed automatic gearbox. For those after a driver-friendly six-speed manual, the six-port version is available. This one comes with 238 hp. KBB reports that a used version of a 2004 RX-8 can be had for around $4,500, though it can be risky.

Related

Mazda’s Coolest Rotary Sports Coupe That’s Not An RX-7

Mazda is renowned for its rotary engine in its RX sports cars, but the last evolution of another special rotary coupe can now be brought into the US.

Higher mileage rotaries are known to suffer from compression issues, which can eventually lead to an expensive failure. The engine has to undergo an extensive restoration process should any lack of compression occur, making it unviable. Making sure the rotary engine is in good shape is key when looking to buy one, and you’ll also need to keep on top of oil levels as the engines are known to get through gallons of the stuff.

If you can find a good one though, you’ll have a proper little JDM bargain on your hands. Combine one with a good Mazdaspeed 6, and you’ll have a cool Japanese two-car performance garage.

Sources:
Mazda
,
Kelley Blue Book
.