I just got a new 2006 6i Sport. Manual shifter, 2.3l 4cyl. Love it so far. I am not sure on the best rpm range to shift and cruise. The saleman said I should shift below 3,000. I had a Honda Civic and my wife has an Accord. We always shift them at 2800 to 3000, and they cruise at 65mph at around 2500 rpm. My new 6 tachs out at 3000 when I am doing 65, and seems to want to shift closer to 3500 rpm during normal driving. I suspect the engine is built to rev higher and the gearing is set up accordingly. Does anyone have any knowledge on this? How do you shift your 6? I want to drive it right so I can get many years out of this awesome car.

 

haha i was waiting for someone to post this
i have the same car as u. 06 6i sport MTX. ( bet u dont got my perf white [8D] )

n the first time i took it on the highway i was like "WTF" . cuz it revs near 3000 going 60-70
my parents have an MDX and 04 Accord n they both rev almost 1000 lower than my 6.

to answer ur question. this is normal . the fact mazda did this. will **** alot of people off. and make the teens (im only 17) reall happy . revving at 3500 going 80 means ull have instant passing power( no need to downshift ). the downside is that thers a constant drone that gets annyoing if ur a highway driver.