Well, I just got back from a 1200 mile trip from southern California (pretty much sea-level) to northern Nevada (Fernley, near Reno a little over 4000 feet) in my 06 Speed 6 GT, I thought I'd put a report about it in here to let you all know how it performed and for info for those who may be considering a Speed 6.

We headed from Southern California, up the 15 to the 395 to the 6 to the 360 and up the 95 to the 50A. We stopped in Bishop for a top-off, more snacks, and a potty break, only about 15 mins. Each way was almost 500 miles, plus driving while there. The car performed excellently in my opinion and was very comfortable. I had myself, my girlfriend, luggage and snacks for the trip. Total additional weight other than myself and fuel was probably about 250-300 lb. I'll rate the car in a few different ways.

Comfort: The car is, as any of you who own one know, very comfortable. The front buckets are firm, yet supple enough for an 8-10 hour day in the cockpit. Your rear starts to feel it about 6.5 to 7 hours in to the day, but not so bad to where you can't move when you get out. After a few steps, your rear is good to go again. The only possible complaint is the stiff clutch in traffic, but I like the clutch in this car, it's similar to my Mustang, maybe even a little firmer, so those with a weak left calf will either stray from this car, or develop a nicely toned left calf. There was plenty of room in the trunk for 2 duffles, towels, blankets and my emergency roadside gear, with room to spare even though the rear seats don't fold down. There was a cooler behind the passenger seat, which left plenty leg room for the passenger. The Bose stereo was ample entertainment for the trip, and sounds great. There is very little engine noise even cruising over 80, and not too much road noise nor wind noise. We didn't have to raise our voices hardly at all, and I speak very quietly. Over this trip, I was very pleased with this aspect of the car.

Performance: If you've ever driven or ridden in a speed 6, you know there's PLENTY of passing power, you don't need to leave 6th gear, unless, of course, you're stuck behind a semi-trailer going 40. The car pulled through the hills with out breathing hard, and never even thought about heating over 219 degrees farenheit. We were able to hold about an 80mph average over the course of the trip, and the car makes it feel like you're going 35. This route gets a little twisty, and the car handled great. I love driving manual trans cars, and this car is no exception to the rule. I love the way this trans feels. Shifts feel positive and have a very light effort. To this day I have not had a missed shift or a grind. The clutch is HARD, yes, but that's the way I like 'em. Also, during the second leg of the trip (Bishop to Fernley) we encountered heavy rain, but were able to maintian a very decent speed (about 70) with no symptoms or hints of hydroplaning or fishtailing. In fact, the DSC and traction control never had to kick in, even in the twisties. I was able accelerate very hard in one instance without any wheel slippage and without kicking on the DSC or traction control. (I love the awd system in this car)

Economy: Averaging around 80mph over the trip, with a few stints over the century mark for passing (111 mph top speed for the trip) we averaged a low of 25.7mpg and a high of about 28.6mpg. The low was experienced with the city driving once we arrived. This is still going to be higher than the average, as most driving is done on highways in this area. With a disciplined right foot, this car is probably capable of 30mpg, maybe more.

If I had to rate this car based on what I've owned, it would be a 10 out of 10 (I've owned an '04 Mustang GT Premium, '97 Thunderbird LX, and '03 Escape XLT). It's the nicest car by far, looks great, has lots of power, and is VERY comfortable and roomy.

Well, I think that's everything, hope you enjoyed the read and hope it helps!

 

Good to hear you had good times with your Mazdaspeed 6. I look forward to similar fun with my sportwagon.

 

Thanks for the reply, I was beginning to think nobody would say anything. It was a blast, though I was tired as can be when I got back. Good luck with your sport wagon!