Gets call from mister regular- "Are these the same engine?!" "I think they are pretty close...oh MAN I just realized these are really close!" Thanks for the shout! Always good talking.

2006 Mazdaspeed 6... The car for the guy who loves Japanese performance cars, but wants something other than the Civics, Z cars, STi, S2000, Mx5 or Evos...

Missed an opportunity to cover Far East Movement "Like a Speed6".

I just wanna remind you. Saab.

these cars have a reputation of being sleepers.

I've always liked the speed6. I had a speed3 for a while, loved that little car, but the 6 seemed like a more grown up version of it.

This car is actually so much cooler than the wrx

Best part about this car = Sleeeeeeeper Worst part about this car = Those ugly fake chrome "exhaust" tips. Oh, they all so cost next to nothing on the used market now. A WRX that is a couple years older with more miles cost more than one of these.

must be nice not to have front plates.

Keys aren't $600, unless you're buying two at full retail price. MS6's were based off the Japan market Mazda Atenza, which was different slightly from the US made Mazda6, and made IN Japan, not in MI. The back seat does not fold down because Mazda(speed) added an X-brace back there for stiffness. Source: Mazda parts guy since before the MS6 came out.

That Dude In Blue, Matt Farah AND Regular Car Reviews all in one video?! EPIC. Really enjoyed the review, I like how you talk about everything, all aspects of the car. I really want to see you, Matt and David do a podcast sometime, I think i'd be a blast

OMG MIND BLOWN WITH THE 2.3 MUSTANG FACT!!

Like another commenter said- The MS6 was never really a WRX or EVO competitor. It was targeted at the Legacy GT crowd.

Just bought 1 yesterday. I've owned a lot of cars in my life, but this by far stole my heart. Its a grocery getter that can be a monster. Tuneability is great, but can be limited for some things. Its sexy, subtle, fast, and nimble and the 6 speed is perfect (in amount of gears). I got big plans for this car.

Almost 10 years later, that car still looks fantastic!

actually Mazdaspeed6 are all built in Hiroshima Japan but non-speeds are flatrock.

I love how u guys review older cars and actually do some research instead of just reading specification sheets like most other car reviewers on KZfaq. Liked and subbed. Please keep up the good work!

One correction: the back seats do fold down, you just have to remove the back panel in the trunk to find the levers. Great episode though, I love my Speed6!

Mitsubishi's future is /now/ in question...? Man, mitsubishis future was in question ever since they put a v6 in the eclipse. From the Early 2000's to now, Mistubishi has been on the steady down hill.

Thanks for the review! We are big fans of the Mazdaspeed 6! Funny that you would point out the similarities between this and the new Mustang! Great cars that we have done many mods for over the years!

Drives lika a Subbie ey? ONE OF US, ONE OF US, PNE PF OFUS

This was not only the review we needed but the review we deserved. As a former MS6 owner I am glad to see these cars getting some attention that they deserve. FWIW I sold it to buy an E36 M3. I regret nothing!

"Everything vibrates like an episode of Dr. Katz." A well deserved reach, well done.

I actually got a mazdaspeed 6 because of this review so thanks regular. It's perfect for me professional looking enough while at the same time sporty enough.

Dude, Lol oh shit man you just made my day! WHY haven't i found this channel before? Well, time to get some popcorn ready! Instantly subbed ~

RegularCars There are a few things that should be corrected in this video. First, all Mazdaspeed6 vehicles were produced in Japan, whereas other USDM Mazda6s were produced at Flat Rock. The engines for the Mazdaspeed3/6 and CX-7 were all produced at the Hiroshima/Hofu production lines in Japan. Moreover, while the MZR/Duratec lines of engines do share a significant number of design features, and many parts are interchangeable, the architecture of the block for the EcoBoost motors is dramatically different than that of the MZR DISI motors. One need look only at the coolant jackets around the cylinders to see what I mean. Second, the rear seats actually DO fold down. Mazda, in its pursuit of a stiffer chassis (they benchmarked the E39 5-series for the plane-Jane Mazda6), put additional angular bracing between the rear seats and the trunk liner. As a result, Mazda decided not to offer the folding rear seats, as any pass-through would've been rather restricted by the bracing. That said, the latch mechanisms and hinges for the folding rear seats are installed on all Mazda6s. For about $50.00, you can buy the necessary cables and handles to easily access the utility of the folding seats. Then, you need to remove the forward-portion of the trunk-liner (or cut it) to allow access to pass objects from the trunk into the cabin. Third, the AWD system is never actually disengaged completely. There's an electronically-controlled clutch pack that operates to enlist the services of the rear wheels. The clutch pack allows varying levels of slippage, but because it's a clutch pack there is always *some* drag, and the rear wheels are always engaged. At very low speeds, and under certain other conditions, the rear wheels only receive something less than 10% of the available torque. At full throttle, or in slippery conditions, the clutch pack engages completely, and the rear end receives up to 50% of available torque. Fourth, ignition keys are nowhere near $600, unless you have to replace both key cards, or are required to replace the ignition cylinder and re-key all the locks as well. Keys run about $200-$300 plus programming costs (it's also possible to program your own key). Fifth, the "speaker in the back" is the subwoofer. It uses the trunk space as part of a sound-box to improve the quality of the bass. Sixth, the rattling you experienced is due to the JBR Trilogy mounts in the car. The "Trilogy" includes 88 durometer rear engine, transmission, and passenger-side-engine mounts. Lastly, the owner of that car should be running something other than an OTS tune to get the most out of his car in the safest fashion possible. Stratified OTS tunes are quite good, but they are significantly more limited than a custom tune for the car. A properly-tuned 93-octane, cat-deleted, intake-equipped, HPFP-installed car should be making around 280hp at the wheels, and 310lb-ft at the wheels, and it should return something approaching 30mpg at around 70mph.

I had a 2007 Speed6. That thing was my College Roadtrip Warrior. I must have put 30,000 miles on it in a year and a half of schooling. It was damned expensive to have repaired went something went on it, though. The AWD system never really seemed to work correctly, too. But on the interstate, oh man on the interstate it would gobble up miles at 90mph all day

This was definitely the Legacy GTs biggest competitor, not the WRX.

I'll take one of these over an evo or a wrx any day

Best color Mazda ever offered...too bad they got rid of it.

Good video, but as someone who sold Mazdas for years, I can tell you you got some bad information when putting this review together. For starters, this is NOT a Flat Rock(or Auto Alliance) car. The Speed6 came directly from Japan, and for only two years due to the fact that the Plant Burned down. Also, Ford sold all their stake but 13% back to Mazda years ago and still use Mazda Platforms(not the other way around). Third, the Turbo in the Speed6 is different from the ECOBoost that Ford uses now. Completely different animals(and the Speed Line of vehicles always used premium fuel).

All the hype on the new Ecoboost mustang and this car was rocking that same engine 10 years ago...

Great car, with just a few mods you can start to play around with s4's and subaru's, but while they attract attention, you just fly under the radar. Turning off the traction control makes it full time 50/50 torque split and the seats do go down if you rip out the trunk liner!

My father used to own the MPS 6 (I live in Aus). Brilliant car! I loved it so much. It was fast, luxurious, quiet till you put your foot down and was pretty glued onto the road so you could throw it around a corner. It was such a great car and I would love to own one. He bought it brand new back in 2007. Stock standard though and it wasn't till late 2010 that he did a few things like get a louder exhaust, lowered suspension and got the MPS rims painted black and got MPS stickers put on the rims. Sure, not very extensive mods but still made the car look meaner than it already did/does. :)

First heard about this on a Top Gear episode, wanted one ever since.

i'm a proud 2006 speed6 owner, and i really enjoyed this video. I love that I can have a AWD, turbo charged engine that I can play with in the mountains, and I don't have to have the same "bro gear" as WRX's, like monster or no fear stickers.

7:04 The Mazda looks just as modern as that new Accord.

This was actually my brother's first manual car. Only thing is, the previous owner was an absolute jackass, because he did modifications to it, even straight piped it, and then just put most of the the stock parts back on again. So it had A LOT of problems. My brother only had it for a month. But God damn it's a hell of a car. And I've told myself since we traded it in that some day when I'm older, I want to buy a good, black (because that was the color of his Mazdaspeed 6) Mazdaspeed 6.

One of my favorite things about watching these videos over a long period of time is watching the Roman's singing and better and better.

Thanks for the shoutout to KU. I always see my apartment in your Kutztown reviews. It was pretty surreal in the AE86 one.

Those high pressure fuel pumps have like 20 TSB's related to them. Mr. Regular saving the day again with another engine saving modification.

wait, it's a Ford sedan that's awd, turbo, and available manual transmission... the Mazda speed 6 is a tighter second cousin of the jag x-type.

Love your guys reviews. Did not know much about the speed6 till now

I live in Lancaster Pa! So cool to hear you all are so close! Keep up the awesome videos! (I am looking to buy one of these)

I had one for 4 years and it was a fantastic car. This car was as much fun as a person could have.

Speed6s were assembled in Hiroshima. Also, Mazda doesn't get much credit for it, but they developed the chassis this car was built on, as well as the original ford mini truck, the courier in the early 70s. These Ford trucks actually have Mazda logos under the hood.

This was outstanding. I feel like you are really getting in your stride now with these reviews...

I'm glad you came across this car, its a hard to find sleeper that is surprisingly affordable

I haven't driven the Speed6 but I drove the 2.0 liter "regular" Mazda 6 of the same generation, and even the normal car is quite fun to drive and "fast enough" for a daily driver. You can get one in a good condition with less then 100k Km for like 3000-4000€

Just do as we do in Europe. Call it a Mazda 6 MPS. Simple an easy.

A few of the last reviews were lacking. But The last two are definitely back to your roots and what you do best. This one was very enjoyable!

The best video in quite a while. Less BS more questions. We need more.

This is not meant to be a rude comment, Mr. Regular, but I don't think anyone consults these videos for your "car knowledge" - We love your videos for your humor and wit. Newer videos you're putting out recently seem to have a lot of random misinformation on the technical side of things.

It doesn't like like you've reviewed a Mazda3 yet. Perhaps you should come down to Birmingham and take mine for a spin.

It's one of those great Japanese understated cars. Great car, great paint on it, and one of the best reviews so far. Great job! ;)

Wow 6 years later your content is just as good

Tighter? Better? Quicker? I'd love to drive one!

I have "06 Mazda 6 MPS, and I love it !

first video I've ever seen from this guy. love it. subscribed.

Great review! Always glad to see your videos in my Sub-box every Monday, do the AE86/AE85 Toyota Corolla next!

2:28 in - the Mazdaspeed6 was built in Japan, not in Michigan.

Wait, if the 2.3L is the same in the '15 mustang and there built at the same plant and there both turbo and both make about 300 hp (give or take) that means *dramatic gasp* ILLUMINATI CONFIRMED! 3=3 triangles

J Good Thankyou for all the info. Since this video (shot back in September) I now I'm almost done a professional E-tune. I agree the OTS Tune isn't the best way to go but a decent starting point.

RegularCars Awesome video and videos. You guys are so different from the other channels I follow and it's refreshing. If you ever come to or around Mobile Al Atlanta I have a 05 Legacy GT I would love to have you guys review.

you need to do a review on a ford Taurus sho

its about as "AWD" as a honda CRV... which is to say its not AWD... really.. also lets not forget that taking an engine from longitudinal to transverse and/or back has been done before easily. what first comes to mind. the ka, and sr engines from the 240, bluebird, and sentras. the 4age from the corolla to the mr2. the 4g platform from the mitsubishi eclipse to the mighty max.(and im sure others) the C series v6 from the acura legend, to the nsx

Love your videos! Would love it if you guys reviewed one of the Speed6s competitors, the '05-'09 Legacy GT. :)

Great review, man. One of my favourites.

The Mazdaspeed 6 was built entirely in Japan, powertrain and body, even though at the time most Mazdas were essentially rebadged Fords.. So no, the Mustang engine is not the same.

Review a saab 9-3 aero 1st gen or viggen

I really look forward to these quirky reviews. I appreciate the research, and information that is provided in a humorous way. Well done sir. Golf clap.

Man I love your humor I wished I said that when the dealership tried to charge me that for a new key..... I miss my speed6.... Also the back seats do fold but you half to remove all that black molded B's stuff only to find the hinges are still there they just don't give you the levers to use them lol

damn made me want one, shame the rear seats don't fold though :(

This shoulda been the SHO.

You have a special way with words, you're so talented!

one of the best reviews in ages.

Wooooh South Africa got a mention!

same engine minus DI. i just swapped a 2006 mazda 3 2.3l non turbo for a 2011 fusion 2.5l. direct bolt on minus oil pan and accessories ... same shit . the mazda 2.3 says FoMoCo on the block

Great review. Two things, though. The Speed6 is built in Hofu, Japan. The regular 6's are built in Michigan. And the backseat does fold down if you remove some screws, but it's of little benefit because it's blocked by chassis bracing.

My mind literally blew during the 2015 Mustang EcoBoost and Mazdaspeed6 comparison. It quite possibly is the exact same engine, but just rearranged a bit kind of like the 4G63 in the second-gen Eclipse's and the modern day Evo's (excluding the Evo X) I'm actually surprised Mr. Regular reviewed a Speed6. Wasn't really expecting this car to be reviewed, but I'm glad it was done. Mazda always had that comforting feeling in their cars. The Miata, the 3, the 6, the Speed versions of both. Even their SUVs are very pleasant to drive. They're a pretty underrated manufacturer (IMO)

The rear seats do fold down. It's just not as ez as 1,2,3. MS6 FTW

Get a hold of a Saab 9-5 Aero and a Volvo S60R.

Love the regular 6. Always thought the all wheel drive system in the Mazdaspeed version was kind of weird. Anyway, awesome video as always!

I had one of these cars the exact same colors they were driving in the video . It shot a rod out of the side of the block while my wife was driving it doing 40 in 4th gear . I will admit it handled like it was on rails . It was fantastic as far as handling goes .

Mazda 6 was the most expensive car that I've ever owned to get parts and maintain. For no good reason.

good first car ?

Another car I wasn't previously "aware" of that looks nice. Good review!

I love how they do the drive with the next car to be reviewed behind it. very clever 😎

Another question is if the new Focus RS shares anything with the speed 6

Could you please review my life? I fear that I might be spending too much time on KZfaq, but not sure.

I owned one of these new. Fun as hell. Transmission/clutch combo was a bit tricky. You could only shift smoothly from 1 to 2 under heavy load.

Dear Mr Regular, I really enjoyed the review, but was sad when I discovered you haven't reviewed the mazdaspeed3. Bringing me to the point, if you are still on the southern stab tour, I'd love to let you drove my gen 1 speed 3. I'm located in starkville, MS. Thanks Man, and keep up the awesome reviews! P.S. haha and the way you explain things makes the show!!! Tyler

2006 Mazdaspeed 6, 6 speed manual, 6.6 sec 0-60. Coincidence? I think not! #illuminaticonfirmed

Man did you just call a Mazdaspeed 6 tighter than a WRX? Subaru fan boys just had their jimmies rustled.

I have a 2006 Mazda 6 GT V6 wagon with a 5 speed manual and, though it must not be the same to drive as a speed6 (it's only FWD, nose-heavy V6...), I entirely agree that it stands out from the midsize sedan market and it is very tight and composed to drive. Oh, and mine has polyurethane engine mounts because the stock ones were worn out and, well, why not? Great review!

Great episode. Thanks for focusing on the car.

Mazda ruined it by making it fwd

I loved the MS6 when it launched. Great balance of classy understated, boy racerness, true performance, and livability. And I'm ashamed to say that before you posted this review, I had LITERALLY forgot this car ever existed. That makes me sad.

I just bought one of these. Thanks regularcar bro.

Good job pointing out the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) as the weak link! It is actually very common among direct fuel injection engines, remember the BMW 335?