Hertz - Mazda 6 question

I am going to be renting from Hertz whem I am down in Phoenix in a couple weeks. I had originally had a reservation for a Mustang, but now there is going to be 5 people in the car so I don't think that is going to work anymore :( So I'd like to stay with something sporty and was thinking about reserving a Mazda 6. I was wondering what engine is in the Hertz versions. Is it the 4 cylinder or the v6? I am really hoping it is the v6. If I were to just select the Mazda 6, Malibu, or similar class, will I most likely end up with a 6 or should I have them specify I want a 6? I would think since Hertz is a Ford company they would have more Mazda's then Chevys. Any help anyone has would be appreciated. Also if you have experience renting at the PHX airport that would be helpful too. Thanks.

I had a Mazda 6 at MHT last week (VA Plates). I'm pretty sure it was the V4 instead of the V6. I really liked this sporty car, but I really don't think I'd try to put 5 people in it.

Instead, I'd probably rent an F and hope you get a V6 Camry (YF) or an Impala.

I really liked this sporty car, but I really don't think I'd try to put 5 people in it.

Instead, I'd probably rent an F and hope you get a V6 Camry (YF) or an Impala.

That is what I originally thought, but I did some dimenstion comparisons between the Taurus, Camry, and Mazda 6 and they were only different by an inch or two. Actually I think the Mazda 6 listed more hip room in back than the Camry. I'm going to an auto show in a couple days so maybe I'll check them all out and see. I guess I really just don't want to get stuck with a Taurus.

Rental in PHX is off-airport. Depending on the terminal in which you arrive (CO/US/UA - T2, NW/AA/DL - T3, HP/WN - T4,) there will be different locations to pick up the shuttle; however, all of them are identified with a blue-diamond sign.

T2 - Exit baggage claim and cross the road to the small median. The blue diamond is toward the east end of the median.

T3 - It's been awhile, but I believe the blue diamond is directly outside the baggage claim doors.

T4 - Exit baggage claim; cross traffic to the large center median. The blue-diamond is around the middle of the median (from north to south).

Have fun in the Valley of the Sun; it's supposed to hit 80 next week.

Bob

I have a Mazda 6 from LAX at the moment. I'm pretty sure it's not a V6. Nice car, fun to drive. Though it strains a bit when you put your foot on the gas! It doesn't quite seem to have the pep of the Mazda 3!

The Mazda 6 has the inline four cylinder engine. Five people are going to be tight, to be honest.

If you can get an Altima (it comes with a 2.5 liter I4), I found it to be larger inside and more comfortable then the Mazda 6.

A Taurus or (especially) an Impala is probably the better choice for five people.

Thanks for everyone's comments so far. I was afraid that the Mazda 6 was going to be too small for 5 people. I was just trying to have a decent trade off if I have to cancel my Mustang reservations. Taurus and Impala's are kinda boring. Altima would be cool. Do all locations have Altima's? You don't even see any mention of a car like that on the website. Is that considered a midsize or full?

Thanks for everyone's comments so far. I was afraid that the Mazda 6 was going to be too small for 5 people. I was just trying to have a decent trade off if I have to cancel my Mustang reservations. Taurus and Impala's are kinda boring. Altima would be cool. Do all locations have Altima's? You don't even see any mention of a car like that on the website. Is that considered a midsize or full?

Altimas are midsize. Some locations actually have maximas as well, but I'm not sure if this is a YF or a P.

If I were you, I'd probably reserve a full, see what you end up with, and then try to strike a deal for a car you want. I've found it easier to take an F reservation and, when there is a Taurus in my spot, talk my way into a Mazda 6 (if available) than to have a Chevy Malibu in my spot and try to talk my way into a Camry. YMMV.

Just my experience YMMV, but I've had better luck at that airport by dealing with the folks actually on the lot instead of at the airport counter. They've told me that didn't have the car I wanted at the counter and then there they are on the lot - the lot guys are friendly and helpful.

I had a Camry in LAX (YF) & it wasn't a V6. You could tell when going uphill with the A/C on. :td:

The G35 Sedan is pretty peppy and is a fav amongst this group. I've rented it numerous times. They are probably in the process of retiring them, but as recently as 4 weeks ago, I got one in SAN.

It does do a pretty good job of getting 5 people comfortably :)

Every Mazda6 and Camry I've ever rented from Hertz was a 4-cylinder model, not a V-6 model.

For full-size cars I always thought the Camry seemed like it had the biggest interior of the cars I've gotten as F's from Hertz, but that's just my perception. If I knew I were going to be hauling around five people though, I'd splurge and get something more appropriate, but that's just me. You might try reserving a LeSabre, when I was going to Phoenix a few weeks ago they offered the reserve a specific car option and it was cheaper than reserving the corresponding general class.