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Mazda Mazda6 - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mazda Mazda6 ranks 14 out of 21 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 21 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda Mazda6, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Entirely redesigned last year, the Mazda6 is one of the sportiest and sexiest cars available in the midsize sedan segment.  It gets expensive, however, once you start adding options.

In a field crowded with look-alike, drive-alike family sedans, the Mazda6 stands out for its sharp styling and sporty driving dynamics.  Mazda squeezes a lot of performance out of the basic, front-wheel-drive, four- or six-cylinder family sedan layout -- enough to make some reviewers compare the 6 to mild sport sedans like the Acura TL.

It's also more spacious than many rivals.  Reviewers complain of cheap-feeling, hard plastic interior pieces on lower level trims -- but at higher trim levels, it's equipped almost as well as an entry-level luxury car.

The 6, however, suffers from mediocre fuel-economy numbers.  And while its base price is reasonable, options packages are not - the 6 is expensive to equip.

Those looking for a sharp-handling family sedan might also want to consider the Ford Fusion  -- a domestic alternative with excellent handling balance and strong safety scores to match the 6.  The Nissan Altima is another sporty alternative. In the current market, most midsize cars are available at some discount.  See our best car deals page for details.

• "6 and the city--With more room and more style, it's Mazda's next big thing." -- AutoWeek
• "The new Mazda6 combines a contemporary new exterior with a solid driveline, good handling, spacious interior for five and nearly 30 mpg on the highway." -- Chicago Sun-Times
• "It's bigger, it comes in three trim levels, and it's still got our favorite quality: The Mazda6 is a hoot to drive, unlike its less sporty foes in the marketplace."  - Popular Mechanics
• "Clearly the  Mazda6's pricing, power, and features place it head-to-head against the current champions of the midsize sedan segment. And if the car offers enough of Mazda's trademark 'zoom zoom' fun to drive quotient, it should put up an excellent fight." -- Motor Trend
• "The new -- the firewall is the only piece of metal carried over, Mazda says -- is bigger, better built, quieter, better equipped. And significantly more powerful." -- USA Today
• "Bottom line: The Mazda 6 was never like this. Think Mazda 7."-- Car and Driver

Mazda6 Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

Mazda hangs its hat on performance, aiming to offer the sportiest affordable cars.  They've done well with the 2010 Mazda6, which offers brisk acceleration and sharp handling for a family car. "What the new 6 offers is the coveted combination of American-style size and power, along with above-average handling for those who care about that sort of thing," writes Edmunds.  Read More

Mazda6 Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

The 2010 Mazda6 looks like nothing else in its class, with aggressive curves rarely found on a car that comfortably seats five.  The Detroit Free Press says the 6's "styling emphasizes flared fenders and a fluid profile that borrows elements from Mazda's RX-8 and MX-5 sporty cars."   Read More

Mazda6 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

The quality of the interior of the 2010 Mazda6 varies greatly based on trim level.  Reviewers say that the cabins of less expensive trim levels are marred by some cheap materials.  The top-of-the-line Grand Touring edition, however, features a cabin that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury car.  You'll pay a price for that level of comfort, though - higher trims are nearly as expensive as entry-level luxury cars. Read More

Mazda6 Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 Mazda6 earns the highest possible score, five stars, in every government safety test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested the 2010 edition, but gave the 2009 6 a top score of "Good" both frontal-impact and side-impact safety tests. Read More

Mazda6 Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Mazda Mazda6 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mazda protects 2010 Mazda6 buyers with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty.  Unlike many competitors, Mazda includes roadside assistance throughout the warranty period. Read More