Under the Hood

The Mazda6 features a front and rear independent suspension. Four-cylinder and V-6 options are normal in this segment, but the standard six-speed manual transmission (with the four-cylinder) plays up Mazda's performance roots. There are also two automatic transmission offerings: The four-cylinder engine can have an optional five-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic (it can't be had with a manual). Mechanical features include:

* 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 pounds-feet of torque * 272-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 269 pounds-feet of torque * Six-speed manual transmission * Optional five- and six-speed automatic transmissions * Optional push-button start * Optional keyless entry and start system

    See also:

    Overheating
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    Interior
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    Going & Stopping
    You wouldn't believe how many shoppers out there think a V-6 is always superior to a four-cylinder engine, no matter what. I bet a lot of people will discount the CX-7 because it has a four-cylind ...