Driving Impressions

The Mazda6 is pleasant to drive and sportier than some of its rivals. This sedan takes curves confidently with modest body lean and satisfying grip. Moderate steering effort is accompanied by good feel and feedback.

Though it's no powerhouse, a V-6 sedan with the manual transmission exhibits spirited performance. The clutch is a bit touchy and the gearbox a tad notchy, but it's easy to manipulate.

Overall, the well-built Mazda6 is quite refined and exhibits excellent panel fit. Front and rear headroom is adequate, but space is just passable in the center rear position. Legroom is very good all around.

    See also:

    Exterior
    While the redesigned Mazda5 retains the general silhouette of its predecessor, new sheet metal gives the van a different look. Apart from the happy-face look provided by the new grille, which is a ...

    Liftgate
    WARNING: Never allow a person to ride in the luggage compartment: Allowing a person to ride in the luggage compartment is dangerous. The person in the luggage compartment could be seriously inj ...

    Brake System
    Foot Brake Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal use. Should power-assist fail, you can stop by applying greater force than normal to the brake pedal. But ...