New cars: Mazda 6
What the critics say about the $19,810 Mazda 6.
Car and Driver
Say goodbye to the original, undersized Mazda 6 design that debuted in 2003. This new, bulked-up model takes direct aim at drivers 50 and older, who want “competence rather than passion.” The 170-hp, five-speed automatic gets 30 mpg on the highway, and standards include side air bags, side curtains, stability and traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Options can push the price to $28,500.
Motor Trend
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“By Mazda’s own admission,” the previous 6 series lacked size, power, and perceived quality. This new incarnation achieves a level of styling and engineering sophistication that “its predecessor never managed to approach.” The standard four-cylinder includes power windows, locks, and mirrors; air conditioning; and a tilt/telescoping steering column. The Sport versions come with cruise control and keyless remote.
Popular Mechanics
Michelin four-season radials come standard, as do child-seat hookups for the grandkids. Yet the Mazda 6 is “a hoot to drive, unlike its less-sporty foes in the marketplace.” The V6 version features a 3.7-liter, 272-hp engine, but sound-dampening measures make this car “as quiet as a church mouse.” Going bigger and heavier fortunately “didn’t affect this car’s zip and nimble driving characteristics.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
July 16 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Wednesday’s political cartoons include the Epstein files landing on everyone's summer reading list, and the relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
-
Viktor Orban: is time up for Europe's longest-serving premier?
Today's Big Question Hungarian PM's power is under threat 'but not in the way – or from the people – one might expect'
-
Operation Rubific: the government's secret Afghan relocation scheme
The Explainer Massive data leak a 'national embarrassment' that has ended up costing taxpayer billions