According to reviewers, the 2012 Mazda6 is a great family car for those who want a little zip while going to and from their daily tasks. The handling is brisk and enjoyable while the brakes are firm and have good stopping power.
The base trim also comes with a six speed manual transmission, which is a little unusual in affordable midsize cars. However, test drivers found the base engine a little weak and preferred the V6 engine, which is optional.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $20,480.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 l) | MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy |
| Length: 193.7 in. (492 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.8 in. (278.8 cm) |
| Height: 57.9 in. (147 cm) | Width: 72.4 in. (183.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3268 lbs (1482 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (12.9 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.6 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.5L VVT-DOHC 4 Cylinder | Compression Ratio: 9.7: 1 |
| Horsepower: 170 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual OD |
| Option:i-Touring | MSRP: $23,125; MPG: 22 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:i-Touring Plus | MSRP: $24,730; MPG: 22 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:i-Grand Touring | MSRP: $27,310; MPG: 22 city / 31 hwy |
| Option:s-Touring Plus 3.7L V6 | MSRP: $27,570; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:s-Grand Touring 3.7L V6 | MSRP: $29,810; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
Engine
The Mazda6 has six trims, two engines and three types of transmissions. Along with the engines, Mazda also offers five speed automatic, six speed automatic and six speed manual transmission. The manual comes with the base model and the six speed automatic transmission can only be had with the V6 engine.
All of the engines, save the V6, are 2.5 liter engines that deliver 170 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine delivers 272 horsepower at 6250 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque. The four cylinder Mazda6 gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, with the five speed automatic transmission giving the driver one mile more on both city and highway. The six cylinder delivers 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway
Performance
Test drivers love the sporty way the Mazda6 handles. The steering is also superb and even gives the driver a bit of feedback. They even like the manual transmission that comes with the base model, though they like the power of the V6. Most reviewers found the transmission smooth.
Exterior
Though many cars of its class are unstylish, the Mazda6 pleased reviewers with its lovely curves wedded to a certain masculine vigor.
Interior
Reviewers were very pleased with the spaciousness of the car, which allows even tall adults to sit comfortably in the back seat, something that’s becoming more and rarer with new model cars and SUVs. The base seats are upholstered in cloth, but leather is optional.
The trunk is enormous with 16.6 cubic feet of space, but it’s easy to load. However, reviewers found some of the features a little out of date. The base doesn’t come with satellite radio or Bluetooth, which are standard, features on some rival cars. The audio system, according to reviewers, was inferior. Fortunately, higher tech equipment like backup cameras and navigation are optional.
Safety
The Mazda6 was rated about average when it came to safety. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it got “goods” for the front and side seats, a “marginal” for the rear crash test and an “acceptable” for the roof strength test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a four out of five overall rating.
Reliability
J.D. Power gave the Mazda6 a 3.5 out of 5 rating for reliability. It has a rather standard three year or 36,000 mile limited warranty. This warranty comes with round-the-clock roadside service. The powertrain warranty lasts for five years or 60,000 miles.
Pros
The vehicle is surprisingly roomy and has a lot of cargo space, and its handling is superb.
Cons
The base engine doesn’t deliver as much power as test drivers liked. It’s also loud. The Mazda6’s fuel economy isn’t what it ought to be for a car of its class, according to reviewers.
Although available in Hatchback, the Mazda6 sedan is able to hold its own against the likes of the Nissan Altima (MSRP $21,500; 27 city / 38 hwy), which gets the best mileage; then the Honda Accord (MSRP $22,280; 23 city / 34 hwy), and the Toyota Camry LE (MSRP $22,600; 25 city / 35 hwy).
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2012 Mazda6 is just as comfortable, practical, and refined as most other mid-size sedans, but it’s a little more enjoyable to drive.”Car Connection
“The 6 is agile and corners with confidence. Body lean in corners is minimal. Steering is responsive, with good on-center feel. Close-quarters maneuverability is aided by a relatively tight turning circle. The brakes deliver strong, steady stopping power.”Consumer Guide
“The Mazda6 is one of the sportier family sedans.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 Mazda6 sedan is in the midsize category with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it presents itself as a sophisticated alternative to the everyday family sedan.”KBB
“The well-rounded 2012 Mazda 6 ranks highly among family sedans for its sporty driving dynamics and spacious interior.”Edmunds
