2008 Mazda6

*Est. $18,990 to $27,750

Pros

If you value performance and sportiness but do too much family-hauling and coupon-clipping to justify the purchase of a high-end roadster, then reviews say the Mazda6 is a fun-to-drive alternative to more staid family sedans. According to IFCAR, the Mazda6 has "the best handling found in a family sedan, with quick steering responses and a very agile feel."

Cons

Critics note that in the last few years, several sedans have begun to challenge the niche carved out by the Mazda6, and some of these provide more bang for the buck than this year's 6. Reviewers also complain about a tight rear seat, lack of available stability control, road noise and fuel economy.

Our Analysis

"Fun" is the most common adjective used to describe the Mazda6. Its aggressive styling and sporty cockpit suggest a more carefree image, and most sources say its performance follows suit. The 6 sedan offers precise, responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension. Front-impact crash test ratings are very good, and models with optional side airbags do fairly well in side-impact tests too. On the other hand, testers say the 6's engines aren't as powerful as some competing sedans, and fuel economy lags a bit. The rear seat is something of a tight squeeze, and road noise is a frequent complaint. The interior materials in the Mazda6 are pleasant enough to look at, but reviewers say they aren't up to the quality of those in the Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060) or Nissan Altima (*est. $18,330 to $28,380). Editors at AOL Autos are enamored with the Mazda6, declaring that it matches the more expensive Dodge Charger (*est. $21,320 to $36,355) with respect to its well-balanced blend of athleticism and functionality. The Mazda6 is slated to undergo an extensive redesign for the 2009 model year.

Perhaps due to the fact that the Mazda6 is in the process of a major restyle, many reviewers haven't covered the 6 in much detail for several years. However, we did find extensive reporting on road-testing as performed by Consumer Reports, The Car Family and Consumer Guide. Consumer Reports ranks the Mazda6 against other vehicles in its class, and includes reliability and owner satisfaction data. All three cover the 2008 Mazda6, as does Edmunds.com in a single-car report. Car and Driver publishes a current but very brief capsule-style review of the 2008 Mazda6 as well. The 2007 model ranks highly with editors at AOL Autos, making their list of the best sedans for around $25,000. IFCAR includes last year's 6 in a comparative review of 21 premium midsize sedans.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports tests the whole field of family sedans, including the Mazda6. One of the top components of this review is its documentation of each model's reliability, based on data collected from readers in annual auto surveys.

Review: 2008 Mazda6 Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. The Car Family

In this blog entry, The Car Family provides a two or three paragraph assessment of most family sedans. The four-member team gives the 2008 Mazda6 a middling review: "Without doubt, Mazda builds some excellent handling vehicles. They are fun to drive, but the engines let them down in both performance and economy."

Review: The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans, The Haskvitz Family, Mar. 21, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com hasn't done a comparison test of the Mazda6 sedan in several years, but editors do publish a thorough standalone evaluation for the 2008 model. The 6 is praised for its sporty demeanor and nice balance of agility and practicality, although editors note that the competition is closing the gap.

Review: 2008 Mazda Mazda6 Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide conducts road-testing with an eye to ranking each car and truck against a class average. The Mazda6's overall score is almost identical to the segment average for midsize cars, but it posts strong numbers in the areas of handling and 4-cylinder fuel economy.

Review: 2008 Mazda6 Review, Editors at ConsumerGuide.com, Mar. 4, 2008

5. IFCAR.net

The Institute for Consumer Automotive Research (IFCAR.net) has strict guidelines for its most recent 2006/2007 family sedan comparison test. The site lists 21 cars in order of preference; the Mazda6 places ninth. Evaluators say that it's not as refined as many others in its class, but some family-sedan buyers may find that the driving experience offered by the 6 trumps its comparative shortfalls in utility and practicality.

Review: Comparison Test: Premium Family Sedans, Staff of IFCAR.net

6. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Car and Driver offers only a short capsule review for the Mazda6, but this midsize sedan's high and low points are summed up neatly here. Editors also attach a numerical score judging the 6's appeal to car enthusiasts and consumers.

Review: 2008 Mazda 6 sports sedan, Editors at Car and Driver

7. AOL Autos

This article offers helpful analysis for bargain hunters searching out more amenities for less money. Though most of the sedans profiled are 2007 models, interested shoppers will still find valuable information on comparative price and trim levels. The 2007 Mazda6 catches the judges' eye for its appealing mix of family-sedan function and performance-car attitude.

Review: Great Sedans for $25K, Kevin Ransom

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