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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Mazda MAZDA6

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Overview

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2010 Mazda MAZDA6 Review

By KBB.com Editors

Mazda has long been known for its dramatic styling and unconventional ideas. What Mazda has not been known for is an ability to compete in the mid-size family sedan market, a territory that up until now has been dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But the newest MAZDA6 may find an audience here, offering commendable marks in the areas of interior space, fuel economy and performance, while demonstrating styling both inside and out that takes it to the top of the class.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a family sedan that favors the driving enthusiast, the 2010 MAZDA6's cockpit-like interior, aggressive look, athletic suspension and eager powertrains make this four-door a real eye-opener.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your idea of the perfect family car is one with a softer ride and limo-like rear-seat room, you might want to look into the Honda Accord, Chrysler 300 or Chevrolet Malibu. While on paper the MAZDA6's interior is numerically larger, the sloping roof and high beltline make it feel, in some ways, a little more cramped.

What's New for 2010

A new Touring Plus model is added to both the i and s trims and includes a power moonroof, ground illumination, Bluetooth connectivity, Blind Spot Monitoring System and anti-theft alarm. Sadly, the lovely six-speed manual transmission option for the Grand Touring has been dropped, although still available on the lesser equipped SV, Sport and Touring trims.

Driving the MAZDA6

Driving Impressions The 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 is the sportiest iteration to date, with an eager V6 engine and a firm but comfortable suspension that makes the car feel more like a sporty...

coupe than a mid-size family sedan. With more horsepower and torque, the MAZDA6 climbs hills with little effort and approaches freeway speeds in a relatively short time. Mazda increased the structural rigidity and refined the suspension, with part of the benefit being enhanced steering precision and reduced body roll in corners. The tuning improvements are immediately apparent, as the car feels secure through the tightest of turns. In the cabin, there is minimal road and wind noise, which makes for a quiet, if not luxury-car quiet, ride. If we could make one request of the Mazda design team it would be that the comfortable leather seats could do with more aggressive side bolsters. The MAZDA6 looks and feels much sportier than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but its interior seems less spacious, and its four-cylinder engine isn't as powerful as those offered in some other Japanese competitors.

Favorite Features

3.7-liter V6 engine
Providing 60 more horsepower than the 3.0-liter V6 from the previous-generation MAZDA6, the 3.7-liter V6 propels the car with ease, whether it be darting through intersections or doing some spirited driving.

Blind Spot Monitoring System
A little light on each of the side mirrors indicates when another vehicle is in your blind spot area. And, when the turn signal is on, a beeping sound further indicates that the blind spot isn't clear.

2010 Mazda MAZDA6 Details

Interior

From the base SV trim level to the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6's interior has a refined polish and a sense of symmetry unmatched in the mid-sized segment. The comfortable seats are offered in cloth or full leather trim and are heated on Grand Touring trims. Beyond its generous rear seat knee and legroom, and full complement of front and side-impact airbags, the MAZDA6's interior exudes a feeling of solidity and thoughtful construction. Gauges are clear and easy to read, with colored backlighting that is easy on the eyes. The optional equipment roster reads not unlike a Lexus check-list, and includes such notable features as push-button start, voice-activated navigation and auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors.

Exterior

The 2010 MAZDA6 has a sleek un-family sedan-like appearance aimed squarely at style-conscious motorists. Borrowing design elements from the RX-8, the MAZDA6 stands out from the rest of the category with a bold front-end design incorporating Mazda's signature five-point grille, angled headlamps, sleek hood-to-fender lines and robust fender flares housing standard 16-inch wheels. The rear fascia has an arched decklid with a subtle lip that accentuates the car's aggressive stance, while little features such as the inset exhaust tips and red and clear LED tail lamps give the car a high-end look that seems at odds with its attractive $20,000 starting price.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The entry-level MAZDA6 SV is nicely equipped and includes a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual transmission, power door locks and windows, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), automatic headlamps, power mirrors, MP3/SIRIUS satellite-compatible AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, 16-inch steel wheels and two 12-volt power outlets. Keeping its occupants safe means standard front, side and side-curtain airbags, LATCH rear child-seat anchors, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control.

Optional Equipment

Most of the options are available through the higher trim levels and packages. Some of these features include a 3.7-liter V6 engine, five- or six-speed automatic transmission, a voice-activated navigation system, cruise control, remote keyless entry, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, heated seats, power driver and passenger seats, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel and shift knob. The Grand Touring trims include a power moonroof and Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio with a six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers. The optional Technology Package for Grand Touring trims adds auto on/off headlamps, keyless entry and start, auto-dimming heated exterior mirrors, mulit-information display for audio and Bluetooth, satellite radio, xenon headlamps, power passenger seat, driver's seat memory and rain sensing wipers.

Under the Hood

Although not the best in class, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2010 Mazda MAZDA6 provides adequate power and fuel economy. For the optional V6, Mazda uses the 3.7-liter engine from the CX-9 crossover utility vehicle. As with the four-cylinder engine, Mazda was able to manage a big jump in the MAZDA6's horsepower and torque without causing a significant reduction in fuel economy. Sadly, the wonderful six-speed manual available with the 2.5-liter engine is not offered with the automatic-only V6.

2.5-liter in-line four
170 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
167 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 (Manual); 21/30 (Automatic)

3.7-liter V6
272 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
269 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

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2010 Mazda MAZDA6 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 159 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.3/10

I love this car!

By Rich (MO) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned more than forty cars in my life and this is by far my favorite. (By the way, I also own a Miata and a Mazda5.) I love the way it looks, drives and feels and the seating comfort is perfect, front and rear. I'm reluctant to say this, but I can't look at it without smiling, even after owning it for three years. I get a consistent 26-27 MPG in city driving and 30-plus on the highway. The trunk is huge and the rear seat legroom is very generous. I can't comment on dealer service because it has never needed any, but the salesman was a pleasure to deal with and I returned to buy the Mazda5 from him for my wife. I will soon be looking him up to negotiate for a 2014 Mazda6."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great car for Mon-Fri and fun on the weekends!

By Freddy (CA) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Front Seats, Fun to drive, few on the road"

Cons: "Weak audio speakers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a new 2013 Mazda6 Slate colored exterior/black cloth interior iTouring Plus. The test drive sold me on this car. I liked my younger sister's Mazda3 but needed more room, this fit the bill perfectly. I'm not a technology geek, so didnt need the fancy navigation system; quite happy with the level of technology in my car. So far I have racked up 1700 miles of carefree driving, the handeling is simply great right up there with my old VW Passat and Jetta. The only demerits are the lack of rear vents and the weak audio speakers. I would recommend this car to anyone especially if you want something different from the Camary, Accord, and Sonota crowd."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Excellent value

By jim (TX) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "extremely comfortable seat and excellent handling."

Cons: "road noise but my 2006 mazda 6 was no different."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Fuel economy and road noise are the only thing that make this car a 9 and not a 10.Road noise was no different than my previous 2006 mazda 6. Fuel economy is ok if driving gingerly. Previous mazda6 15% better fuel economy, but newer 4cyl in 2013 is more powerful and responsive in accelerating."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Car for the $$$

By Tony D. (ID) on Friday, March 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fantastic value and a blast to drive."

Cons: "N/A"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought new and have had it for 3 1/2 years. No issues to this point other than an issue with the key fob. I had intended on buying an Altima but got way more car for the money by going with the Mazda. Interior design is well thought out and looks good from the outside too. For a 4 door sedan that has plenty of room inside, the gas mileage is great (about 25 in town and over 30 on the hwy). Handles great and the ride is comfortable overall. Not quite as good for resale as a Toyota or Honda but no regrets here, plan on driving the wheels off it. Best in it's class overall. Love this car!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great looks, bad gas milage

By Terry (CA) on Wednesday, January 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Looks, ride, power, comfort, handling."

Cons: "Gas milage, resale value, interrior kinda delicate"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Love the way car looks and drives. Gas milage is poor, 22 MPG with V6. Interrior rattles slightly in places when cold. Great for long distance driving. Comfortable seats and ride. Voice command is useless, gets commands wrong 9 out of 10 times. After having this car for almost 3 years resale has dropped sevearly. Should have picked it up used and save 10k."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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