Used 2009 MAZDA MAZDA6

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 new 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.

The 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 is sportier than the last generation, 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.

From the base SV trim level to the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model, the 2009 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, cloth and leather 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 kind of like a Lexus check-list, and includes such notable features as push-button start, voice-activated navigation and auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors.

The 2009 MAZDA6 has a sleek new 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.

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.

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, 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.

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, auxiliary input jack, cruise control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, 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 "Convenience" package includes dual-zone auto climate control, xenon headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, Blind Spot Monitoring System and rain-sensing wipers, while the "Moonroof and Bose" package includes a power moonroof and Bose Centerpoint Surround Sound audio with a six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers.

The new four-cylinder engine in the 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 is increased to 2.5 liters, resulting in more power without sacrificing 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