Acceleration
"Naturally aspirated 4-cyl models are acceptably peppy with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic. V6s lively enough--test manual sedan did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph--but needed high rpm for maximum punch. MazdaSpeed rewards with strong takeoffs, does 6.4 sec 0-60. MazdaSpeed clutch pedal has short travel but imprecise engagement, complicating stop and go driving. "

Value
"For overall refinement, Mazda 6 is just slightly off the pace set by such rivals as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat. Interior materials and acceleration in 4-cyl automatic-transmission versions also fail to inspire. But the appealing wagon and hatchback body styles are unusual for this class. And there's enough overall competence, roominess, style, and sportiness in any Mazda 6 to warrant our Recommended badge. "

Ride
"Taut, but generally absorbent, even with 18-inch tires and with firmer MazdaSpeed suspension. Some sharp reaction to pavement seams at highway speed. And highway-speed dips, rises trigger slight float."

Economy
"No opportunity yet to measure with automatic transmission. With manual transmission, test 4-cyl models averaged 22.3 mpg, V6 sedans 20.9-24.2 mpg, but just 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. V6 wagon averaged 17.9 in mostly city driving. MazdaSpeed averaged 21.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 16.9 including gas-eating performance runs. MazdaSpeeds require premium-grade fuel, others use regular-grade."

Noise
"Naturally aspirated engines relaxed at cruise, make nice pedal-to-metal growls, but none are super-quiet. Mazdaspeed whines under throttle. Modest rough-surface tire noise with 17- and 18-inch tires, though sedans muffle road noise slightly better than hatchbacks, wagons. No undue wind roar. Disappointing sqeaks and rattles noted from some test cars. "

Comfort - Front
"MazdaSpeed's bolstered sport seats snug occupants in fast turns; other seats less adept at lateral location and could use longer cushions. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel a plus, but may not lift high enough for tall drivers. Visibility great in wagons, hampered to rear by spoiler on hatchbacks and Sport sedans, but not MazdaSpeed."

Comfort - Rear
"Seat cushions a bit soft, have subpar support. Adequate head room, good toe space. More leg room than in some like-sized cars, but it slims noticeably with front seats moved very far back. Entry/exit easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider."

Controls
"Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like red dashboard illumination in Grand Touring and MazdaSpeed models. Some also dislike design that displays climate and audio settings in center dashtop display, remote from controls. Simple rotary knobs for most audio, climate functions a plus. Navigation system easy to use, operates independently of audio and climate controls. Interior mixes nicely padded upper surfaces with hard, flimsy-feel plastic panels below."

Cargo Room
"All models have roomy, nicely trimmed cargo bays with compact, noninvasive strut-type hinges on trunklid/hatch. Sedan trunk won't swallow bulky objects, but hatchback and wagon will. Convenient spring-loaded seatback releases in sedan trunk and hatchback/wagon cargo area, but seats don't quite lie flat. Note that MazdaSpeed rear seat does not fold. Decent cabin storage, plus rear under-floor storage in hatchback and wagon."