2014 Mazda 6 Full Test
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2014 Mazda 6 Full Test
Mazda's new midsize entry is shapely and efficient, but can the 2014 Mazda 6 compete with the Camry and Accord? Read our full road test.
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I was leaning toward the FR-S but this Mazda6 might be more practical in the long run with carting around buddies. Tough choices!
Two years ago, I never thought I'd be able to say that about cars in the 20-25k mark.
Considering that it is the same width and all of two inches shorter than its bloated, overweight predecessor, it's disappointing that the trunk has gone from the top of the class to the bottom--compacts like the Jetta and 2014 Forte have slightly more volume. Some people think it's an odd thing to complain about in a "sport sedan", but the trunk is actually smaller than the first generation car. Apparently the trade-off for an adult-sized rear seat is that the passengers have to pack lighter.
There doesn't seem to be "sweet spot" model anymore. The Touring is about the same price as the previous Touring Plus, but it lacks niceties like standard fog lamps (now optional) and a moonroof (not available). Plus, the Sport's nice-quality cloth is decontented to vinyl. Either this is a ploy to capture the rubber fetishists who normally have to buy German, or the marketeers think that if they slap the big wheels and tires on and have upholstery that's obviously not cloth then people will think they're fooling their neighbors into believing they sprang for the Grand Touring. Or possibly it's intended to be the go-to car for teetotalers who drive around their bing-drinking friends.
Honda has finally been beaten for fewest paint hues--6, all but one a shade of greige. The one that isn't, Soul Red, is $300 extra. So the car may have more personality, but it's going incognito.
Love the exterior and interior design, but if I'm replacing my 2007 I have to place my hopes on them not screwing up the Mazda3 again.
Dunlop SP Sport 5000s. And those front brakes look tiny. The larger issue to most prospective buyers is the infotainment/nav suite - I have not read anything good about it in any Mazda test. In this test I see plenty of comparisons with Accord, Camry, etc. - but none to the car's most obvious competitor, given the focus of its designers - the Fusion, another midsize that emphasizes style and driving pleasure. Lastly, it sounds like there is enough power with one driver and no cargo, but it will become apparent once it's loaded down with luggage and passengers that it needs more than 184 hp.
I think it's more complex than that. The last Nissan Altima and most Honda Accord and Civic generations were mainstream cars with above-average handling and feel that also were very strong sellers. It will take a better analyst than me to figure out why the big family-friendly previous 6 sold so poorly when the Altima and Accord succeeded.
Edmunds seems to be especially fond of this backwards arrangement for some reason and eagerly pushes it as The Only Right Way on every occasion. Must be something religious.
I don't know about you but my minimum is 10 years. I think you automotive journalist are getting jaded by all that shiny new equipment that's available to you whenever you want it.
The styling is phenomenal from every angle. The 17" wheels offer fine handling, a smoother ride and look just fine. Great job Mazda.
Some things I have noticed: Plenty of backseat space, gigantic trunk, smooth transmission, suspension stiffer than others but results in better handling, road noise is acceptable but not the quietest and the base model radio stinks but that's to be expected (will upgrade soon)
I highly recommend. At least test drive it.
My 2010 Mazda 3 has been absolutely wonderful with nary a problem. Fun to drive, reliable and VERY well built.
Mazda's are very underrated. People just cruise control their way to Honda and Toyota while the just as reliable Mazda's are overlooked.
From reliability to performance, Mazda is in the sweet spot.