2012 Mazda Mazda6 Review by Cars.com Staff

2012 Mazda Mazda6

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2012 Mazda Mazda6

Starting MSRP $20,480–$29,810

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By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National October 21, 2011

Vehicle Overview

Mazda's five-seat front-wheel-drive sedan benefits from a sportier nature than some of its competitors. Four-cylinder ("i" models) and V-6 ("s" models) engines are available. Competitors include midsize sedans like the Honda Accord and Chevrolet Malibu.

New for 2012

There are no significant changes for 2012.

Exterior

The Mazda6 sports a long hood with pronounced front fender flares that flow through the headlamps and mold with the front bumper. Exterior features include:

  • Standard body-colored grille, front and rear bumpers, door handles and moldings
  • 16-inch steel wheels with full covers
  • Optional 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Optional LED taillamps
  • Single (four-cylinder models) or dual exhaust outlets (V-6 models)

Interior

All trim levels get 60/40-split folding rear seats with remote capability. Interior features include:

  • Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls
  • Standard air conditioning with pollen filter; optional dual-zone automatic air conditioning
  • Standard power locks, windows and mirrors (heated mirrors are optional)
  • Optional power moonroof with interior sunshade
  • Optional Bose stereo
  • Optional DVD navigation system with 7-inch touch-screen, backup camera and voice-activated controls

Under the Hood

The Mazda6 features a four-wheel independent suspension. Four-cylinder and V-6 options are normal in this segment, but the standard six-speed manual transmission (with the four-cylinder) plays up Mazda's performance roots. There are also two automatic transmission offerings: The four-cylinder engine can have an optional five-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic (it can't be had with a manual). Mechanical features include:

  • 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 167 pounds-feet of torque
  • 272-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 with 269 pounds-feet of torque
  • Optional push-button start

Safety

The Mazda6 offers an optional blind spot warning system. Other safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
  • Standard electronic stability system and traction control

 

Additional Reviews

Cars.com Expert Reviews

David ThomasCars.com NationalOctober 15, 2011
Cars.com StaffCars.com NationalOctober 21, 2011

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