Mazda MAZDA6 Review

There may be no segment of the market more competitive than that of the midsize car. With two or three well-established Japanese-brand vehicles dominating the segment, and dozens of likable competitors trying to unseat them, it's tough for any particular vehicle to stand out.

2008 Mazda MAZDA6 s Sport Hatchback Shown

However, the handsome Mazda 6 has something most others midsize cars do not: charisma. Launched for the 2003 model year, the Mazda 6 has received rave reviews for its edgy, handsome design and stylish interior. Even more impressive are its communicative steering, responsive suspension and lively 4-cylinder and V6 engines. Available with a sport-oriented automatic transmission or an enthusiast-pleasing manual, the Mazda 6 is a veritable dance teacher in a class full of wallflowers.

Another ace up the Mazda 6's sleeve is its choice of three body styles. While most competitors offer only a sedan body for their midsize model, the Mazda 6 is also available as a versatile four-door hatchback or a stylish wagon. Thus combining the Mazda 6's inherent goodness with cavernous cargo areas, both the hatchback and wagon represent fun-to-drive, sensible alternatives not just to sedans, but to larger, heavier SUVs.

Although its passenger space and interior quality still lag behind those of the segment leaders, and the V6 could benefit from some extra horsepower, the Mazda 6 remains a good match for midsize car shoppers in search of something a bit zestier than basic transportation.

The Mazda 6 (officially called the MAZDA6) is available as a midsize sedan, four-door hatchback or wagon. For each, there are two trim levels: i and s. The Mazda 6 i is powered by a reasonably gutsy 160-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The performance potential is stepped up considerably with the s, thanks to its 215-hp V6. The s is available with the manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Both Mazda 6 i and Mazda 6 s models come in base form, or with one of three option packages: Sport, Grand Touring or Grand Sport. With power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control and nice cloth upholstery, even base models are reasonably well equipped. Sport models add exterior accessories such as a rear spoiler and foglights and a few interior items, while Grand Touring and Grand Sport models add wheel/tire upgrades and several luxury extras.

An edgy factory-tuned, high-performance version of the sedan, called the MazdaSpeed 6, is powered by a high-strung, 278-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that's coupled to all-wheel drive. The MazdaSpeed 6 is available only in Grand Touring and Grand Sport trims, and comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission.

On the safety front, the Mazda 6 offers standard traction control and antilock brakes. Front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags are standard on all but i base models. Stability control is standard on the MazdaSpeed 6, but unavailable on any other models.

In Mazda 6 reviews, the car has received praise for its precise steering, responsive handling and well-appointed interior. In comparison to some other popular midsize cars, however, the 6 is let down by its less roomy backseat and rather average output from its V6 engine.

These qualities also hold true for used Mazda 6s. There have been only a few updates to the car since its debut. The most significant have been the change from a 5-speed to 6-speed automatic in 2005 for V6 cars, and a change from a 4-speed to 5-speed automatic in 2006 for 4-cylinder models. Mazda also made interior and exterior updates in '06, and added extra standard features.

The Mazda 6 replaced the forgettable 626. This model, particularly in its last two generations, 1993-'97 and 1998-2002, sorely lacked distinction. Ironically, like the Mazda 6, early 626 models were celebrated for their European styling and emphasis on performance, but in later years, they slipped into midsize sedan oblivion as Mazda took the car mainstream with too-conservative styling and a sedan-only body style.

Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6 Review

2007 Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6 Sedan

Since its launch, the Mazda 6 has been a favorite among those looking for a midsize sedan with a little more verve. Characterized by its edgy good looks and sporty handling, the 6 also provides the requisite amounts of comfort and features expected in the class. It has been criticized, though, for not offering enough power from its optional 3.0-liter V6. To compensate, Mazda introduced the high-performance Mazdaspeed 6 in 2006.

Beyond the regular 6, the Mazdaspeed version features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, a limited-slip rear differential, larger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and subtle body modifications. The result is a performance-tuned sedan well-suited for driving enthusiasts who need a usable backseat but can't (or won't) pay for more expensive sport sedans.

Current Mazda Mazdaspeed 6

Compared to boy racer mods made to cars like the Subaru WRX STI or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the styling tweaks made to the Mazdaspeed 6 are subtle. There are no hood scoops or rear wings the size of mom's ironing board. In fact, its trunk lid spoiler is noticeably smaller than the regular Mazda 6's wing. The most noticeable transformations were made to the front fascia to accommodate a bigger airdam and a taller hood needed for the turbo's intercooler. Fifteen-spoke 18-inch wheels and larger dual tailpipes round out the visual spice.

The biggest changes are found under the hood, where a turbocharged and direct-injected version of Mazda's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out an impressive 274 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Zero to 60 mph goes by in 6.1 seconds, with the quarter-mile achieved in 14.3 seconds. Though the regular 6 is front-wheel drive, the Mazdaspeed version gets an exclusive all-wheel-drive system to prevent torque steer and improve handling. It automatically varies the power split between 100 percent to the front wheels and a 50/50 front/rear ratio, depending on factors such as traction, steering angle and yaw. The driver can also select Normal, Sports and Snow modes for optimized traction. A limited-slip rear differential borrowed from the Mazda RX-8 rounds out the handling modifications.

The Mazdaspeed 6 is available in Sport and Grand Touring models. Inside, there are few differences from the standard Mazda 6 cabin, which is perfectly acceptable due to its good build quality, classy patterned plastics and stylish red lighting. The front seats are sporty and comfortable, though the rear hiproom and shoulder room are tight compared to other midsize family sedans. Both trims come equipped with xenon headlamps, automatic climate control, a Bose stereo with six-CD changer and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. The Grand Touring adds leather, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and keyless ignition. Navigation, satellite radio, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a moonroof are options on the Grand Touring.

In reviews, we were impressed with the Mazdaspeed 6's combination of performance, practicality and value. Its handling and mostly lag-free turbocharged acceleration impressed, as did its roomy interior and subtle exterior that allows for discreet performance. There are drawbacks, however, and most have to do with its everyday use. The steering and clutch are heavy, making this 6 an iffy choice for five-day stop-and-go traffic. There's also no automatic transmission offered.

Past Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 models

The Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 sedan was all-new for the 2006 model year and has not been changed.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

When the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster debuted in 1989, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable roadster format that was once dominated by British automakers, the Mazda Miata introduced a modern approach to reliability and engineering. Buyers lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid sticker price-plus-some for the fetching new Miata.

Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Over the years, Mazda's little roadster has gotten bigger and heftier due to the addition of comfort and safety equipment. But it's also gotten more powerful and capable. The first major redesign came in 1999. Our editors found that Mazda improved the second-generation Miata with a larger interior, a stiffened chassis, exposed headlamps and more aggressive styling, without bumping up the price or diluting its perky personality.

The third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring inline-4 growl. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.

The current MX-5 Miata has gone upscale with the inclusion of an available power hardtop on Grand Touring, Touring and Sport models, with regular power soft tops standard in these models, as well as a value-filled Base version. This somewhat simplified new lineup replaces the six multiple personalities -- Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Limited -- previously offered since the third-generation redesign in 2006.

All Mazda Miatas are powered by a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine good for 170 horsepower -- nearly as much as previous turbocharged Mazdaspeed high-performance models. Depending on trim levels you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission, or an available six-speed automatic for shiftless types -- though with the automatic, horsepower drops to 166.

In terms of options, luxurious items like leather seats and a seven-speaker Bose audio system are available. But with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we feel "less" may actually be "more." If you're piling a ton of extras on this little sports car, you're missing the point: The essence of this Mazda roadster is about simplicity in design and operation, and about having fun and feeling unencumbered behind the wheel on a warm summer night.

If you're such a purist (or a racing enthusiast) and shopping for a used Mazda Miata, we suggest you save a few bucks and shop for a non-special edition or Club Spec model with just the basics like a five-speed manual, tilt wheel, CD player and power windows/mirrors -- or a simple Base model, which adds air-conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to the mix.

To meet the ever-increasing demand for comfort and safety equipment, the MX-5 Miata was carefully redesigned in 1999 and improved over the original in almost every way. The following year, a streamlined model lineup included the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages available. In 2001, horsepower was bumped again to 155 and a six-speed manual was optional on the Miata LS. The MX-5 received a Mazdaspeed makeover and newfound life in 2004, featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and exterior styling enhancements.

The original Mazda Miata roadster of 1990 offered one engine, one transmission and three colors: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power and a stunning M-edition with Merlot Mica paint, tan top and matching leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels available in 1995. Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on R-Package-equipped Miatas introduced in 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this model was 1997, and there was no 1998 model.

Mazda RX-8 Review

Most people know that Mazda builds sporty cars. But for driving enthusiasts, it's the company's history of building sport coupes with lightweight rotary engines that sets it apart from the competition. The Mazda RX-8 is the latest of these coupes, and it's the only one with a four-door configuration.

2008 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring Coupe Shown

The heart of the Mazda RX-8 is its high-revving, 1.3-liter rotary engine called the Renesis. It's a made-up word: The "R" and the "e" stand for "Rotary engine," while "nesis" comes from the word "genesis." Odd name aside, the Renesis engine is an impressive bit of engineering: Unlike its forbears, it locates the exhaust ports on the side of each of the combustion chambers, rather than on the outer edge of the rotary housing. Sounds simple, but this one change allows for more power, higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

Because of the engine's compact size, engineers were able to mount it further back in the RX-8's chassis, giving the car a coveted 50/50 front/rear weight distribution. This, along with balanced suspension tuning, sharp steering and a svelte 3,000-pound curb weight, makes the rear-wheel-drive RX-8 one of the best-handling cars on the market. It's certainly among the best sports cars available for less than $30,000, and deserving of any consideration you give it.

Introduced for 2004, the Mazda RX-8 heralded the return of the rotary-powered sports car to the U.S. after a near decade-long hiatus. It also gave Mazda an image car with greater stature and performance credentials than the fun-loving Miata. Although the RX-8 hasn't been a runaway sales success, most people would agree it's been good for the company's reputation.

Although Mazda sells its sport coupe with either a manual or automatic transmission, the six-speed manual version is really the only way to experience an RX-8. It's not just the closer connection you feel to the car when moving the short-throw shifter among the neatly defined gates. It's the fact that manual-shift RX-8s get a more powerful version of the 1.3-liter rotary engine.

In a manual-equipped Mazda RX-8, horsepower crests at 238 at 8,500 rpm, with redline hitting at an amazing 9,000. Low-end torque has never been a strong suit of rotary engines, and with a mere 159 pound-feet coming together at 5,500 rpm, the RX-8 doesn't really feel potent below 4,000. Fortunately, the rotary engine loves to rev and is very smooth when doing it.

Inside Line testers have timed the RX-8 at 6.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.1 seconds through the quarter-mile -- respectable numbers but not enough to win many straight-line acceleration crowns in this class. However, Mazda's rotary coupe quickly makes up ground when the road turns curvy.

Automatic RX-8s are tamer, redlining at just 7,500 rpm. If you're going to buy one, 2006 and newer models are your best bet, as they come with a more advanced six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters. They also provide 212 hp at 7,500 rpm, compared to 197 in the '04 and '05 models, which came with a four-speed automatic.

In spite of its capability, the Mazda RX-8 rides comfortably enough to serve as a daily commuter, though with fuel economy typically hovering in the high teens, it's not the most economical choice. The rear seats are roomy enough to seat adults on short trips, and reverse-hinged rear doors allow the loading of bulky car seats.

RX-8s come standard with all the essential amenities, though manual versions come with a firmer suspension and 18-inch wheels, which are optional on the automatic. Further suspension upgrades are available via the Shinka special-edition package. You can also add luxuries like leather upholstery and a navigation system.

Although it has an extra set of doors, the Mazda RX-8 is a descendant of the two-door RX-7 sport coupe sold in three generations from 1979-'95. The RX-7 was yanked from the U.S. market due to poor sales and difficulty in meeting emissions standards, but lived on in the Japanese market through 2002. At the time of its U.S. demise, the third-gen RX-7 was a much more expensive car than today's RX-8, with a base price of $32,500 in 1995 dollars.

That's not to say it wasn't worth the extra money. Sold from 1993-'95, this model was turbocharged and capable of 255 hp at 6,500 rpm and 217 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Zero to 60 took just 5.5 seconds, with the quarter-mile mark coming in 14 seconds flat. Not only was it fast, it was a superb handler, often inspiring comparisons to Formula cars. Harsh ride quality was the big downside. This car fetches high prices on the used market, though potential buyers should be attentive to excessive wear and tear and aftermarket modifications made by the previous owner.