Used 2012 Mazda 6 Sedan Review & Ratings

The midsize sedan market is a crowded one, making it difficult to really stand out. With sleek European styling and the handling that Mazda is so famous for, the Mazda 6 sedan manages to stand out, and more. While it has all of the basic necessities of a midsize sedan, what really sets the Mazda 6 apart is the relationship that it forms with its driver. This is vehicle that you don't have to drive, you want to drive! The sporty suspension handles beautifully while offering a smooth ride.

When the Mazda 6 was first introduced in 2003, it was a smaller, more compact car than today's version. However, even then, the nimble sporty sedan was known for easy handling and finely tuned suspension. Today's Mazda 6 sedan is larger and more luxurious, but doesn't lose a bit of that handling appeal. It is the ideal car for the driver who needs to be able to hug a curve at good speed, but also wants to enjoy the luxury of a larger sedan.

The 2012 Mazda 6 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission standard, but a five-speed automatic is available. For those that need a little more power, a 3.7-liter V6 engine is available that is paired up witih a standard six-speed automatic to produce 272 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

Of course, as with all other Mazda vehicles, safety features are plentiful. Antilock brakes, airbags, child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring, electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, engine immobilizer and emergency braking assist all come standard.

Visually, the car stands out in its market as well, with a distinctive front face and front fender flares that bring to mind the classic sports cars that made a name for this line in the first place. In terms of practicality and performance, the Mazda 6 holds its own against its direct competitors, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Passengers enjoy plenty of head, leg and shoulder room, and the trunk offers a ton of cargo space. Also, the Mazda far surpasses both the Honda and Toyota when it comes to the sheer joy of driving on twisty roads. This is a sedan that responds to turns like a much smaller car would, without a ton of noticeable body roll, which is something anyone can appreciate.