X

2010 Mazda6 (photos)

The midsize Mazda6 offers just about everything you would expect from a car in this segment, although a navigation option is lacking on models with a the four-cylinder engine. Two tech features stand out.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
33886528_OVR_540.jpg
1 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
Mazda's midsize sedan achieves the economy and practicality that has made this segment popular, but it faces close competition from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and a host of other automakers.
33886528_FT_540.jpg
2 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
One of the few ways the Mazda6 distinguishes itself is in external styling, which uses Mazda's new flow design language. The ribbed grille presents an organic outline leading out to the prominent fenders.
33886528_SS01_540.jpg
3 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
The Mazda6 can be had in seven trim levels, five of which use this 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The two other trims get a 3.7-liter V-6.
33886528_SD_540.jpg
4 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
Slightly less mundane than competitive sedans, the Mazda6 has a nicely curved roofline and protruding front fenders.
33886528_SS02_540.jpg
5 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
The Mazda6 handles decently, one of the better cars for cornering in its class. But that is not to say it is anything like a sports car.
33886528_INT_540.jpg
6 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
The cabin materials look and feel good, but that is average for this vehicle segment, where every automaker has ramped up interior quality to compete with Honda.
33886528_SS03_540.jpg
7 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
It has steering-wheel buttons for audio, phone, and cruise control that are convenient to use.
33886528_SS04_540.jpg
8 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
With engine speeds running about 3,000rpm at 75 mph, the Mazda6 could use a six-speed transmission to wring out slightly better fuel economy. But we still achieved more than 25 mpg.
33886528_SS05_540.jpg
9 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
The five-speed automatic transmission has a manual mode and, like a sports car, you push up to downshift, and pull back to upshift.
33886528_SS06_540.jpg
10 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
Navigation is only available on V-6 Mazda6 models. All others trims are stuck with this stereo interface.
33886528_SS08_540.jpg
11 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
Bluetooth streaming is useful in some ways, but the interface with the car is very limited.
33886528_SS07_540.jpg
12 of 12 Josh Miller/CNET
The Bluetooth hands-free phone system is basic in the Mazda6, allowing calls through a voice command system, but it lacks any means to transfer contacts from phone to car.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos