Back in 1987, Mazda wanted a big piece of America’s midsize pie. So the semi-independent Japanese company bought an idle plant from write.html/. For two decades, even with heavy fleet sales, Mazda’s family sedan has struggled to utilize a quarter of the plant’s capacity. Ford re-assumed managerial responsibility of Flat Rock in the early 1990s, then moved Mustang production in to take up some of the slack a few years ago. For 2009, Mazda’s totally redesigned the Mazda6. Will the new car finally fill Flat Rock?

Styling

The Mazda6's exterior styling has undergone a radical overhaul for 2009. The old car’s handsome but thoroughly forgettable shape has been replaced by a roofline that sweeps kink-free from the front fenders to the rear deck, and fenders that bulge upward and outward like those of the RX-8. No doubt more than a few people will find it beautiful, with shades of "Mercedes CLS for the masses."

But I can't quite warm to the new look. The largest wheels accompanying the four cylinder engine—17” shoes—fail to fill the muscular fenders. The 18s fitted to upper-level V6s do better. And the fenders themselves--too much for my taste. I've come to like such fenders on the RX-8, where they fit into the overall design of the car, but as on the large Mercedes S-Class they don't work for me, and they work even less well here. Part of the problem: as in many front-drive sedans, excessive front overhang spoils the proportions (write.html/ photos favor the rear quarter view).

The Mazda6’s interior styling is less distinctive, less dramatic than its exterior. The materials are a step up, the ergonomics are excellent, and the electroluminescent instruments attractively combine blue and red lighting with black and silver graphics.

Accommodations

Previous midsize Mazdas tended to be a half-size smaller than a Toyota Camry, and sales suffered as a result. With the new Mazda6, Mazda has finally caved to the American taste for space. With 6.9 inches more length, 2.3 inches more width, and 1.2 inches more height, the new Mazda6 all but matches the supersized Accord’s exterior dimensions. Inside, shoulder room and legroom are up with the leaders. But the coupe-like roofline has a price: merely adequate thigh support and headroom in back. For class-leading rear seat comfort you'll want something else.

Same goes for front seat lateral support, as the seats' bolsters provide little unless you're quite beamy. Those fearful of sliding about should consider the Touring trim level. The package offers attractive cloth center panels in the leather seats rather than the Grand Touring’s full leather. Cargo carriers will appreciate the roomy expandable trunk and its non-intrusive hinges, if not its modestly-sized opening (that roofline again).

The Mazda6’s features are generally in line with the competition. You can get voice-activated nav, Bluetooth and basic power adjustments for the front passenger seat— but not cushy armrests on the doors or air vents for rear seat passengers. The most curious omission: no shift buttons on the steering wheel with the automatic.

On the Road

This year the Mazda6’s four receives a bump from 2.3 to 2.5-liters, and now kicks out 170 horsepower. With the five-speed automatic, the four’s acceleration is adequate but uninspiring; curb weight is over 3,300 pounds, after all. With the fluid yet crisp-shifting medium-throw stick, there’s a bit more pep, but still few thrills. The engine revs smoothly to the redline, but its refinement cuts both ways. Like the old 2.3 it never seems to come on cam.

Performance-minded buyers will choose the Mazda6’s new 272-horsepower 3.7-liter V6--providing they can live with its class-trailing 17/25 write.html/ ratings. A 375-horsepower Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan does as well. Despite its relatively large displacement, this V6 doesn't feel all that strong below 4,000 RPM, though. And no manual is available with the V6 this time around. On the other hand, torque steer is minimal.

The Mazda6’s handling story is similarly uneventful—much the same as the old Mazda6. As before, the steering is light, precise and nicely weighted, with a modicum of feedback. Like most Mazdas, this one has a thinly padded steering wheel rim that asks to be guided delicately with the fingertips, rather than aggressively with the palms.

In conjunction with excellent forward visibility, the 6’s steering disguises much of the new car’s additional size and weight. In turns, roll and understeer are present but not excessive, and the overall feel is tight and precise. As before, credit goes to double wishbones up front and multiple links in back. Grip is decent with the 4, but is better with the wider, higher-performance (but harsher riding) tires that are paired the V6.

Aside from the slightly busy ride and attendant tire noise, what’s not to like? Not much. On the other hand, what’s to love? The Mazda6’s steering and handling are competent, but not engaging. The Mazda’s chassis might possess a subtle excellence that requires extended exposure to fully appreciate. But some competitors are more overtly sporty. And many enthusiasts will want a sportier driving experience--there’s plenty of room for a new MazdaSpeed6.

Mazda6 Price Comparisons and Pricing

So, how much more will all of this extra style, space, and power set you back? A fully loaded Mazda6 V6 lists for nearly $33,800, quite steep for a midsize Mazda. This is about $2,500 more than a loaded 2008 Mazda6, which also current has a $2,750 rebate. But if we ignore the rebate, and account for the new car's additional features (blind-spot warning system, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, Bluetooth, surround sound, memory for the driver's seat...and so forth, a long list) then the list price is only up about $650.

Compare the new Mazda6 to the Honda Accord, and the difference tends to be only a couple hundred after adjusting for feature differences.

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, TrueDelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)

TrueDelta's page for the Mazda6:

http://www.truedelta.com/models/Mazda6.php

Last Words

Clearly, Mazda’s goal with the new regular Mazda6 was to steal buyers away from Honda and Toyota. The new car finally comes close and in some instances even surpasses the leaders in terms of interior space and horsepower, and tops them with more dramatic (but short of bizarre) exterior styling. With its fifth attempt, even as Mustang sales decline, Mazda might finally fill Flat Rock.

A Note on Mazda6 Reliability

I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've been collecting my own data. Results are posted to TrueDelta.com, with updates every three months. Unlike other sources, TrueDelta clearly identifies what difference it will make if you buy a Mazda6 rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" stats.

To report results, TrueDelta needs reliability data on all cars--not just the Mazda6--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants will have to pay an access fee.

Details here:

http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php

Alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.

Amount Paid (US$): 27340, 30690