Used 2007 MAZDA MAZDA6

Those who love the familiar handling and fun-to-drive attitude of a well-tuned sport sedan but need the utility found in a small SUV will find both in the Mazda6 Sport Wagon. Sharing most of its styling and mechanics with the Mazda6 Sedan, the Sport Wagon offers all the benefits of a car with the added utility of an enclosed cargo hold. Demanding consumers will find the Sport Wagon’s interior fit and finish is beyond reproach, although rear-seat legroom is not as generous as in the Dodge Magnum or Subaru Legacy. From its standard six-speed automatic transmission to its impressive standard content and its racy exterior design, the Mazda6 Sport Wagon offers premium quality, performance and looks at a price that won’t bust your budget.

The Mazda6 Sport Wagon can provide a comfortable seating position for just about anyone, due to its tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, multiple seating adjustments and adjustable lumbar support. Visibility to the rear is somewhat compromised by the high flanks and rear seat headrests, but loading bulky items into the cargo area is very easy, thanks to the spring-loaded rear-seat releases and rear floor that folds flat.

The ride and handling capabilities are much more like those of a sport sedan than what many drivers might expect of a vehicle with a wagon’s functionality. It tracks down the highway with sure stability and goes around corners with smooth precision and easy response.

Mazda interiors are gaining a reputation for their nice detailing and quality materials, and that of the Mazda6 Sport Wagon is no exception. A black radio face highlights the instrument panel’s new center portion and the large knobs for the audio and climate functions are easy to find and operate. Still, not everything is perfect; the interior room does not match that of the Dodge Magnum, Ford Freestyle or Subaru Legacy GT.

In a crowded parking lot you shouldn’t have any trouble picking out the very attractive Mazda6 Sport Wagon. Compared to other wagons, its sleek, sporty and assertive appearance offers a wagon’s functionality with a sport sedan’s purposeful look.

Standard Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel
We liked the standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls.

Optional Navigation System
Unlike many navigation systems that integrate into the audio head unit, the Mazda6 navigation screen pops up from the instrument panel and is operated with an independent controller placed next to the transmission shift lever.

The Mazda6 Sport Wagon VE features a 212-horsepower V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, illuminated keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, eight-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with touch controls, traction control and a rear wiper/washer. The Touring and Grand Touring models add automatic air conditioning, heated leather seats and heated outside mirrors, and the Grand Touring trim level has electroluminescent gauges, Bose audio system with 200 watts and seven speakers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Options include a six-disc in-dash CD changer, automatic day/night mirror, roof rail crossbars, navigation and remote engine start.

Mazda has made a number of improvements to the 3.0-liter V6, all aimed at increasing low-end torque and optimizing overall fuel efficiency. The added torque comes at the expense of horsepower, which drops from 220 to 212, but the net effect is more response and easier acceleration, particularly around town.

3.0-liter V6
212 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
197 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (manual), 20/27 (automatic)