Yesterday, four of us, all adults, got into the 2009 Mazda 6 for a 20-minute drive to Thanksgiving dinner. I sat in my preferred driving position (no moving the seat up for people in back) and still there was legroom to spare. It's no wonder, really, now that the (North American-market) Mazda 6 has a nearly 110-inch wheelbase.
Had I been in the first-generation Mazda 6 (2003-2008) that I liked to drive so much, we wouldn't have been nearly as comfortable; its wheelbase was just over 105 inches.
And although I don't find our Mazda 6 especially interesting to drive, I always find satisfaction in its fairly crisp throttle response and solid brake pedal feel -- within the standards used to judge four-cylinder, midsize sedans, mind you.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 20,744 miles
zoomzoomn says:
02:46 PM, 11/27/09
Yeah, my '03's back seat is a little more snug to get in and out of, but no one has ever complained. I still think the last gen 6 was just right size wise and a more engaging driver overall.
firstwagon says:
03:32 PM, 11/27/09
Do you really need a car that big to be comfortable? I was in a Versa the other day with 3 co- workers (all around 6 feet tall) and there was tonnes of space.
Unless you need to seat 5 or play for a basketball team you just don't need a car that big.
Try the same trip in the Mazda3, it will be fine too ... not to mention cheaper and more fun to drive.
ocramida says:
06:19 PM, 11/27/09
firstwagon
Maybe if your of average height but there are people like me and many of my friends who are over 6ft. I have a MS3 and I know there is littel room in back for a +6ft person with me in front. OTOH a co-worker who is 6'5" has a 2009 6 and I fit behind him withough him having to move the seat forward. And we're also not overweight.
acbayard says:
08:03 PM, 11/27/09
The Versa actually has more rear leg room than many full sized luxury sedans... but it is def the exception to the rule that small cars have less leg room.
brn says:
11:12 AM, 11/28/09
Can you tell us what mid-sized sedan can't comfortably handle four adults on a 20 minute ride?