As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, that distinctive scent of well-maintained leather and polished surfaces triggers a flood of automotive memories. I've been test driving and reviewing cars professionally for over fifteen years, and this particular model holds a special place in my evaluation history. The question we're tackling today isn't just about specifications and performance metrics—it's about whether this six-year-old sedan can still compete in today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape where SUVs dominate and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly mainstream.
When Mazda introduced the 2017 refresh of their flagship sedan, they weren't just updating sheet metal—they were making a statement about driving purity in an increasingly numb segment. I remember driving this car back when it was new, impressed by how Mazda had managed to inject genuine character into a family sedan. The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine delivers 184 horsepower, which might seem modest compared to today's turbocharged offerings, but there's an honesty to its power delivery that I've always appreciated. It reaches 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, perfectly adequate for daily driving, though you'll need to work the six-speed automatic transmission hard when passing on highways. What struck me then, and still resonates now, is how Mazda engineered this car to feel cohesive rather than just compiling a list of features. This reminds me of basketball coach Uichico's philosophy I recently came across: "I appreciate the effort that the players brought out today na maski kulang kulang, extra minutes sila naglaro, walang pahinga, they still gave their utmost effort maski na medyo offensively, things weren't falling our way." The 2017 Mazda 6 Sport embodies this same spirit—it might not have all the latest tech or overwhelming power, but it consistently delivers its absolute best where it matters most.
Let's talk about what really makes this car special—the driving dynamics. The steering provides genuine feedback, a rarity in today's market where most systems feel artificially weighted and disconnected. I've driven countless modern sedans that technically outperform the Mazda 6 in straight-line speed but leave me completely cold emotionally. This car communicates through the wheel, through the seat, through the pedals—it's an engaging conversation between driver and machine that's become increasingly rare. The chassis tuning strikes that magical balance between compliance and control, handling rough pavement with grace while remaining composed through corners. I recently spent a week with a 2023 competitor that technically had better numbers across the board but felt so sanitized I was bored within days. The Mazda makes ordinary trips feel special, transforming your daily commute into something approaching enjoyment. The body control is particularly impressive—there's minimal roll in transitions, and the car feels eager to change direction. It's not a sports car, but it understands that driving should involve the driver rather than just transporting them.
Now, we need to address the elephant in the room—the interior technology. The 7-inch infotainment screen looks downright tiny compared to today's tablet-like displays, and the absence of touch functionality might frustrate those accustomed to smartphone interfaces. Mazda's Commander Control knob system works well enough once you're accustomed to it, but it does require a learning curve. However, what the cabin lacks in flashy tech, it more than makes up for in ergonomic intelligence and material quality. The switchgear feels substantial, the seats provide excellent support for long journeys, and the overall layout prioritizes the driving experience over gadgetry. I've always believed that too many modern cars distract drivers with unnecessary complexity—the Mazda 6 keeps things focused on the fundamentals. The cabin remains a pleasant place to spend time, with well-bolstered front seats that offer both heating and power adjustment, and soft-touch materials throughout the dashboard and door panels that feel more premium than you'd expect in this price segment.
When evaluating a six-year-old car's value proposition, reliability and running costs become significant factors. Based on data from various automotive research firms, the 2017 Mazda 6 scores impressively well in reliability ratings, with fewer reported issues than key competitors from the same model year. RepairPal gives it a 4 out of 5 rating, while J.D. Power awards it 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability. From my experience working with long-term vehicle data, the Skyactiv engines and transmissions have proven remarkably durable, with proper maintenance. The fuel economy remains competitive even by today's standards—the EPA rated it at 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, though in real-world mixed driving I've typically achieved around 29-30 mpg. Maintenance costs tend to run about 8-12% lower than comparable midsize sedans from Honda and Toyota, according to industry repair data I've analyzed over the years.
The used market presents an interesting value calculation for the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport. With prices typically ranging between $16,000 and $19,000 for well-maintained examples with reasonable mileage, you're getting about 65-70% of the original MSRP for a car that delivers perhaps 85-90% of the driving experience of a new model. Compare this to spending $30,000-plus on a new midsize sedan, and the value equation becomes compelling. What you sacrifice in the latest safety tech and infotainment features, you gain in avoiding significant depreciation. I've observed that well-maintained Mazdas tend to hold their value better than most non-luxury brands, with depreciation curves that flatten out more gracefully after the initial steep drop.
There are certainly compromises to consider. The rear seat space, while adequate, feels tighter than in some competitors, making it less ideal for regularly transporting taller adults on longer journeys. The trunk offers 14.8 cubic feet of space—respectable but not class-leading. And while standard safety features include traction control, stability control, and multiple airbags, you won't find the latest driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist that have become commonplace on newer models. For some buyers, these omissions might be deal-breakers, but for others, they represent distractions they're happy to live without.
After spending considerable time with the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport recently, I've come to appreciate its enduring qualities even more. In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs and crossovers, this sedan represents a compelling alternative for those who haven't abandoned the joy of driving. It's not perfect—no used car ever is—but its strengths align remarkably well with what matters in daily transportation. The engaging driving dynamics, premium interior materials, and proven reliability create a package that transcends its age. While it lacks some modern technological features, it excels where the rubber literally meets the road. For driving enthusiasts on a budget, for those who appreciate mechanical honesty over digital overload, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport remains not just relevant but genuinely desirable. It's a testament to Mazda's commitment to driving pleasure—a quality that doesn't depreciate with age.