There’s something about the Mazda6 that just makes you want to get in the car and go somewhere.
Maybe it’s the sporty look, maybe it’s the “zoom zoom” that seems to whisper every time you glance at it.
Whatever it is, it gave us a serious case of wanderlust.
Last year around this time, Michael and I took the 2015 Mazda6 on a fantastic road trip to Long Beach. This year, after serendipitously getting tickets to a taping of Oprah’s Super Soul Sessions in Los Angeles (maybe this happened because the 2016 model they gave us to review this year was Soul Red), we decided to honor the Mazda6 Grand Touring name with a grand tour of Southern California.
Both the trip and the car were awesome! We stopped for lunch in Corona Del Mar, where we couldn’t resist looking at the adorable cottages for rent.
Although, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a red car kind of girl, I did feel like pretty hot stuff behind the wheel of that Mazda6. In fact, I liked it so much, my husband never got a chance to drive the whole weekend. Plus, driving in those narrow lines up to L.A., I was glad I was in a car that couldn’t be missed by those on either side of me.
Speaking of which, the Mazda6 has my favorite feature: the blind spot detectors on the sideview mirrors that I can’t live without now. It also has a host of other safety features, including a rearview camera and this active driving display that shows you if you’re too close to the car ahead of you and if you’re drifting out of your lane.
You may remember that I dissed the active driving display last year but I have to admit it’s grown on me. I like that it offers so much information, including how fast you’re driving. This really came in handy when the hot California sun was right in front of me and it was too hard to actually look down and see the speedometer.
The other thing I pooh-poohed last year was the seven inch touch-screen display. Well, never say never because I really liked it this time around. I found it easy to read and access, whether I wanted to listen to The Bridge,
look for the Yankees game on Sirius for Michael, make a call with the Bluetooth or set the navigation system to get us to the W Hotel in West Beverly Hills.
The GPS talks a lot which, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate more and more. Sometimes I do need to be told over and over that my exit is coming up or that I need to bear left.
Because the Mazda6 is so smart, it fit in nicely at the venue for the Oprah event.
Honestly, I loved everything about this car. It got great gas mileage, and it’s so plush and comfy with its Parchment Leather interior, it would be the perfect car for a cross-country Grand Tour. Josh?
The cup holders and door storage spaces were roomy enough for our Starbucks as well as the generous number of water bottles the hotels supplied us with so, really, the only thing the Mazda6 was missing was a restroom. Maybe the 2017 model …
Although we loved driving the car to Corona Del Mar, Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, we found that there was one Southern California location, above all, in which the Mazda6 truly seems to belong: our driveway.
My father has this car in white. He loves it, too 🙂
Great gas mileage is a plus! I’ve never had a red car for the fear of that old wives tale of getting tickets easily.
Maybe it’s due to my recent car purchase this past year and learning how to research for buying the right car but that is exactly what we would be looking for if it was in our price range. Not only the gas mileage but man do I love a nice sporty looking red car
This is exactly what my husband is planning on purchasing in the Spring. Red and everything. I’ll have to show him this post 🙂
I’ve never driven a Mazda but have always liked the way they looked. I’m especially loving the red color and the gas mileage. Might have to make my next car a Mazda.
I’m loving this car. It would be a perfect family/travel car but it looks totally upscale too.
That Mazda 6 looks amazing! Red is one of my favorite colors. It really has everything I need 😀
That’s a nice looking car and I love the color!
That Mazda does indeed look pretty spiffy in your drive!
I’m with ya on the blind-spot detectors. One of the most useful vehicle features to come along in a long time.
Great car, great review!
My mom was a loyal Mazda customer for years. This car sure does have all the bells and whistles!
It looks like a great car and I love the red. But change the Yankees to the Dodgers and you have a deal! But seriously it sounds awesome and you were doubly blessed to be able to see Oprah as well. Wonderful.
What a nice ride! I love the color and how spacious the inside is! I would love to sport around town in this!
That is a great looking car!! Jelly about how much fun it is to drive
What a cute car! I love the color. I’ll have to go test drive one soon. Just the right size for a second vehicle for sure!
I’ve never driven a Mazda. This looks like a great ride.
We used to have a Mazda and we loved it. They make really solid cars.
That is one hot car. Mazda makes a great car. I had one a while back. Loved it.
My mother and my sister-in-law have the Mazda 6 and they love it. I drive my moms occasionally, nice car!
I love the red, it looks really good in your driveway!
I was thinking of getting another Mazda myself. I had my first one for 20 years.
Fun! You can’t go wrong with a red car that tells you how to get where you’re going.
That is a gorgeous vehicle. It looks so sporty and I love the red, I could definitely gets used to driving around in a car like that.
The Mazda 6 looks like an amazing car. I love the design. I would love to go for a test drive.
I have a Mazda and i love it. It has been a great car for us. I think it might be time for an upgrade after seeing the Mazda 6
I love the fiery red color! The interior detail is superb. But the best thing is you get more miles on the gallon. Great car!
What an awesome car. I have never driven a Mazda, but I see a lot of great reviews for their cars.
Mazdas are great cars. I’ve never owned one, but I love riding in my cousin’s. This car looks like a great option.
Wow that is in beauty of a car! What a nice ride. I hear Mazda’s are really great. I’m not sure if I know anyone with one, but they sure do look fantastic.
Wow, that color! Love the sleek design too, I’ve wanted to ride one but not a kid car lol . Looks super comfortable
Cars don’t normally impress me, but that’s one sleek and sexy car! I would definitely want to take it for a spin. I love the red color and just the lines and shape of the car. Gorgeous!