If you want a side of sport with your order of affordable midsize car, be sure to take a look at the 2011 Mazda6. The 2011 Mazda6 is the mid-size sedan for car buyers on the lookout for an enjoyable driving experience. Unlike most affordable cars in this class, the Mazda6 doesn’t put you in a Novocain shell on four wheels. Instead it offers a fun driving experience, with sharp handling and good steering.

Mazda prides itself in delivering an exhilarating driving experience, and even in the rather boring sedan segment, it manages to inject some personality into the mix. How much fun you’ll have behind the wheel of the Mazda6 largely depends on which engine you choose. The base four-cylinder is just fine for the daily commuter, but the lively V6 certainly increases the grins per mile. Handling is admirable for every Mazda6, and anyone can appreciate this car’s spacious interior and large trunk.

The 2011 Mazda6 features an interior that is attractive and modern in design. A gracefully arching center stack sweeps from the top of the dash down to the center console.  Red electroluminescent gauges further enhance the visual appeal, and the spacious backseat (even for 6-footers) is a definite plus. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in all seats.

The 2011 Mazda6 is available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 170 horsepower.  Most reviewers prefer the optional 272-horsepower 3.7-liter V6. According to the EPA, four-cylinder Mazda6’s should manage 21 mpg in city driving, and 30 on the highway (22/31 with the optional five-speed automatic), while six-cylinder models earn 18/27 mpg city/highway.