Popular Mechanics Makes 2014 Mazda Mazda6 Its Car of the Year

Combining the ability to reach 40 mpg in highway travel, the driving dynamics of a sports car, and “curves that would make a Maserati jealous,” the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 has been named Car of the Year by Popular Mechanics. 

Said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations: "To be named 'Car of the Year' by a publication as esteemed as Popular Mechanics is as flattering as it is humbling. And the continued success of the 2014 Mazda6 is a testament to the brand's 'clean slate' approach, where everyone from every team—R&D and design to strategy and marketing – rolled up their proverbial sleeves to answer the question 'If we could start all over, what can we do better?’”

At this stage, the answer seems to be “not much,” since PM’s automotive editors also singled out the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 for praise like:

• “If you want the latest technology features, they’re all here.”
• “The cabin design is simple, but we appreciate the straightforward functionality.”
• “There’s plenty of space for two adults and a child seat in the rear.”

But while the 2014 Mazda Mazda6 came out on top of the overall rankings, nine other choices also were honored with Auto Excellence Awards in the following categories:

• Performance—2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, overhauled so that it just “might be the world’s best sports car”
• Value—2014 Nissan Versa Note, backed by “one of the slickest designs the Nissan showroom—at any price”
• Hauling—2014 Ram Heavy Duty, thanks to the ability to “handle the most herculean tasks” while riding on an advanced five-link coil suspension
• Technical Innovation—2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, “the most sophisticated—and arguably the safest—car on the road”
• Luxury—2014 Lexus IS, now that it has not only matched its German rivals for performance, but “actually nosed ahead of them”
• Design—2014 Jaguar F-Type, showing “its aggressive stance and a front end that looks built to devour pavement”
• Versatility—2014 Jeep Cherokee, “perhaps the most diversely equipped to carry the legendary name”
• Handling—2014 Ford Fiesta ST, with reflexes that make it “easy to transition from braking, to cornering, and then on to the gas”
• Efficiency—2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, “The most efficient nonhybrid on the market”