As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, that familiar feeling returns—the leather-wrapped steering wheel fitting perfectly in my hands, the driver-centric cockpit reminding me why I've always had a soft spot for Mazda's philosophy. In today's flooded midsize sedan market where everyone seems obsessed with either going fully electric or stuffing their cars with gimmicky tech, I find myself wondering if this six-year-old model still holds its ground. Having test-driven over fifty sedans in the past decade and owned three generations of Mazda 6 myself, I've developed particular opinions about what makes a car worth owning long-term.
The 2017 Mazda 6 Sport represents something increasingly rare in the automotive world—a car designed for driving purists who appreciate mechanical harmony over digital overload. Under that sleek hood sits a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower, which might seem modest compared to today's turbocharged alternatives, but there's magic in how this power delivers. Mazda's Skyactiv technology creates this beautifully linear acceleration that reminds me why I fell in love with driving in the first place. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts with a crispness that modern CVTs simply can't match, and when you engage sport mode, the character transforms completely. I recently took one on California's Pacific Coast Highway, and the way it carved through those coastal curves—with minimal body roll and precise steering feedback—made me forget this was an affordable family sedan.
Now, the interior does show its age compared to 2023 standards. The 7-inch infotainment screen feels downright tiny when you're used to seeing tablet-like displays everywhere, and yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto weren't available until the 2018 refresh. But here's what I've discovered after putting 15,000 miles on my personal 2017 model—the fundamentals are so right that you stop caring about the missing bells and whistles. The seats provide exceptional support during long drives, the cabin remains remarkably quiet at highway speeds, and everything you touch feels solid and well-built. I'd take this thoughtfully designed interior over many newer cars with their distracting touchscreen-dominated layouts any day.
This makes me think of basketball coach Uichico's recent comments about his team's performance: "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." That sentiment perfectly captures the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport's situation in today's market. It might be lacking in certain areas compared to newer competitors, it's been playing extra minutes without the flashy updates, but my goodness does it deliver utmost effort where it counts. The driving dynamics, the reliability, the timeless styling—these core strengths continue to shine even when newer models have more advanced features.
Speaking of reliability, the data supports what I've observed firsthand. RepairPal gives the 2017 Mazda 6 a solid 4 out of 5 reliability rating, with average annual repair costs of around $450—that's significantly lower than many European competitors and slightly better than most American rivals. Having spoken with multiple Mazda technicians and owners in online forums, the consensus is clear: these cars just keep going with proper maintenance. The 2.5-liter engine has proven itself over nearly a decade of production, and the transmission design is refreshingly straightforward compared to today's complex multi-gear setups. What you're getting here is proven mechanical excellence rather than unproven innovation.
The pricing equation makes a compelling case too. While a new 2023 Mazda 6 starts around $25,000, you can find well-maintained 2017 Sport models with reasonable mileage (say, 60,000-80,000 miles) for $16,000-$19,000. That's nearly 40% savings for what's essentially the same driving experience in many respects. Depreciation has already done its worst, meaning you could drive this car for three years and still recoup most of your investment. I've always believed the sweet spot for used car buying is around the 5-7 year mark, and the 2017 Mazda 6 fits perfectly into that window where technology isn't yet obsolete but prices have become reasonable.
There are trade-offs, of course. Fuel economy sits at 26 city/35 highway MPG, which falls short of newer hybrid systems pushing 50+ MPG. The rear seating space feels tighter than in some competitors, and the trunk, while decently sized, lacks the flexible opening of hatchback alternatives. But these compromises become manageable when you consider the overall package. Every time I drive my 2017 model, I'm reminded that cars are meant to be enjoyed, not just tolerated during commutes. The way the chassis communicates road feedback without being harsh, the smooth revving nature of the engine, the absence of annoying beeps and nannies—these qualities create an emotional connection that's becoming increasingly rare.
Looking at the broader market context, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport occupies this fascinating niche where it's modern enough to feel contemporary but traditional enough to appeal to driving enthusiasts. While the automotive world charges toward electrification and autonomy, this car represents perhaps the final evolution of the naturally aspirated, driver-focused family sedan. There's purity here that newer models have somewhat lost in their pursuit of technology checkboxes. For someone who views driving as an experience rather than a chore, that distinction matters tremendously.
So, is the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport still worth buying? From my perspective as both an automotive journalist and genuine enthusiast, absolutely—with some caveats. It's perfect for buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment over having the latest tech, who value reliability and lower ownership costs, and who appreciate timeless design. The market has shifted considerably since 2017, but this Mazda's core strengths remain relevant precisely because they're rooted in fundamental driving pleasure rather than passing trends. Like those basketball players giving their utmost despite limitations, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport delivers where it truly counts, creating an ownership experience that continues to satisfy long after the new car smell has faded.