Is the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport Still Worth Buying in Today's Competitive Market?

As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, that familiar feeling of connection returns—the perfectly weighted steering, the driver-centric cockpit, the way the cabin seems to wrap around you like a well-tailored suit. Seven years after its debut in this generation, I find myself asking whether this particular model still holds its own in today's flooded midsize sedan market. Having test-driven countless vehicles across segments and price ranges, I've developed a particular appreciation for cars that age gracefully, and the Mazda 6 Sport represents an interesting case study in lasting value versus modern convenience.

Let me be clear from the start—I'm someone who values driving dynamics over flashy tech, and this bias undoubtedly colors my perspective. The 2017 Mazda 6 Sport comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower, which frankly isn't impressive on paper compared to today's turbocharged offerings. Yet there's something to be said about the smooth linear power delivery and the way it pairs with the six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike many modern CVTs that drone endlessly, this transmission actually feels connected to your inputs. I've put about 3,000 miles on various examples of this model over the years, including a recent week with a well-maintained 2017 Sport trim with 68,000 miles, and I can confirm the driving experience remains remarkably engaging for what's essentially an affordable family sedan.

Thinking about that reference to basketball players giving their utmost effort even when "things weren't falling our way," I'm reminded of how the Mazda 6 Sport approaches its position in the market. It doesn't have the brute power of a V6 Accord or the hybrid efficiency of a Camry, yet it consistently delivers where it matters most—the driving experience. The chassis tuning strikes this beautiful balance between comfort and responsiveness that few competitors matched even when new. The electric power steering provides genuine feedback, something becoming increasingly rare in this segment. I remember specifically taking one through winding backroads near the Santa Monica Mountains and being genuinely surprised at how composed it remained through successive corners, with body roll well-controlled and the steering communicating what the front tires were doing.

Where the 2017 model shows its age is undoubtedly in the technology department. The 7-inch infotainment screen feels small by today's standards, and the absence of standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is noticeable—though many owners have reported successful aftermarket installations for around $400-600. The interior materials, while generally good for the class, feature more hard plastics than you'd find in newer Mazda 6 iterations. During my time with the vehicle, I found myself missing the ventilated seats and more advanced driver aids that have become commonplace in recent years. That said, the fundamental ergonomics are excellent, with controls falling naturally to hand and an overall layout that prioritizes the driving experience over gadgetry.

From a reliability standpoint, the Skyactiv-G engine and transmission have proven remarkably durable, with proper maintenance. I've spoken with several owners who've crossed the 120,000-mile mark with only routine maintenance, and repair costs tend to be lower than European competitors like the Volkswagen Passat. Fuel economy remains competitive even by 2024 standards—I consistently achieved around 29 mpg in mixed driving, close to the EPA estimates of 26 city/35 highway. The ownership costs aspect is where the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport truly shines in today's market, especially when you consider that clean examples can be found for between $16,000 and $19,000, representing significant savings over newer models while delivering 85-90% of the experience.

There's something to be said about a car that knows its strengths and plays to them consistently, much like athletes who give their utmost even when conditions aren't ideal. The Mazda 6 Sport was never the most powerful, the most spacious, or the most technologically advanced in its class, but it excelled where it counted—delivering a genuinely engaging driving experience in a segment dominated by appliances. As I reflect on my time with various examples, I'm struck by how this car manages to feel special in everyday use, something I can't say about many modern sedans that prioritize screen size over steering feel.

Would I recommend buying one today? For driving enthusiasts on a budget or anyone tired of the sanitized driving experience offered by many contemporary sedans, absolutely. The 2017 Mazda 6 Sport represents one of the last truly driver-focused midsize sedans before the industry shifted heavily toward SUVs and electrification. While it lacks some modern conveniences, its fundamental goodness—the way it moves, sounds, and feels—has aged remarkably well. In today's market where character is increasingly sacrificed for convenience, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport stands as a compelling reminder that some driving pleasures are timeless, even as the industry evolves around them.