As I slide behind the wheel of the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport, the memory of coach Uichico's words about his basketball team comes to mind: "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's exactly how I'd describe this five-year-old sedan - it might not have all the latest tech or the most powerful engine, but it consistently delivers where it counts, giving its utmost effort even when newer competitors seem to be pulling ahead in certain areas.
Let's talk about what makes this car special, because after spending a week with one that's clocked about 65,000 miles, I've developed some strong opinions. The first thing you notice is that gorgeous Kodo design language - seriously, Mazda nailed it with this generation. That sweeping profile and aggressive front end still turn heads today, which is impressive for a design that's nearly six years old. The cabin feels surprisingly premium for what was essentially the base model, with comfortable cloth seats that I actually prefer over leather in many ways. They don't get scorching hot in summer or freezing in winter, and they provide decent grip during spirited driving. The driving position is near-perfect, with a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel that actually telescopes enough for us taller drivers - something many Japanese cars still struggle with.
Under the hood, you're getting Mazda's 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder putting out 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Now, I'll be honest - this isn't going to win any drag races against turbocharged competitors. The 0-60 time sits around 7.5 seconds, which feels adequate but not thrilling. Where this car truly shines is in its chassis tuning and steering feel. Mazda's engineers clearly prioritized driving engagement over outright comfort, and it shows. The electric power steering provides genuine feedback, something that's become increasingly rare in this class. The suspension strikes this beautiful balance between sporty firmness and daily-driver compliance that makes backroads genuinely enjoyable while still being tolerable on rough city streets.
I recently took one on a 300-mile road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it reminded me why I fell in love with Mazdas in the first place. The way it transitions through sweeping curves, the precise shift action from the six-speed automatic (though I'd recommend seeking out the manual if you can find one - they made about 15% with three pedals), and the overall sense of mechanical harmony creates an experience that's becoming increasingly rare in today's crossover-dominated market. The fuel economy impressed me too - I averaged 33 mpg on that trip, which isn't far off Mazda's claimed 35 mpg highway figure.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the infotainment system. The 2017 Sport trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that feels dated by today's standards. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which for many modern buyers might be a dealbreaker. The navigation system feels sluggish compared to what we're used to from our smartphones, and the voice recognition system understood maybe six out of every ten commands I gave it. This is where that "kulang kulang" aspect comes into play - while the fundamentals are solid, there are definitely areas where the Mazda 6 shows its age.
Reliability has been surprisingly good according to the data I've seen. RepairPal gives it a 4 out of 5 rating, with average annual repair costs around $450, which is lower than many competitors. The Skyactiv engines have proven remarkably durable, though I'd watch out for potential issues with the battery and alternator as these cars approach the 70,000-mile mark. Having spoken with several Mazda technicians, they consistently mention that these cars hold up well if you stick to the maintenance schedule - particularly with oil changes every 7,500 miles and transmission fluid swaps every 60,000 miles.
When it comes to pricing, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport represents fantastic value in today's used car market. You can find clean examples with reasonable mileage for between $16,000 and $19,000, which is about $4,000 less than a comparable Honda Accord or Toyota Camry from the same year. That price difference is significant, especially when you consider that you're getting 85-90% of the refinement and driving pleasure of those more expensive alternatives.
So, is the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport still worth buying today? Absolutely, particularly if you prioritize driving dynamics over having the latest technology. It's like that reliable veteran player who might not have the flashiest stats but consistently delivers where it matters. The steering feel, chassis balance, and overall driving experience remain competitive even against newer entries in the segment. While it may lack some modern convenience features and its four-cylinder engine isn't the most powerful, it makes up for these shortcomings with character and engagement that's increasingly difficult to find in family sedans. For driving enthusiasts on a budget or anyone who appreciates a well-sorted chassis, the 2017 Mazda 6 Sport remains a compelling choice that continues to punch above its weight class.