Some critics were known to attack the size, power and quality of the midsized cars released by Mazda through much of the past decade – and the 2009 Mazda6 was the automaker’s answer.

Designed with all the comforts to please American sedan owners, the 2009 Mazda 6 unveiled in the U.S. contains only about 10 percent of the key-dimension components of the world-car platform version and has no common sheet metal or glass, according to MotorTrend.com.

Aside from being a pleasure to drive, the car boasts new eye-catching bodywork that consists of a blending of contours and edges. A stylized grille and jewel-like projector-beam headlamps lead into fenders with bold RX-8 and CX-9-type features. In addition, tighter gaps in the Mazda’s body panels and the addition of aero cleanups help to reduce the model’s drag coefficient by about 10 percent, compared to earlier versions.

When drivers climb into the 2009, the cockpit motif will make them feel like a pilot behind the wheel. The interior features an attractive blend of textured plastic surfaces with matte metal trimmings.

According to Edmunds.com the car also comes with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

With summer just around the corner, many northeastern car owners are surely looking forward to enjoying some leisurely weekend drives around the countryside. Those who are interested in an exciting, quick and flashy sports car may want to take a look at the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata, which was ranked as the most fun to drive new vehicle on the road in 2008 by Consumer Reports.

The 2008 Mazda Miata is the most popular small convertible in production today. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine capable of creating 166 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. When paired with a manual transmission, the Miata can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.5 seconds, while still sporting a strong fuel economy.

However, the hallmark feature of the Mazda’s 2008 convertible is still its pinpoint steering and control.

“Although tuned for a smoother ride than before, the Miata still changes direction with the immediacy of a roller skate and speaks to you clearly through the steering wheel and driver seat,” says Edmunds.com.

In Consumer Reports test scoring, the Miata almost tied the Porsche Boxer, while costing almost half as much.

Mazda‘s senior vice president of product development Robert Davis says the manufacturer’s older models are lighter than its newer vehicles, which could get people interested in used Proteges in New York.

Mazdas normally gain about 80 pounds every time they are redesigned, according to Automotive News. Davis says this is partly because the company often equips its latest models with bigger wheels and tires.

There are ways of shaving weight from other areas of a car to compensate for extra pounds, but they can be rather expensive. “Carbon fiber roofs and hoods are great for a BMW M5, but they are not viable in our cost structure,” Davis told the news source. The base model of the BMW Davis refers to costs more than $85,000, according to Motor Trend.

Lighter cars often get better gas mileage and can be popular with environmentally-friendly drivers. A 2003 Mazda Protege weighs about 2,635 pounds – roughly 60 pounds lighter than the 2004 Mazda 3. For this reason, used Mazdas in New York could become popular with eco-conscious individuals.

The start of the school year may have high school students asking their parents about ways to not have to ride the bus each day. For families looking for an affordable and safe car, used Mazda6s in New Jersey could be one choice.

Editors at AutoWeek magazine compiled a list of cars that are attractive to younger buyers and can allay some parents’ fears. While several new cars made the list, the current economic climate and recent cessation of the Cash for Clunkers program may make buying a vehicle from dealer showrooms a difficult proposition.

With that in mind, the staff also chose the 2003-2008 model year Mazda 6, the 2007-2009 Honda Accord and the Mercedes 300 series from the late 1970s as alternatives that may be more affordable.

Used Mazda6s in New Jersey offer more space than their earlier counterparts for a variety of storage options, and the sedan also offers sportier styling than many others in its class, according to a Cars.com review.

For younger drivers, it “is able to corner crisply, and it takes curves confidently with modest body lean and satisfying grip,” the website’s editors noted.

With smaller cars beginning to have many of the same features as larger models, those looking for used cars in New York may want to consider a Mazda3, which has continued to make a “cool cars” list for the past six years.

Kelly Blue Book says that the Mazda3 has again been named one of the top 10 coolest cars under 18,000 because of its options that include leather seats and ability to connect portable electronics via bluetooth and iPod connections.

“The auto manufacturers have made the low-priced segments the most personality-filled in the industry,” said Jack R. Nerad, Kelly Blue Book executive editorial director and executive market analyst, adding that the cars chosen “are loaded with technology and amenities.”

For buyers considering a used Mazda3 in New York, the 2005 model could be a good choice, according to the editors at Edmunds.com

They say that in its second model year, its “good looks, strong engines and sharp handling add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap,” with the possibility of extra space in hatchback models.

People who have followed the Mazda3 may have seen that the compact car, available in both sedan and hatchback variants, is getting a high-speed upgrade, but used Mazdas may offer similar sporty handling according to some reviews.

With a limited slip differential provided by GKN Driveline to help the car maintain its composure through turns, the new MPS will have a 2.3 liter turbocharged engine with air sucked in from a large hood scoop when it’s released in Europe.

“Thanks to its torque-sensing technology, GKN Driveline’s Super LSD enables Mazda to deliver excellent responsiveness and a sportier driving experience,” said Graeme Walford, GKN Driveline engineering and commercial director.

According to the company, the MPS will still have improved fuel economy thanks to an ignition system.

But for those looking at used Mazdas in New Jersey, older models of the Mazda3 are already available, and some have garnered their own accolades.

A used Mazda3 from 2004 is a good value for its exterior, handling and engine that “add up to an economy car that feels anything but cheap,” according to Edmunds.com editors.

Find Used Mazda cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto