Mazda Mazda6 2005 - 06 Mazda Mazda6 MSRP: $18,995 to $26,995
2006 model: $1,000 dealer incentive
2005 model: $2,000 mfg rebate
NHTSA: Frontal impact – five star; Side impact - three star front, four star rear; Rollover - four stars
IIHS: Poor rating for side impact without optional side airbags

If you're looking for a sedan, back away from the Accord-Camry mind meld and consider the Mazda6. Here is a legitimate challenger to the sedan crown, with sporty road manners, exciting styling and a great price. Through September 6, you can get a $1,000 dealer incentive off the price of a 2006 model, or a $2,000 rebate off the price of a 2005 Mazda Mazda6.

A four-door, five passenger family sedan, sports sedan, or wagon, the Mazda6 comes with two engine choices: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 160 horsepower and is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, or a 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Photos courtesy auto manufacturers