Overview & Reviews

With a few well-established vehicles dominating the midsize sedan segment, and numerous likable competitors trying to unseat them, it's tough for any particular vehicle to stand out. But the Mazda 6 has often offered something most competitors don't: charisma.

While just about any car in this segment will get the job done, the Mazda 6 manages to engage the driver in the process. This was particularly true of the first-generation 6, which had a relatively compact, European-size footprint and sporty suspension tuning that gave the car a remarkably nimble feel. For the second- and third-generation 6, Mazda enlarged the dimensions but retained much of the original model's handling panache. Whichever vintage you choose, the Mazda 6 is a solid choice as a midsize sedan.

Current Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 midsize sedan comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available: a six speed manual or a six-speed automatic (with shift paddles on the steering wheel).

Sport, Touring and Grand Touring are the three trim levels for the current Mazda 6. Standard equipment on the base Sport with the manual transmission includes a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a 60/40-split rear seat and a six-speaker sound system. The automatic transmission-equipped Sport gets Bluetooth, an infotainment touchscreen and a rearview camera.

Stepping up to the Touring adds items such as keyless ignition and entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver seat. Options for the Touring include automatic headlights, a sunroof, an upgraded sound system, navigation and a frontal collision mitigation system. The Grand Touring gets all the standard and optional features from the Touring, plus bi-xenon headlights, foglights, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Notable options for the Grand Touring include adaptive cruise control and the i-Eloop system that improves fuel economy by 2-3 mpg.

Visually, the 6 is no wallflower, with a distinctive face and a sleek profile that stands out in a crowd. In terms of practicality, the Mazda 6 also stacks up well against class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with regard to passenger space and cargo volume. Moreover, most midsize sedans can't match the Mazda's entertaining character on twisty back roads. The car's main downsides are an electronic interface that's a little behind the times and a ride quality that some drivers might deem a tad too stiff.

Used Mazda 6 Models
The newest, third-generation Mazda 6 appeared for 2014. Compared to the previous-generation model, the latest 6 differentiates itself with sleeker styling, higher fuel economy and added safety features. Mazda hasn't made any major changes since.

The second-generation Mazda 6 debuted for the 2009 model year and was produced through 2013. There were two available engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 170 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that put out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four-cylinder was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 was only available with a six-speed automatic.

In its second generation, the 6 was available in five trim levels: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring and s Grand Touring. Models with the "i" prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while those with the "s"prefix come with the V6. Base models were respectably equipped, while higher trim levels came with such niceties as a sunroof, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Other notable options included xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio and a navigation system.

As with other Mazda 6 models, we appreciated this generation's sporty handling. It was also pretty practical thanks to a roomy interior and a big trunk. On the downside, though, fuel economy wasn't the best in the segment and interior materials were lackluster. In its final couple years, this 6 also seemed increasingly outdated compared to newer rivals from Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota. But overall we think it's still worth considering as a used family sedan.

Launched for the 2003 model year and produced through 2008, the first-generation Mazda 6 was initially available only as a sedan, while a four-door hatchback and a wagon joined the lineup from 2004-'07. There were two basic trim levels: i and s. The Mazda 6 i was powered by a 160-hp four-cylinder engine mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission. The s came with a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 -- also available with a manual transmission or an automatic.

The Mazdaspeed 6 was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant of the Mazda 6 sedan that was only offered in 2006 and '07. Boasting 278 hp, a six-speed manual transmission and sports-car-like handling, this European-style sedan delivered great driving excitement. As a used car, it's a compelling package for those with a need for speed, not to mention all-wheel-drive traction.

With power accessories, cruise control and pleasant cloth upholstery, even base models were reasonably well equipped. Optional features included a rear spoiler, foglights, leather seating, a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system with a CD changer.

We like the original Mazda 6 for its edgy, handsome design and stylish interior. Even more impressive were its communicative steering and tight suspension. Both the hatchback and wagon were fun-to-drive and sensible alternatives to other sedans and even SUVs. On the downside, the first-gen Mazda 6's interior quality was lacking, and the sedan was relatively short on passenger space. Moreover, the V6 lacked the punch of rival uplevel motors.

There were a few changes made to the first-generation Mazda 6 over the years. In 2005, a six-speed automatic replaced the five-speed unit on V6 models. For 2006, four-cylinder cars received an upgraded five-speed automatic in place of the old four-speed, and all Mazda 6 models were treated to minor styling updates. The 2006 and '07 models benefited from additional safety features being made standard.

User Reviews:

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  I hate this car. - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Don - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  This is a car built for teenagers, not for a big (not fat) man over 50. Real world driving does not require seats that pinch your legs and shoulder blades to the point of pain. Red lights on the dash at night may be cool in a fighter jet but if youve become far sighted you will not be able to focus on them. Dont expect to carry any hanging clothes because the hook is too close to the drivers seat and the air bag wont work if you hang things on the grab handle. Does anybody really have room for this totally insane key on a keyring? Besides, $250 to get another, can you say ripoff? And the mileage isnt as good as they say either. Ill unload this turkey even if it costs me thousands!

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  sickofmazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jb2590 - March 12 - 12:56 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 used and it was perfect... At first.. The first problem was the cd player. Only likes select cds and ruined every cd I put in it. Another problem I experienced was the interior. I dont know what kind of fabric it is but water.. Stained! Impossible to clean then it felt like my transmission started slipping but couldnt pin point it because it didnt do it all the time. Went from that to check engine light staying on to the wiring system being messed up to getting stuck in 3rd gear to stalling out. This is all in 3 years. I loved my car at first but now I will never get a Mazda again..!

• 

  Junk - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Reese T. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  3 Recalls in 6 months. Automatic transmission hesitates to much.Snapping noise that comes from the driver side front door once in a while when I start to apply the brakes. Needs Alignment. Lousy and uncomfortable seats. What a mistake!!!!

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  No comfort at all - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By vvv - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Seat cannot be moved all the way back. I am 510" and even then I would need to move the seat at least 5" back to have my legs not too much bended. Ironically, they sell this car as sporty one. Next, I cannot reach the steering wheel when laying back even a little bit. Again, you dont drive any car completely upright like a tractor. Now, when I am upright, the steering wheel covers the view of instrument table. If I want to see the table, I must move the wheel all the way up and that really looks like driving a tractor. Overall, not being able to sit comfortably in this car makes me problems on long trips due to my sensitive back. 24mpg at 65mph without A/C. Thats ridiculous.

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  MAZDA6 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan 2.3L 4cyl - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dave408 - May 2 - 7:08 pm

  We baught a new Mazda 6 and at first had to replace the dash. (bubled up). Then had to get a new back seat. No one had ever set in it.Speakers had to be replaced a number of times. After a month we ran low on oil. The oil light never came on. It didnt show oil on the dip stick. No leaks. No sign of oil in the exhaust. Engine rattles when you start up. The oil light has never come on. The power stearing pump went out. My wife has the oil changed at a well known shop down town. Its always low on oil when she takes it in.My Mazda protege was a much better car.This car has been well taken care of but I think its junk. I will never buy another Mazda or Ford. Nor will any of my family members

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  Dont buy from company whose motto is "Cant guarantee how long this car will last". - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By la_fiera2000 - February 12 - 8:59 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 with a 50k warranty. I complained several times about misfiring after 1 month and dealer never found the trouble. At 55k miles the trouble was found to be the Throttle Body. I wrote to Mazda and they said "Sorry, but we cant guarantee how long parts will last after warranty." After that the right control arm broke twice(most of my driving is on the highway). Now, after 8 yrs of meticulous maintenance the compression valves gave out and will cost more to repair than the car is worth. I wrote to Mazda, and again their response was, "Sorry, but we can not guarantee how long our cars will last."

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  Mazda 6 is a lemon - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By aleigh - November 20 - 5:27 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever purchased. I never knew when the engine would turn over. Countless times I had to call road service, and the service dept. said everything was fine. You want your car to be reliable, and this was a piece of - - - -. I wanted to return it, but of course the dealership, Ralph Thayer of Livonia Michigan, would not allow it. In addtion, a minor detail is that the cup holder was not deep enough to hold a mug of coffee, so I always has to hold it while driving. I doubt this car even got 19 MPH. It cost me a small fortune filling up with gas every other day. My lease is up in 2 months, and I can hardly wait. Do yourself the biggest favor in the world and consider

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  Mazda, not as advertised - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda, Disapointed - June 19 - 2:50 pm

  I am original owner with 56K miles on it and mostly commuting/hwy miles. Loaded up 6cyl. Great car when I first got it. Handled great, but after that have had problems the entire ownership experience. Have had to try multiple dealerships as their knowledge, service and work quality is terrible. Mazda Customer service not helpful. Build quality and design is not good. 15 visits a year to a dealership not unusual for bad brake system, clutch, trany, engine, interior reattles, power steering, A/C, suspension, exhaust/CAT converters, etc. Mazda doesnt appear to be quality / customer focused. Engine (Ford Duratec) needed replacement at 46K with oil changes every 3K. Same engine as Ford Fusion

• 

  hate this car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cindy - March 25 - 7:23 am

  Have had far too may problems for a new car. Have been to dealer at least 10-12 times for defects, only to be told there arent any - none have been fixed. Dealership not very cooperative, they have a tendency to blame to consumer. My 5 speed does not shift properly - a lot of grinding and jerking, which the dealer blamed on my inability to downshift properly. I have driven 5 speed for 21 years - Ive got it down. The CD player skips even when driving over a stone. It was allegedly replaced - am taking to another dealer to have it "replaced" once again. Had several recalls, which I was only made aware of because I called Mazda headquarters. All in all, wish I never bought it.

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  Gettin out of mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cristiana - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband and i purchased this car 6 months and 9,400 miles ago. For us it was the BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!!! There is so much noise,brakes,steering,suspension,driver door...not to mention the squeeling from the belts,and the brake dust,which is outragous!! But dealer says brake dust,belts....everything is normal!!This was our first Mazda, but im afraid it might be our last,especially since it is in PERFECT condition fully loaded with everything and the dealer only once to give us 13,000!!!I know every car deppreiates, but 10,000 in six months!! I guess it is time to go back to HONDA!!!