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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  Zoom Zoom Ping Knock Clunk - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart Summers - October 29 - 12:36 pm

  Poor performance and reliability. New 6 speed constantly needs to be recalibrated. Ticking noise from valves requires valves to be retorqued. Throttle assembly went out, and now there is a knocking noise coming from the engine between 700 and 1200 rpm. Not a purge control solenoid as told by dealer and manufacturer. Let the buyer beware.

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  Anyone Else Experiencing Electrical Issues?? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jayl2 - April 7 - 3:15 pm

  Purchased the car used from a dealer in January 2008. Within 6 months, started to notice issues with the clock not lighting up. This ultimately progressed to the entire dash not lighting up, or flickering. Now, the radio turns on and off by itself, and is a real nuisance when driving. I was told by the dealer that to correct this problem it will be over $1000. Needless to say, I dont have the money now to do this. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Was there ever a recall on this issue? I couldnt find one. Other than forking over $1000 to get this issue corrected, what has anyone else done to remedy the situation?

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  dont get what you pay for..... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MCOLANNINO - March 8 - 4:53 am

  Switching from a Outback I was looking forward to a smaller, sleeker wagon but Im not won over by this one. Some minor but noticeable cons: It comes with an ashtray ... who uses an ashtray anymore? Making room for the ashtray storage seems wasteful. It has a built in storage for sunglasses above the rear view mirror which doesnt allow moms to clip on their 2nd rear view mirror for the kids. Lastly, a big CON, the rear windows go down ALL THE WAY. Im used to rear windows stopping about 8" from the bottom; anyone with infants be aware, the rear windows come all the way down. Also for some reason the air conditioner runs automatically. I dont get why that is?

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  Goodbye Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By nms68 - February 11 - 1:20 pm

  I leased a Tribute for 4yrs and loved it, I was thrilled to get into the next lease, but 6 was the car to push at that time. I wanted a Tribute, but dealership no longer carried and convinced me this car was great. One month after driving off the lot, I began having battery problems. Something was draining it but no one knew what. They said it was my 3rd party installed REMOTE STARTER (had that disconnected), THEN they said it was a ROOM FUSE(?). Now I am being told it is a CONTROL MODULE. Brake light comes on on its own. This car has been at dealership over two months total with no resolution. When this lease is up, Mazda will never see me again

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  The bad side - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By BERNARDO MARTINEZ - February 3 - 10:10 am

  After five years I have had many problems with my car i.e., headliner at rear window coming off on both sides, driver side visor broke, stereo has problems push CD changer and the A/M radio comes on, push change song on CD and CD ejects, lots of strange thing like that. The biggest problem is the transmission shifts really really hard like it slams into gear. Took it to a dealer they told me not a thing is wrong with it. One more thing the fan has a recall because it stays on long after car is off.

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  mazda electrical/misc troublemaker - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dsuranksy - February 2 - 10:58 pm

  I purchased an 07 hatchback in 08 with 12 k miles on it. Car has had repeated air bag lights. Taken to dealer numerous times, paided alot for diagnosis, dealer cant ever seem to repair. All goes well for a day or two, the light comes back on! Warranty is long gone, pretty much stuck with it..Seems to go thru tires, all four have to be replaced every 20k with alignment (michelin tires). Stay away from Mazda, never had these problems with Honda or Toyota.

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  My experience has been very poor - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By oblithian - October 15 - 1:31 pm

  The Mazda 3 arrived after the 6 and has had who knows how many infotainment updates, yet the 6 still hasnt had one in North America, and as a result a lot of the features run into problems (like playing songs not associated with the title displayed, dismally slow connectivity times). Mine has had transmission problems since I bought it, with many appointments and now resolution. The interior bits (especially the tilt steering adjustment) have started vibrating on even smooth roads. rear brakes clunk when releasing. Poor sound insulation. However, it handles nicely and gets pretty good fuel economy.

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  Should have thought twice - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NastiVehicle - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 6s is a blast to drive, but the quality isnt very good. I have under 6000 miles on the car and have had to have the dash board, the steering column, the center console, the radio, and the defroster replaced. The problem has come back among other terrible rattles in the back of the car along with problems the technicians caused. Other than the poor quality the car drives great, just crank up the tunes and try to zone out all the rattles. The body of the 6 is awesome with the sports grille and body kits you can get. If I had to do it again I would have gone with the accord or tsx.

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  Time to Start Worrying? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hmmmm...... - January 15 - 3:10 am

  Just replaced the starter today, at 30K miles. Strange "whirring" sound after cranking was my tipoff that something was amiss. Luckily, I havent had any of the brake problems encountered by many on this site. My other big concern since owning this car has been intermittent problems with hesitation upon releasing the clutch, especially into second gear, when turning a corner. It seems like either my clutch is slipping, or my power is dropping precipitously. And of course, the dealer can never re-enact it when they have it (tends to be worse when the car is cold).

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  New 2006 Mazda 6 needs new motor - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By jefles - November 9 - 1:20 pm

  The car started a tapping noise from the motor at 2000 miles. The dealer tried to say it was normal. The dealer has now ordered a new engine from Mazda due to defects at 6000 miles. Buy Honda or Toyota.