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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  In Town Mileage is over stated - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Guzler - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I have a Mazda 6s with a 6 cyl and automatic. I have to keep looking at the specs as I can not get near the miles per gallon in town as they are stating. I am barely getting 12 to 14 miles per gallon. Maybe I have a heavy foot but I try to be easy on the pedal and still the mileage in town is poor. I was pleasantly surprised then to find out that the highway miles per gallon was close to what they had estimated and so not all is lost on gas. But if you are looking for performance and not gas mileage, then this car is for you. Fun to drive and some real pep when you need it.

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  Solid and Reliable - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Juan - August 13 - 5:16 pm

  I bought this car new in June 2007. Now its Feb 2010 and 45,000 miles later I only have praise for this car. Solid and Reliable. I bough new tires at 40k and also a new battery at around 34k. Other than that, I have never taken this car to the shop. Still rides and looks like new. I would buy it again. I have owned a couple other new cars before, and they all had minor problems after 2 years (power windows broken, gas pump failure, etc). Not this one. The quality of this car is superb.

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  How a Family Sedan Should Be - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rhagel - August 12 - 9:02 am

  Impressive performance, good looks, reliable, great fuel economy not to mention value priced and extremely fun to drive. I almost dont have to say more. This is such a great car. My 4th Mazda and I keep coming back! Ive had the car for just over a month, but my job keeps me on the road with about 3,300 miles on the odometer. My commute requires some light traffic, rolling San Diego hills and speeds of about 75-80 and am consistently seeing 34 mpg having fun passing cars along the way. Its comfortable, has a great interior and the engine and transmission combo is oh so smooth... Hands down, you will not find an overall better value in this segment. Hesitating to buy? Do it!

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  Sport Tourer - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By john alkire - August 9 - 6:06 pm

  Replaced a Acura. I needed room for golf clubs and a safe fast driver. I bought the 5 speed manual which really makes the car a much better performer than the auto. I have yet to visit the dealer except to get mats for the back. Very quick, not as smooth (engine) as Honda/Toyota/BMW.

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  2009 Mazda 6 S Touring V6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MK51 - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  Replaced a 2005 Taurus, looking for a car with updated design, performance, and technology. Definitely found the great design, performance and nice bells and whistles. Respectable gas mileage, 22 city, 27 highway. Somewhat disappointed in overall comfort and noise issues. High level of road noise from 18" tires, very sensitive steering, stiff ride, and noisy engine and compressor/fans (very annoying). Unfavorable reflection of top of dash in front window. Engine/fan noise addressed once, but not convinced it is entirely corrected. Will pursue with dealership and will get used to the other minor discomforts.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By PI - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Im not going to repeat everything else that has been stated. Simply, Ive been looking to replace my 96 Probe GT for a few years now and nothing else pushed my buttons. Ive tested a number of cars including the Altima, Celica, Solara, TSX Scion tc, and even the 325ci, anything that was semi sporty and had a little room. I first tested the 6 when it came out, (93) and was impressed, just felt the need to explore more. I bought my 94 with luxury/sport package/mp3 and a few other features for 24k before rebates. There wasnt another car with similar options even close to what I got for the $. Its solid, tight and pretty quiet. Ride was as good or better than the 325ci sport(s) I test drove

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  Good car for the price - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott - July 20 - 4:03 pm

  Traded into the 6 out of a Saturn Aura XE coming off lease. The Mazda6 is my favorite in class this year due to its styling, interior space and price. It drives very well. I like a sportier feel than the cushiness of the Camry, and I hate CVTs (Altima and Legacy). The 4cyl engine does better than I thought it would, but you definitely notice the step down if coming from a V6, like me. My black cloth interior is kind of a lint trap, it seems -- the velour really shows anything that sticks to it. Comfortable, though. I am noticing a handful of little touches that the Mazda does not have, compared to the base Saturn that I leased in 2007. For the price, though, I am happy with the car.

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  My good Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By justmeee - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Good car, handles great, drives even better in manual mode. Very good car overall.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom Zoom - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This may be one of the best deals on the market, if not the best. The 6s handles like a dream. Its a sports car is a sedans body. The ergonomics of the interior are very pleasant. There is plenty of room in the back seats for adults. when you give this car some gas it definetly goes zoom zoom. Third gear in the 6 is orgasmic--this is when you truly feel the acceleration and power of this car. The 6s has a wonderfully smooth ride and so smooth that you fail to realize how fast youre going unless you look at the speedomoter. Highly recommend this car over the camry and accord. Its the best bang for your buck hands down!!!

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  Almost Bought One - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By gsemike - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I agonized over my Altima vs. 6 decision last March and ended up with the Alt. Just recently, I rented for a 6 and this convinced me that I made the right choice. The 6 is nice and sporty, but the Altima is more handsome and just all around nicer to drive. I didnt like the 6s seats back then and I still dont.