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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  The new love of my life - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rhodes44 - April 29 - 10:36 am

  I had a chevy blazer, 1999 that i traded in. I had way to many problems with it. The first and only car i looked at was a SILVER MAZDA 6. I loved how spacious this car is and all of the room in the trunk. I took that baby for a test drive and truly felt how clean she was. this car hugs corners and is such a blast to drive. Best way to describe it would be clean all around. My car was owned by one person, previously and had 52,000 miles. I would be using my car for work and also pleasure. My daughter and I drive to va beach alot, close to once amonth and have not had any type of issues so far. Even my boyfriend loves the way this mazda drives and cuts around corners. Very clean and sharp.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe Ca - April 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is a true sports sedan. It has ample power and Great Great handling. The 5 speed auto transmission with manual shifting is just more fun. This is the first car the seat adjusts to fit me at 63"

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  no regrets - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By h8tobu - April 22 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this car two weeks ago. I traded in my F-150 FX4 4x4; gas mileage was the main reason, but I wanted to still have a stylish looking performance minded vehicle. Im frugal not retired. A bland Toyota or Honda just wasnt in the cards. The Mazda 6s was the best bang for the buck and with all the standard features I have no regrets!

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  Whau - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dublin - April 22 - 5:10 pm

  They may call it the poor mans Lexus, but this car has it all at a significantly lower price tag. Plenty of cargo space, BSM, Bluetooth, 6CD player, and Zoom Zoom!

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  A Sports Car for the Family - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brendan M. - April 22 - 7:46 am

  With more than 27k miles now, my mpg continues to increase. No matter how hard I beat the car, it still returns 28 to 29 mpg. I do agree that low end torque is a little lacking, but this thing loves to rev. Plus, keeping the tach between 2500 and 4500rpm does not effect mpg at all. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Shifty - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By YT Cai - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  The Mazda6 is a well made car. It is tight, especially compared to the Malibu which was one of the loosest cars I test drove. Its still too early to tell, but Im not sure if I like the 6 speed automatic transmission. Not being a sports car person it seems a bit shifty from start to 5th gear which doesnt take long to get there. I wouldnt recommend it for circumstances where a "family car" is desired. The Sonata seemed a little more appropriate in the same price range.

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  I love to ZOOM ZOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joel - April 20 - 3:03 pm

  I dont think I can say enough good things about the new 6. Style ,comfort, power and reliability all in one package. We looked at the Bmw, Benz, Honda and Toyota. The 6 just is king in all departments. The power from the V6 is seat of the paints fun. The interior makes you feel like royalty. Mazda really out did themselves. This car sells itself. This is our second 6 and if they keep this up it wont be are last.

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  Not a bad car for the $$$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mattywat - April 17 - 12:36 pm

  Overall a great car; been buying hatchs for years, GTIs, CRXs and so on. Love the exterior and interior. Standard sport package "makes" the car. Kinda wish I could have afforded the V6.

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  Black Beauty - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tonyryder - March 30 - 4:53 pm

  Owned 2 previous Mazdas before. We had a 2002 Protege 5 and a 2005 Mazda3 GT Sport(much better overall than the Protege). Trade in value is excellent, even for a 3 year old M3 with 80,000 km on it we received more than I was expecting. We looked at other mid-size sedans (Mercedes C-class, Lexus IS, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord etc) and I believe that Mazda is offering the best "bang for the buck". We have now driven the 2009 Mazda6 since April 2009 and we love the styling and the real sporty, solid feel and handling. Features like blind spot monitoring, keyless entry, heated/memory seats (Canada eh?), large trunk, roomy backseat and Bose sound all add to the overall value of this car.

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  "New" remains after full year of use! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cec32372 - March 29 - 5:20 pm

  After an amazingly fast 1st year of ownership, this car still looks, feels & drives as new as the day I drove it home! Ride is so smooth yet sporty & nimble. Not one mech issue or interior rattle. So silent at idle u 4get its on! 4cyl leaves most cars behind at lights. Great in snow. Contrary to comments about paint scratching easy, brilliant silver paint still sparkles in direct sun with nary a scratch after very rough winter w/ lots of snow/ice sliding off the body. Still stare when I leave it b/c it looks so beautiful! VERY SOLID CAR: Was rear-ended HARD by SUV. No one hurt & bumper has barely visible damage save 4 slight indentation & very minor scratches. Still lovin my 6!