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 like it - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob Ovel - March 29 - 4:40 am

  I didnt fall in love with it until they pulled it up for me at the dealership. Got almost 31 mpg on a 5 hour drive to KC which shocked me. CEL came on, dealership reset w/o problem. Dashboard can easily be seen during day. I think people are driving with their headlights on which does dim the radio lights but you have to roll the knob on the dash up and it shows up, just as bright as at night. Turning radius is not the greatest. Kind of expecting one more turn of the wheel and then it stops. Very hollow sound on the roof during rain and driving through puddles. Interiors nice and I love being able to close a vent and not have air continue to blow out.

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  It always came back to the Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By blooper - March 26 - 2:00 am

  After test driving a whole slew of autos the Mazda for the money was the best value. Af few others came in close, a few came in a bit better but cost a lot more money. The dealership was well run and very up front on the whole transaction. I could of purchased a much more expensive vehicle but why?

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  Solid sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ryan Johann - March 24 - 2:20 am

  For the sports enthusiast who is looking for a car that is not going to drive your insurance up the roof, this is your car. They call this a "family sedan" but this car is every bit of a sports car. With 220 horsepower it is fun to drive, the Bose speakers with the 8" subwoofer in the back is very powerful and fun, the traction control is great in the snow and rain, and the trunk space is huge considering the size of the car. The paint on this car is amazing in that you never have to wax it, it always looks glossy and new.

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  Buy these cars! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - March 20 - 9:43 pm

  Ive now had this car for three years and 86,000 miles and Im as happy with it as I was when I bought it. Other than a few recall items, that I never noticed, which were fixed when I had oil changes, Ive done nothing to the car other than a set of tires at about 75,000 miles and the once over at at about 65,000 miles including a plug change. Other than that only oil and filter changes and a set of wiper blades. Since my mileage is mostly long highway trips, I havent even had to service the brakes. This car will out handle most sports cars Ive driven but is comfortable on my 6-10 hour drives for work. Ride is direct but comfortable, the perfect mix of handling and ride for my tastes!

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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jops - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Riddled with problems. Built-in fogging problems, rattle ,visor,alignment, etc. Buy this if you want headache. Expect to visit the dealor a lot for warranty repairs.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rdn - March 18 - 1:13 pm

  This thing is a rocket ship. The engine hums at speed. It has a great growl. The bad thing is the split personality. Gently drive this car and you feel like an old person cruizing around. Open the taps on this car and HOLD ON! It just goes. I had a Honda Civic before and this car runs a bit rougher...but this is another species altogether. The only major issue so far has been the drivers door handle which has broken...thanks to some ice and a weak spot....one morning gave it a pull and CRACK! The motor sounds awful when started and then wakes up. Need to get plugs changed... but that is normal. Would buy another.

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  A Very Smart Buy! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mysticman89 - March 17 - 4:06 pm

  This car is just absolutely amazing. I am going to hold on to this car until it dies pretty much. It gets me where i need to go and I have no regrets for buying it. I think the people that get on here and complain about this magnificent car must have obviously been spoiled by cars such as Mercedes or Lexus. The seats are not uncomfortable and the fuel economy is a lot better than most cars. If I can drive this car 868 miles from IA to AL without complaining about uncomfortable seats then no one should.

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  Good Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dtyner - March 16 - 4:33 pm

  Before buying this car I had done a lot of research on cars in its class and for the money there is no car that even compares. My particular car is fully loaded and still costs less than any of its competitors. My car has the manual gearbox that shifts perfectly, and the v6 motor that has not great power but the a range of power that makes it feel sporty. The engine makes a decent note with the stock exhaust. The clutch has great feel. Stiff enough to have fun on the track but soft enough that your left leg wont shadow your right. The Handling is amazing. Very limited body roll but then road noise at highway speed is very loud. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Not Bad, better than I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By QbanPete - March 16 - 2:40 pm

  I needed a vehicle to get to and from work, well the 6 does and then some. I find that I take the long way home through country backroads that have lots of hills and curves. Once I adapted to the "Semi-Manual" its fun to keep the engine revving above 3500rpm. Keep the engine happy and it rewards you with a pleasant sound, considering its a 4. Gas mileage has been around 26mpg, which I consider good since I tend to floor it. A lot!

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  Great car, needs a couple things - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdaman - March 15 - 6:33 pm

  I tried an Altima, an Accord and a Mazda 3. I originally wanted a Miata but opted out because I needed more room. While in Mazda dealers I was always struck by the exterior and interior design of the Mazda6, so I test drove it and loved it. The handling is fabulous and the comfort of the leather seats is as good as Ive experienced in any car at any price. The fog lamps are the only ones Ive ever had on a car that were truly effective. The road feel is solid. Its great on long trips. Defect-free as delivered and still no defects of any sort have shown up after 2 months.