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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  Frugal Sport Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BillF - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My criteria was a midsize sedan with high MPG, and very fun to drive. This car is fantastic. I get 28 MPG driving around and 32 MPG on a trip. The performance is great above 3,000 RPM. The car is also very quiet inside. I have never seen an oil filter like this! The 4 cyl has a housing where you replace the paper filter media. This media is hard to find and many places cannot perform an oil change because they do not have an oil filter.

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  I love my 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By puff - March 11 - 8:56 am

  We purchased a Mazda3 then 2 months later was happy but wanted a larger vehicle so we got the 6. I previously owned a Ford Mustang with manual transmission. With a move to a busy city I needed something that didnt required pushing a clutch constantly. The 6 gave me the best of both worlds, manual and automatic transmission without the clutch!

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  Theyre still doing it. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JerryL - March 10 - 2:30 am

  This is my third Mazda in a row and each new one gets me to love them even more. Dependable, comfortable and great to look at. I dont understand why Mazda doesnt sell more cars in the US than they do now.

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  Anthonys Mazda6 review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - March 10 - 2:20 am

  I drove my Mazda 6from St. Louis to San Diego and back and its just what I expected. It has a very smooth shifting 6 speed automatic transmission and nice acceleration; the interior seems to get a little uncomfortable after a long period of time; the 200 watt Bose sound is awesome and easy to use. It’s the most fun car I have ever driven. This is a great car for people who enjoy driving or like to make it fun. I was amazed at how this car grips the road. I tried to throw it around a little bit but it kept griping the road so that’s great. I highly recommend this car for all driving conditions.

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  Only 1 day, but a +++ so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rsteph4 - March 9 - 9:06 pm

  2014 liquid silver iTouring with auto. Replaces 2006 Cadillac CTS and 2010 Mazda3 sedan. Love it so far. Looked at 4 cars total (Camry, Altima, Sonata, and Mazda6) and for us the M6 beat out the rest, hands down. Of course, its a personal tastes thing, but I think the M6 was top line for both exterior and interior looks. Drives great. Not quite as snappy as the old M3 6-speed was, but it is bigger and heavier with, basically, same engine. Still, itll kick you back in the seat just fine. This is still first impression stuff since car barely has 100 miles on it, so well see how things are 6-months down the road. Still, dont think you could go wrong with this car.

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  New family car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kimberly Thornhill - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I have a child on the way, and my husband and I were looking for a family vehicle. I am still young enough that I cant see myself driving a minivan or station wagon or even a full-size car. The Mazda 6 is perfect. It is still sporty yet gives us the room we need will a growing family. Who says moms cant drive cool cars?

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  Get one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By willsing4gumbo - March 1 - 4:00 am

  I bought this car to replace a Miata lost to Katrina. I absolutely love it! This is my 11th Mazda. Have only had to do oil and other fluid changes, and put a set of tires on it at 50K. I swapped the noisy Michelins for Riken Raptors and it handles as if on rails. I use it to haul my kayaks, and it performs well loaded down with two 14 foot ocean kayaks

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  Overlooked Gem - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dsirias - February 28 - 8:06 am

  I have the only GT manual 6i hatchback that I know of in CA. After waiting months after my factory order it arrived just as requested - violet gray, black leather, iPod integration module. People are blown away when they see it, since there are so few of them in this configuration. Its not the fastest car, but it handles very well. The MPG is spectacular. Im not even at half a tank and Ive already driven almost 300 miles. (I admit that I dont drive real fast, but oh lord, I am loving the MPG thus far.) The Mazda6 is a car underserved by the base model and sport value configurations. Thats why there are so many unsold. To really see the beauty of this car, see it decked out!

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  Something different in this segment - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By byronape - February 25 - 11:25 pm

  I was searching for a mid-size car with decent power, nice looking, and a V6-MTX combo to replace my aged Maxima. The 6 fit the bill, and since its made in Michigan, I could keep my Ford retiree FIL happy. It had a little over 80k when it bought it, and had a few minor issues that I have yet to deal with. Almost a year after buying it, Im still pleased with the way the car drives and handles. The factory Bose system was terrible, so I swapped the speakers for aftermarket... fyi you need to swap the amp too or it will sound worse. Power isnt fantastic, but sufficient for keeping things interesting. Looks nice and with the leather and sunroof, it feels like a more expensive car.

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  Luv R Mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By luvmazda6 - February 25 - 5:23 pm

  We love our new 2009 Mazda 6. We picked it up in February after driving the Accord, Camry, Nissan, Passat and Malibu. We like it much better than the competitors. We have recently taken it on a 500 mile trip to Wyoming. It was quite comfortable and we had to actually put the car into cruise control so we wouldnt exceed 100 mph (it drives sooo smoothly).