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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  Beautiful On The Outside... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ne14wood - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Problematic On The Inside! 1) Last week, my THIRD check engine light came on. After a recent visit to my dealer, they stated, "We have no fix for the check engine light. The light will always come back on. If you are lucky, our Mazda engineers will have a remedy by August 2004 (today is 4/6/04). The check engine light is caused by a misfire in the fourth cylinder". What an awful response from the dealer. 2) The A/T often shifts erratically. Sometimes the automatic transmission feels like I just did a "neutral drop". This is an alarming sensation. The dealer has no fix for this either!

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  Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jlhuelsman - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time in my car. It is comfortable, has great power, and looks great

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - December 16 - 10:03 pm

  Pros: Body style is distinctive. Standard DSC. Roomy. Quiet at highway speed. Uncluttered dash controls. Huge trunk. Nice firm suspension. You dont blend into the sea of Camcords in a parking lot. Good combination of fuel efficiency, size, handling, and looks. Base stereo far better than our Civic EX-L. Cons: Front seats shaped weirdly, not the best comfort. Steering wheel obscures top of gauges when adjusted properly. Stupid red gauge lighting reminds me of wifes old junky pontiac grand-am. Auto trans shifts in and out of overdrive too often. Clear shifter surround panel scratches easily. Little support from online forums, not nearly as much as VW or Honda message boards.

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  Just bought it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By may31 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It was a toss up between the TSX and the 6. I couldnt take the hassle with the hard to come by TSX and the 6 was more bang for the buck. It has a lot more room, especially in the trunk. Perfect for the family I hope to have soon.

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  great price, great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jethro2004 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the car, though the gas mileage has been far less than the epa tested (the only major issue with the car, probably would not be an issue to me without the high gas prices). The only quality issue so far is a rattle in the rear hatch which the dealer promptly fixed.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Storman - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I look at the BMW and Mercedes i was so disappointed that these to cars did not come with all the bells The new mazda6 is great bigger,faster. I live in the hills and it handles well the engine is so quiet.

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  Defects Make Buying Pointless - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmkeuch12 - December 9 - 4:15 pm

  This car is stylish, great to drive, and the extra perks make it comparable to other luxury cars. The problem? I bought my 2015 MAZDA6 Grand Touring (with Technology Package, low profile tires, and remote start engine) in November of 2014. One month later the car died on me. What happened? The TPMS was constantly misinforming me of low tire pressure, but that wasnt the biggest issue. The big problem was the power control module dying. After a month of waiting for the part to come in I was finally given a substitution vehicle identical to my original car. This car, after 5 days of ownership, is also having the Tire Pressure Warning come on unnecessarily. Mazda has not been helpful.

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  Love that 6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Bohan - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving my 6 for 2 months now. I love the design and form of the car. 20 more hp would not have hurt, but all-in-all it is the most pleasant riding, sports sedan I have owned yet. When the engine idles, it is so smooth you cannot tell it is running. The BOSE audio system is top notch, and the climate control works rapidly and efficiently.

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  Just got it will comment again on 3/2010 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By newyorkgiants - November 29 - 6:03 pm

  I just recently bought a used 2003 automatic, 4 cylinder Mazda 6i. It has around 52,000 I will comment on it again in one year to see what everybody says about this vehicle is true.

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  So far, so good - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By fredstench - November 27 - 4:26 am

  I have had my Mazda 6 Grand Touring for 1 month. No issues so far. This is my third Mazda, and I purchased this after very positive experience with my Miata and CX-9. Before purchasing, I test drove a BMW 3 series w x-drive and turbo 4 cylinder, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Azera, and Mercedes CLA. Results: I was underwhelmed by the BMW experience for the $, and the fact that it required premium fuel. The Genesis was nice but felt heavy and gets mediocre fuel economy, plus it was rear drive. Mercedes CLA was OK but I did not care for the interior. With Mazda 6 equipment, it would be $40k.