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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  Very Impressed - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By jfcpamba - March 21 - 4:27 am

  I was looking for a fun car to drive, manual that could fit our family of five. Test drove many cars and decided on the 6. This car is not perfect, but it is an excellent car for this price point. The best part of this car is the drive. It feels and handles great, like you are connected to the road. The fit and finish on the inside are fantastic as everything has a really nice look and feel to it. Nothing fantastic, but everything is nice. On the outside, I think its a beut...but thats my opinion. Ive had it for 6 weeks now and am now averaging 33 mpg in mixed driving. Hard to believe! This car is what I was looking for.

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  Mazda6 Wagon a great buy! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By BigO - March 18 - 10:43 am

  Great alternative to SUV and not very common. Im 64 and 260 so seating in front is ample. Ive got the Grand Sport and its a great value for its class. Fuel economy could be better. Love the pet barrier. Nice interior/exterior lighting. Im very happy even though I only have 7,000 miles on it.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nate W. - March 14 - 4:26 am

  This car is great. There were some problem when we first got it, it had to go back to the dealer 3 times due to computer problems. It was all under warranty and rental fees were covered by the dealer. Its a great car, very sporty. Get the V6 if you can, the added power is worth it. The interior build quality is great, there arent a lot of hard plastics, it feels more expensive than it is with the leather wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob. Manumatic is a fun manual override without a clutch for the auto enthusiast; it significantly give the car more of a boost off the line, and when driving.

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  Bingo. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By howard44 - March 12 - 1:50 pm

  I wanted a five-passenger sedan that is agile, stylish, fuel efficient, equipped with the latest safety technology, and available for $30,000. After much research, I found one vehicle that meets these criteria IMO: the 2014 Mazda6 GT. The Mazda6 is widely regarded by professional and consumer reviewers as the “driver’s car” in its segment. Its good looks are perhaps rivaled by the Fusion and Optima, but personally I find the 6 more gracefully sculpted. MPG is great at 28/40. The suite of available safety features (listed below) is incredible—again, the Fusion comes close, but for more money. As for price, I paid under $29,000 after dealer discount and Mazda rebates (+ .9% financing).

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  ~*mAzDa6*~ - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tasha - March 11 - 10:00 am

  the mazda 6 performs great is fun to drive and has a very sporty attractive appearance. Compared to similar cars on the market it has the most to offer with more standard options (ie: Honda Accord). The appearance package, lip spoiler, and sports grille added a lot to my vehicles sporty look.

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  Best Kept Secret Out There - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 06 6s in early 07. Probably sat on the dealers lot a long time because of the manual trans. However, maybe because of that I got a very good deal, too. Aside from a headliner that pulled away from the rear window and breakage of the lumbar support about 400 miles prior to expiration of the warranty, and somewhat early replacement of the battery, the car has been trouble free. It is a hoot to drive, strong runner with a good mid-range, and surprisingly good gas mileage avg about 22 in town and 27 on hwy.

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  dont get what you pay for..... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MCOLANNINO - March 8 - 4:53 am

  Switching from a Outback I was looking forward to a smaller, sleeker wagon but Im not won over by this one. Some minor but noticeable cons: It comes with an ashtray ... who uses an ashtray anymore? Making room for the ashtray storage seems wasteful. It has a built in storage for sunglasses above the rear view mirror which doesnt allow moms to clip on their 2nd rear view mirror for the kids. Lastly, a big CON, the rear windows go down ALL THE WAY. Im used to rear windows stopping about 8" from the bottom; anyone with infants be aware, the rear windows come all the way down. Also for some reason the air conditioner runs automatically. I dont get why that is?

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ashley R. - March 7 - 6:46 pm

  Ive had my car for a few years now and can say that Im very satisfied, I get so many comments on the car cause it looks like something that would cost a lot more then it actually dose. I get great gas mileage I get about 28.5 mpg. The car handles like a go kart, and has the looks to back it up.

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  Straight "10s" - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - March 7 - 9:06 am

  Having checked out all the obvious competition, we felt we had to compare the Mazda6 to something better as it beat all the regulars. We liked the styling of the 2009 Lexus IS250 a lot and did a side by side comparison. The bottom line: a loaded 6 versus a loaded IS250 was $7800 less even after getting a deal offer on the Lexus. The IS still didnt have all the features available with the 6. The choice was simple then. Driving the car shows that the Zoom Zoom hasnt been lost. It is just fun to drive, gets good gas mileage and has all the toys you would ever want in a car. The proof is in the drive. Dont buy a car without test driving the 6. It drove better than the IS and we are thrilled.

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  Finally a car I like. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Detroit Made - March 5 - 8:06 am

  I just bought the car and I couldnt be happier. I took it for a test drive in a West Michigan snow storm and it walked though the snow (The Wrangler that was traded in for it was in 4x4 and sliding). I was planning on purchasing a MKZ until I sat in the Mazda6. Hands down and $ for $ the 6 beat out Lincoln. Best choice I have ever made.