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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  Mazda6 is Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mary - November 22 - 8:16 pm

  I did extensive comparisons. I dont like driving a car that everybody else in the parking lot has. My Mazda in ash metallic can be found easily in the sea of cars. It would have been easy to spend another $8K or more on Audi A4 wagon, but I can use the difference for some nice trips. I havent had a chance to try it on any of the big hills here yet in San Francisco though.

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  V6 to 4 cylinder - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Pippi - November 14 - 8:56 pm

  I traded in a 1999 Mercury Cougar for this car after my brother was in a terrible wreck and lost a friend so I wanted it for safety! I love having all the airbags and the cage I feel soo much better driving. This car is amazing, it has the same pep as my Cougar but much better gas mileage (about 27 in the city). I went looking at a Highlander Hybrid or Mariner Hybrid but ended up with a luxurious roomy and comfy sedan for much less, plus the Mazda people were amazing.

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  Waste of money - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chuck - November 14 - 2:46 pm

  I bought a mazda 6 GT fully loaded in April 2006, and I had some small problems (rear defroster stopped working, lights went out) but nothing big until a year later the engine started making noise, so I brought it in and the service manager says it will cost $15,000 to fix(with a straight face) apparently it is not covered under warranty, Same thing happened to my cousin but she had a Mazda 3.

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  Still Lovin my Mazda6 - Zoom Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By silvercrown - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. When I walk away from it, I still turn around for one last look. The ride is smooth and the handling is superb. I really like the cool features that I have on the car and the Bose system rocks. I would like better gas mileage and a tighter turning circle, but other than that, theres nothing I would change about my car. I love it, right down to the gorgeous blue color. Over 4,000 miles and no problems. Zoom-zoom!!

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  Mazda Sport 6 05 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 4 dr sport sedan - November 12 - 12:20 am

  It has a lot of pep when you need to get into traffic or getting on the interstate. Its fun to drive.

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  nearly perfect family car for 4 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - November 8 - 3:33 am

  This is a practical, fun, fast and economical car. No problems. Fuel economy has been 22 city and 28-30 hwy. The manual says gas tank should hold 18 gallons, but only holds 16.5. No wheel lock key came with the car, which caused surprise when time came to change tires. Not much range/warning when low fuel light comes on.

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  Function Follows Form - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sport - November 5 - 6:33 am

  The Mazda 6 Sport wagon is used to haul family kayaks and bicycles. It does this well. The roof height is just right for loading large objects onto the sturdy factory rack. No trouble with three bikes or two 17 ft kayaks or four adults. Have driven long distances fully loaded at high speeds. No problem. The Mazda is fun to drive. Very good handling.Only problem is poor fuel economy. Having a V6 is no reason for poor MPG.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MeloYelo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had my speed-yellow 6 for 1 month...A BLAST to drive! The 4 banger with 5 spd. has plenty of power for me. My last 2 cars were a Catera with 220 h.p. v-6, and an Olds Aurora with 250 h.p. v-8...I never used all the power. The 6 handles and corners like a dream, also very quiet and smooth.Ive already ordered my special plates... "ZOOMIN 6" .

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Billz1979 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 6 months and For the money it is bar none the best choice out there. I have all the options in a 4 Cyl. All in All nothing but good things to say about the car.

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  You will love it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howie - November 3 - 9:30 pm

  I happen to like driving. The Mazda 6 is really the most fun to drive in the sedan catergory. Reasonably priced, nice to look at - very good quality inside too. I have researched the competition and have owned Acura/Lexus/Benz and could not be happier with this decision. You will be too.