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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  WOW - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chuck B - September 6 - 3:40 pm

  Was sure I was buying the V-6 Accord, but after test driving both, it was no contest. The Mazda 6 has much better handling & power, interior quality & looks. Bose is great, keyless entry & pushbutton ignition cool! Trunk huge as is back seat. Handles like a sports car but ride is soft. 6 cylinder is powerful & quiet. Only have it a few weeks but very happy so far. Averaging 21 mpg in combined driving. Have an 05 Mazda 3 with 45,000 miles with no problems, hope this one is as reliable

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  Decent car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrian - September 6 - 8:03 am

  Not as refine as the new 07 Camry or Accord BUT for $2.5K less I can live with it. Car handles better than most in its class. I took it out on the twisties and it was like glue on the road (& I have the lower-end 16" with steel wheels). Gas so far so good. Im still on my 1st tank and odometer is 365 miles. I figure I can push pass 400 miles easily with a full tank. Interior is about what you get for a $16K car. Not good not bad. Once I wear off the rubber (3 years maybe) I intend to put snow tires on the OEM wheels and get a "real" tire/wheel package for summer driving; then this car will look and handle even better!

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By xlr824 - September 3 - 10:13 am

  Lets start with the good parts. The car handles great and looks great. It is very comfortable. Now the bad. The car has been in the shop 12 times in 14 months. Everything from lumbar supports breaking (twice) to a fuel pump failure and several things in between. This is the 4th new Mazda I have owned in the past 6 years. I have been waiting a month for Mazda to make any decision on what they are going to do to satisfy their "good" customer on a car that has been a true "piece". The true quality of a company is shown not when everything is well but how they handle it when it is not well.

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  Zoom, zoom, zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By milocat - September 2 - 4:10 pm

  This car is by far one of the better ones Ive owned & it is by far the most fun to drive. Ive been a Honda owner many times, but this car has changed my thinking. I love the heated leather seats, steering controls, & best of all, the sport shift stick. The hatch on the wagon is easy to open and close, hard to say about most vehicles (Im only 53" tall). This car is really a headturner & people are always asking me what it is and commenting on the sporty styling. It is easy to get my son in/out of the car & the hatch makes it so easy to load groceries, strollers, etc. If youre in the market for a smaller SUV and want something that gets good gas mileage, heres your best bet.

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  Very nice to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Love it !!! - August 25 - 12:00 pm

  I purchased this vehicle and really LOVE IT! It really handles nice and for the money spent it was a steal.

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  Sporty Middy - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By N23 - August 22 - 10:46 pm

  Wanted to buy a 4 door after owning 2 sports cars, (Integra & Prelude). Looks fantastic in dark cherry mica. Performance is ok as automatic hunts or lingers when driving with a lead foot. Gotta agree about the gas mileage. 4 cyl is mid to low 20s so far in the city. Love the stock wheels and stock body kit the 6 comes with. Glad Mazda has the monochrome look in style.

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  Didnt know practicality could be so fun - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stephen - August 21 - 5:16 pm

  Found a Black 09 i Touring (Plus) - Bose sound system with Satellite radio, sunroof, bluetooth, advanced keyless entry, Xenon headlamps, Leather w/cloth insert seating, 6 speed manual, cruise control. Ive only had the car for less than a month, but am totally loving it! Ive put 1800 miles on it already and dont want to stop driving - its just too much fun. 6 speed manual is a very nice transmission, and although its only got 170hp it can really move when you need it to. Fit and finish is very nice, and the doors even sound nice and solid when you close them. MPG is very respectable. Suspension is firm but comfortable. Loads of trunk space. Mazda has done a fine job with the 6!

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  Love my Mazda 6 ITP - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Prophet92 - August 19 - 11:43 am

  After 5000 miles, I have no complains about my Mazda 6, ITP - V4, ebony black and black interior. So far, I can say that the Mazda 6 is a great car for its value. Its slick and sporty design stands out from the rest of of the pack. Handles really well and actually zooms as needed. It is not a racing car but a zooming sporty everyday sedan. I added HID lights (inside/outside), tinted windows, silver bumper protector, mud flaps, silver door handles and pillar posts. I get nothing but compliments about it.

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  Sporty wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JoeZ - August 18 - 4:33 pm

  My wife wanted another wagon even though our Passat wagon left me with a bad overall impression. So after doing my research, I decided to look at the Mazda 6. Boy, am I glad that I did! The car is very attractive and although I have owned for a few months, it has gotten more compliments than my Honda or VW ever did. The car satisfies my need for sportiness while meeting my wifes need for versatility. If anyone is seriously looking for a sporty "people mover," I strongly encourge them to take a look at this vehicle.

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  Most pleasing car Ive owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce Emmons - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the GT V6 - 5 spd. Auto. with the ground effects package. It is the best handling & driving 4 dr. sedan that I have ever owned (I have owned over 60 cars). Handling is excellent, cornering is smooth & predictable. Brakes are excellent. The 5 spd. Auto. Trans. works excellent. The 6 cyl. engine has excellent power expecially for passing, mileage is good (30 - 32 m.p.g.) and the sounds it makes when accelerating are addictive. There is nowhere I would rather be than behind the wheel of this car!