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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  Still Perfect - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By danalube - June 27 - 9:22 am

  I bought this car new and have racked up about 60,000 miles. Most of those miles were in Florida. The A/C kept my dark car and dark interior very cool. I do have window tint, which helps. In Summer 2011, I drove it from Tampa to Seattle. The cross country drive was very comfortable and problem free. The stereo with Sirius/XM has decent sound and the nav system got me to my new home with no problems either. All Ive done to it so far is oil changes and tire rotations. New tires are going on this year. The only thing that I would improve on this car is the handling and better brakes. Previous car was an RX-8. I got spoiled with the brakes and handling on it.

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  Faster that you Think!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By aregusters - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 6 wagon. Its great. I have so much fun. I had a Accord coupe 01. And I really liked that car. But, the 6 is a total upgrade. The handling is superb. Acceration is top-knotch. I was on the intersate the other day. And a mustang gt drove up next to me. The engine of the mustang was loud and aggresive. The driver quickly drove past me. So I said the heck. I will se what this 6 can do. I switched into manual. And I dropped into 4th gear. You thought that I had nitrous in the tank. Cause the car took off and me and the Stang were going at it. The 6 couldnt be shaken.

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  love my hatchback! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JJ - June 24 - 12:33 am

  After running a 1987 626 to 200,000 miles several years ago (and still going strong!), I looked forward to a dynamic car from Mazda that fit my needs. My 2004 6S hatchback was definitely worth the wait. I may even consider buying out the lease. Pros: Gobs of cargo room, great Bose sound system, wonderful performance for a front-driver. Cons: cloth upholstery and headliner feel cheap, no auto-up/down on all windows, no full-service spare tire, TERRIBLE dealer experience for sales and service at two Mazda dealers in Las Vegas. I highly recommend the car but be wise with your shopping.

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  I think I got a lemon? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By harleyhoney - June 22 - 8:23 am

  I bought my 6 brand new, I thought it looked really cool, I owned it til 6/2008, I only had about 25K on it... things were always wrong with it, first thing my headlights kept burning out I went thru 4 sets of bulbs over a 1 yr time frame next the transmission would shift randomly, and clunk all the time, dealership said nothing was wrong with it. Blew out vacuum hoses, brakes went out, battery was shot after 1 yr, there were many other things. The seats were hard as a rock, it was not safe on ice, handled very badly always got stuck in the snow, traction control (what a joke) the dash scratched so easily. I was not very happy with this car, I was so happy to trade it in.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By theanonymus1 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Cool car to own!

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  The total package? - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Confuc1ous - June 14 - 10:00 am

  When i purchased this car i think i went in thinking, wow, this is a mazda, how amazing could it really be? well, i was wrong and this car is everything its said to be and so much more. I have to admit, every single feature in the car functions so efficiently and works so well. I enjoy driving the car, the ride is perfect, the wheels are large enough to take corners with good speed and suspension supports these turns with the wheels and suspension working in supplement to one another. I suggest buying a Mazda, im not sure how other peoples sales experience went but mine wasnt amazing, the salesman was a dunce, and the business guy was pretty rude, but the car makes up for it wholly.

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  Napoleon of Mid Sized - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By GeorgeM - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Prior to purchasing the Mazda 6 I owned a 2002 Honda Civic EX and while the fuel economy was great, the Civic just wasn’t practical for me anymore i.e. size does matter. So I began searching and stumbled upon the Mazda 6 and requested a test drive. That was it. I was hooked. The Mazda 6 is a champ. Not only is it one of the sharpest affordably mid-sized vehicles on the road, it is quite the performer; very choice. May I advise anyone who is looking for an outstanding vehicle…purchase the Mazda 6. Need I say more?!

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  MY ZOOM ZOOM - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By BF - May 24 - 7:20 pm

  I have this car 6 month 8500 miles and still love it. I have owned 15 new cars in my life and this holds 2nd place as my favorite. 1990 Chevy Lumina Euro holds first place. Great car fun,fun,fun for a 4 door family car. Being a 38 year old guy with 2 kids and a wife it fits the bill. Wife drives a crossover. Glad to buy the 2008 and save big$$$. No problems, no complaints. Good room in front looks great. I have to recommend putting on a spoiler it changes the whole look of the car. The Zoom Zoom makes it happen, go Mazda

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  Buffeting - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By deepblack - May 22 - 9:36 pm

  When driving my new Mazda 6(Ive had it two weeks) with the rear windows down there is severe buffeting and air pressure that caused the eardrums of three of us to hurt even though we only were subjected to this phenomenon for about 10 seconds. Never experienced this in any car I have ever owned. Anyone else have this problem? If so, what did you do? Did you call Mazda and what was their response? Also, I calculated the mileage I got driving locally and it was 23.7 MPG although the cars computer indicated 18.8 MPG. I really like my Mazda 6 overall with the minor exception of the buffeting issue noted above.Ha

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  2007 Mazda 6 S 3.0 V6 - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevenmazda - May 22 - 8:51 am

  I bought this car used with 58,000 miles and loved it right off the bat. If you own the V6, it makes the nicest sounding noise I can think of for a car in this price range. It isnt super powerful and some modern day 4cyl could probably beat it, but it is refined and I loved it. It was hooked up to a 6spd automatic that was always eager to downshift, and will go through the first 3 gears pretty quickly, The ratios are nicely laid out. It turned in crisply and handled very well also. Unfortunately all this fun to drive goodness led me into a car accident, thankfully, only involving my car. I put 30,000 miles on the car in 2 years with my led foot and nothing at all broke, even at the track.