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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  ZOOM ZOOM FUN! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZOOM ZOOM LOVER - April 25 - 8:20 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Mazda6i VE 5m back in August of 2007. I love this car! The car has sporty drive and loves to hold the road. This is my second mazda I purchased a 2003 mazda protege es and also loved that car. The car does have a peppy engine for a 4 cylinder. On average I receive about 28mpg on daily driving.

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  Lots of Fun, All Around Good Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 23 - 1:30 am

  I have owned this car 6 months and so far no problems. Good looking car that is fun to drive. Engine is fairly powerful and can easily merge onto highways as well as provide good passing power. My only complaint is the lack of a 6th gear. At 70 mph, the engine is at 3,300 RPMs. I have never owned a car that did that and it can be loud if you go even faster. Maybe with the automatic it is not as bad or loud? Anyway, overall good car. Also, has great storage capacity with the hatchback!

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  value purchase, zoomer appeal - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr. tom - April 17 - 12:43 pm

  10/05: V-6 22,000 miles. Maintenance rating: very good. Automatic. Sport sedan is quite smooth but tiptronic-style shift is somewhat jerky; but useful and desired. Some noise on wide-profile sport tires; good brakes, excellent steering. Mileage 23 city/27 hwy. Best ergonomics, handling of this class car and many of higher cost ones I have tried. Leather interior hard, resilient. No BMW but a delightful purchase. Buy again? Likely.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe W. - April 16 - 6:06 pm

  I like quirky cars, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Its not an annoying car, just different. The 3.0L V6 is not as strong as you would think down low, but the car asks you to drive it in a higher rev range. Driving the car higher in the rev range doesnt screw up the fuel economy very much. Gotta love the huge hatch opening. My only gripe is the weird front seats the have too much thigh support for us manual drivers. Yeah, and the shifter itself is slightly clunky, but it performs flawlessly.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - April 13 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car new, but at a discount probably because its a stick and had been sitting on the dealers lot for 6 months. In over 40 years of driving I would rate it as one of my favorite cars, combining fun to drive, decent economy (City avg 22+ mpg, Hwy 26-27 mpg), looks and reliability. The V6 has a distinct midrange, but will pull smoothly from 1500 in top gear. Ergonomically its superb with controls laid out well and the pedals arranged for easy heel & toeing.

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  First time Mazda purchase - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce - April 12 - 6:13 pm

  Traded a 98 Lexus sedan with 170,000 miles for the new s grand touring. Looked at Camray and Accord but thought the Mazda offered better value for the money. Interior is refined with no gimmicks to clutter the appearance, although materials are plastic, appearance is disguised well. Love the red / blue night lighting. Power is superb and delivered effortlessly via the 6 speed automatic.The auto-stick is also fun for a change now and then. Ride is sporty, not plush. Navigation works very well although the menu operating system is a bit quirky compared to other units. Sound system is a 10+. Only complaint with 10k miles is the paint seems a bit fragile, with numerous front bumper chips.

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  LOVEIT - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MyNewCar - April 11 - 2:23 pm

  I enjoy driving my Mazda6s, it is fun to drive. I just switched from the Tribute to the 6s and I am happy.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atjcutie - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased an 03 6i, fully loaded. I am 20 and I think the Bose could be a little more loud. I love my car, it is beautiful. A lady told me it was "the bomb". It is a great value, I paid 19k for it.

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  Pretty good...... - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rich - April 11 - 1:20 am

  I like my Mazda. Bought it new, and now at 14k miles, having some problems. Warped front rotors, squeaking belts, steering clunk, transmission hesitant to go in gear from reverse to drive. The clunk happens mostly at low speeds, and comes from the passenger front. The tranny problem is not too good. It goes into gear when it is good and ready. It is a fun car to drive (handling) but the auto trans seems to always try to be in top gear so I am turning fewer revs. Do I really need to be in 5th gear while driving 35, turning 1800 revs? Thats why I usually go manual around town. It shifts to higher gears too quickly.

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  Awesome Redesign - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By lpmiller - April 9 - 12:29 pm

  I just traded my 09 6 for an iTouring with the Technology package, in Soul Red. That red is gorgeous. This car is a very nice improvement over the 2nd generation. While its a touch smaller on the outside, you dont notice it at all on the inside. The engine has a throatier growl to it and you can definitely feel the extra horse power from the old one. Its way too soon for me to talk MPG, as Ive only put about 60 miles on the car so far. But the handling, ride comfort, and style is a very nice step up. The autobox is about the best Ive ever seen, and the Bose stereo sounds a lot better then the previous version.