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:

• 

  Loving My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jose21 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my loaded 6 last week and each time I have been behind the wheel I just totally smile. I researched this car and many others for about 5 months. I also test drove an Acura TSX...it was very plush but with no V-6...it just could not match the performance of the 6. The low end torque has not been an issue for me. The engine pulls strong all the way to redline. It never feels strained and it sounds awesome! I am very satisfied with my decision to buy the 6.

• 

  SoldOnMazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By coolsteel - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Only problem in about 20K miles has been a faulty o-ring on A/C compressor, replaced under warranty. Heck, replacing 10 o-rings a year would still be a small price to pay for the fun Im having. Great dealership experience. Oh, yeah, no window sash "staining". Zoom-Zoom.

• 

  Second new Mazda, love them. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alan McGuiness - March 31 - 2:43 am

  Traded in my 2004 with 111K on it for a new 2008 Mazda 6I, all the bells and whistles, leather heated seats and interior, CD player with awesome Bose speakers, sunroof, heated mirrors, compass in autodimming mirror, etc. Owned this one for 7 years, just spent my first out-of-pocket on a replacement headlight bulb. Absolutely no other issues or complaints, and I push my vehicles hard. This one did 135 MPH in Death Valley a couple of years back, and the radio plays louder the faster you go!! Armorall the entire leather interior annually, holding up perfectly.

• 

  New but staisified owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6er - March 28 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car less than a month ago but already love it. Coming from owning a Corvette, modified BMW, 69 Camaro among others, I must say this is one excellent car. Its not as demanding to drive as the Vette, or a nimble as my old 3 series, yet driving it reminds me of both in its own way. It has excellent power in the V6, is extremely tossable with great balance for a front driver. Power is completely smooth and linear, and shifts are crisp. Gas mileage isnt bad, but its not great either, 6th gear seems a bit too short. It has 5 others to have fun!

• 

  Terrible technology! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By driveitforev3 - March 27 - 9:43 pm

  The car is good - a little more sluggish than I expected, but still cute and fun. The problem is the technology package. After 4 months, I can say that I have given it my best shot, and it sucks. We have another car with similar features and this one is so sub-par. The touch-screen is so painfully slow, the features are clunky, entering in an address is horrible, and you can only do it while stopped - even if you are the passenger, so plan ahead! The voice control is totally useless. The Sirius radio loses the signal if you drive under a thick tree. And the phone bluetooth hook up keeps crapping out. If the technology package is important to you - look elsewhere.

• 

  2014 Mazda 6-Btemest kept secretig items with oriteease.o haul b of new sedans - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By thumper477 - March 27 - 1:02 pm

  We looked at Accord,Altima,Fusion,Optima,Malibu,and others.Then I heard about the new Skyactiv Mazda 6 from a friend.Test drove our Soul Red sport and bought it on the spot.My friends think I spent big bucks as the car looks very expensive.For a base model the list of standard features is impressive.Leanst the steering stops.t agaither steering wheel,shift knob and e-brake handle are nice touches.I also liked the 1000 dollar owner loyalty rebate. This car as all 2014 Mazda 6s is built in Japan.Not too many cars are made there anymore due to the higher cost of production and shipping.The build quality is excellent.

• 

  Good car but - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By paul p - March 26 - 3:40 am

  No doubt about it, it looks great, handles very well, and has the biggest trunk out of all the cars it competes against, but it probably has the hardest seats and the weakest air conditioner which should be a concern to anyone living in a southern climate. Other than that I dont regret buying it for a minute.

• 

  One year later, and still zooming - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By johnny2003 - March 24 - 2:35 pm

  Our GT is our third Mazda. We left Honda years ago for better styling and value and havent looked back. Our liquid silver with black leather is a looker. Still after one year, people stop me all the time wanting to know what kind of car it is. People have guessed Lexus, Jag, and Infiniti. I just love the car, it is my daily driver. Still puts a smile on my face every time I open the door and push the start button. No, the navigation is not perfect, but are any of them? No the screen is not too small, Im two feet from it. I dont need a flat screen on my dash. Radar cruise is COOL! Lots of features that many cars dont have for only $30K. Whats not to like?

• 

  All In One! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Craig Shamwell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  How many all-in-one devices do you know that really do everything they are suposed to do, really well....not many? I dont know if Mazda really knows yet just how Good And Versitle my Mazda6 Five door really is. I have just eclipsed the 3000 mile mark and I am loveing this car more each day. And each day is important as you aquire the feel for the tight clutching that makes you really drive this car that wants to be driven. My wife and I recently hauled home a piece of furniture more than six feet tall. The seats fold down with ease to almost flat. With room to cart around my wifes two teenage daughters and their friends comfortably, this car never lets you forget that this is the Mazda6!

• 

  Nicest Car I have ever had - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - March 19 - 8:10 am

  Very good looking car. I was worried that these cars would have transmission problems and brake problems, but I have yet to see it. These cars handle like Porsches and people drive them like they are. The auto/manual hybrid has probably been abused by folks that dont know what they are doing. Get her serviced, treat her right and shell take care of you!