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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  Gettin out of mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cristiana - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband and i purchased this car 6 months and 9,400 miles ago. For us it was the BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER!!! There is so much noise,brakes,steering,suspension,driver door...not to mention the squeeling from the belts,and the brake dust,which is outragous!! But dealer says brake dust,belts....everything is normal!!This was our first Mazda, but im afraid it might be our last,especially since it is in PERFECT condition fully loaded with everything and the dealer only once to give us 13,000!!!I know every car deppreiates, but 10,000 in six months!! I guess it is time to go back to HONDA!!!

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  Great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By prionace - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Mazda 6i (manual) last month. The seats are comfortable and adjustable. The tilt and telescoping wheel is nice. The cabin is generally quiet. Cargo space is more than enough. The handling is great and I now understand what people mean by a car ‘communicating’ with its driver. Shifting in lower gears is a bit of a pain at times, and with low end torque not special, the car is most fun once in 3rd gear. Braking is solid. Sweeping curves are a lot of fun. Gas mileage is good. I have yet to see another Mazda6 on the road since I bought it almost a month ago. Uniqueness, is a very good thing in my opinion.

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  mazda 6 2004 no no - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By acbrua - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the new 6 last month on March first.....it has been in the shop now 5 time for the same reason. when you turn the steering wheel the cars front squeals!!!! I have found out mine is one of about a dozen so far that have been reported to do this also a secretary let is slip they are having problems on the 6 with shimmy problems....so my vote dont buy it!!!! Looks great but it si an over priced piece of junk

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  Facing Same Problems As Many Others. - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Faultless - February 15 - 4:13 am

  I bought my Mazda6s Grand touring in Dec. of 07 used but still under factory 36k bumper to bumper with 33k miles on it. Ive now had the car for 5 weeks and its already back at the dealer with a blown engine. "Low oil conditions." Check your oil check it often these cars use it burn it I dont know they make oil disappear. The dealer tried to tell me the last person to do my oil change was to blame and I quickly responded with "well that would be you."

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  Luv it! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sarah - February 15 - 1:00 am

  I just bought my car yesterday after doing lots of research and I dont regret it. Buying a used 08 with low mileage fully loaded was a much better deal than getting a new 09 base model. The 08 is more fun to drive and it feels very sporty. Plus it has better gas mileage than the 09.

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  Glad I got rid of the SUV! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By KK - February 12 - 3:50 am

  I LOVE this car!!! I have been an SUV driver for 10 years now and was feeling the crunch at the pump. It has been a little weird switching to a car, but I forget about that instantly when Im hugging turns and driving this thing like its on rails. I bought the car on the 30th and a week and a half later I have only gone through 1/4 of a tank!!yeah! Anyone who is in a SUV ditch it, the car is a lot more fun!

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  1. Lift jaw off ground. 2.Wipe up drool. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MZ6 Luv struck - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Luv it! Fun, sporty, unique design in and out, eye catching, "nice car dude" nice leg room

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  zoom zoom boom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sid/buddy - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 38 days cell went bad. waited 96 days and they still had not got the part I am in the process of lemoning the vehicle.

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  What a blast - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tminehart - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my six for a little over a year and its still a great car. As a son and grandson of autoworkers Ive driven or owned almost every type of car. The Six is a great car in every respect. My satisfaction with this car a year later is probably higher than the day I bought it. I live near mountains and the 4 cyl climbs better than most v6s and screaming around the corners on the down hill is stiff and predictible. Its been a pleasure to own.

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  Outstanding "Sport" Sedan, Practical! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Adam - February 9 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car with 2 years left to go in the Army, and I was driving a LOT on weekends (highway) and abusing it during the week, hauling squad members around post. I have a little over 70,000 miles on it, and have just changed the original tires at 65k miles. Everything else is original (including brakes, which look to have about 10,000 miles left on them). The first two years was a lot of highway driving, the last year and a half was normal mixed driving. Its held up extremely well to a hard life of icy winters and scorching summers (Missouri, Florida, and Louisiana). This has been the perfect balance of a "fun to drive" vehicle with a "practical" vehicle.