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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  Bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JohnTaylor - February 5 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 used and have had it for 2 1/2 years.. The car has been a pleasure to own everything has been beyond expectations.. The car has plenty of power and great MPG I avg 26-27 mpg with the V-6 something hard to find now days. The car is just right for the the new dad, that still wants something sporty to put the baby seat in. The car has been 100% reliable not a single problem and the inside of these things is so nice looks like a vehicle that would cost so much more.

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  Very under-rated by pro reviewers - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By BobG - February 2 - 4:10 pm

  This car has it all!! It is totally maxed out in terms of accessories, mostly all standard, not like in other cars in the mid-size range, especially American manufactured cars. We have the leather package with Bose and moonroof, and I cant say enough about how comfortable it is. Its a real thrill to drive, acceleration is tops, and handles like a high-priced sports car. Doesnt have the "sedan" look of other cars in its class. We tried the Optima, Accord, Camry, and Passat, and none can match this great package.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim D - January 29 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car used with 20k miles on it, got a screaming deal - the market seems to be flooded with them right now. There are a few peeves with the car in terms of build quality compared with my older, Japan-built Mazda, but hey, if you need a station wagon and are on a limited budget this car is a heck of a choice and a lot of fun to drive. Handles like its on rails, gets up and goes and turns heads. Before you settle for a Passat or waste your money on an Audi or Beemer, take the time to drive one. Zoom-zoom!

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  03 Mazda 6 S with every possible option - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex - January 17 - 12:16 pm

  This is the first Mazda I ever bought and Im pretty happy with the car. It looks GREAT with the sport package. The ride is pretty firm and a little bumpy but of course the car handles great. Its got a lot of power, 220hp, but it doesnt feel that fast even with a 5 speed manual. Nice interior design but not without flaws like peeling headliner, weird looking shifter trim and a few rattles. Overall a good car!

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  Good car, but it has some glitches - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By R. P. - January 16 - 4:26 pm

  I bought my Mazda6i brand new when it came out in 03. It performs great and it sure is pretty. But the build quality is a bit iffy. First a spark plug cable had to be replaced. No big deal, except that it took 4 trips and about 8 total hours for the dealer to figure out that was why the check engine light was on. Second, the transmissions inner shaft and axle had to be replaced at 20k miles after the car just died on me. Ive had no other mechanical problems with the car so far. It now has 30k miles on it. But now my interior ceiling lining is actually falling off. There is no excuse for that. A $25k cars interior lining should not be falling apart after 4 yrs.

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  Best Sedan EVER! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric - January 15 - 3:20 pm

  I wanted to get the V6 model, but couldnt afford it. Even though I had to "settle" for the 4 banger I am very impressed with its performance, gas mileage, and features. My last car was a Mazda MX-6 V6, and this has the same horsepower and performance, with better mileage and better interior. I love the sporty look and looks I get with this car! If you want a huge trunk (big enough to sleep in comfortably!). get the hatch -- you wont be disappointed.

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  BAD BRAKES! 8 ROTOR CHANGES IN 40K MILES - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paula - January 15 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this car in April of 03, and within 5000 miles, the rotors were shot, The dealership tried to say I drove the car hard. NOT! The next time I brought it in they tried to say dont drive it through a carwash!? That means you cant drive it in the rain! Hello? I had a Mazda Protege before this and the brakes lasted 80K without new pads or even the rotors being turned. It now has 43,500 miles, and I have had 8 (YES 8) rotor changes in 40k miles. They cant seem to fix the brakes. Now the booster pump went bad on the last change, and the booster pump is grinding AGAIN! I guess I got a LEMON! The car has otherwise been okay but the brake problems are frustrating.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe B - January 10 - 7:33 pm

  If you want a fun driving experience that has room for the family-- the 6 is your answer -- it steers like a sports car and is tight... Great ride for the money! Try it youll like it ---

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  A worthy contender from Mazda - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rickallen - January 10 - 8:35 am

  The new 6 is a strong step forward for Mazda. The design is ambitious, the build technology is advanced, and the features are highly competitive. Even the sport is well-equipped and sturdily built. The doors feel solid and the trim and dash are constructed of high-quality, low-gloss materials. My immediate gripes are not having a good place to rest my left elbow (Im 64" so the seat is far back) a gearbox that up shifts too early, and an elevated level of cabin noise on the highway. I also am skeptical of the mpg claims since my driving so far has produced a 27 mpg average and Ive been trying to maximize. The Diesel engine ought to achieve good numbers, though.

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  Worst-Car Ever Purchased - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jofried - January 8 - 6:00 am

  Purchased this Mazda brand new. In 4 years, Ive had the radiator replaced, hoses replaced twice, A/C replaced, two recalls,TCM (transmission control module) replaced, spark plug wires replaced, brakes still squeal after replacements, and worst of all was when my throttle body blew at 60mph and shutdown my electrical system as well leaving me to coast with no power. Ive complained to Mazda USA HQ and they did nothing when I requested a free extended warranty. I am now in the market for a new car and will never purchase a Mazda in my entire lifetime.