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! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Navy_Vet29 - January 6 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Mazda, and I am sold! This is an excellent car, reliable/superb handling/excellent styling. My only complaint is the rather poor fuel mileage, other than that I love it. Im sure my next car will be a Mazda as well.

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  Brand New - Still Reviewing... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By jumpforjan - December 31 - 4:55 pm

  Just bought this car last night. Ive always loved Mazdas (I had an 89 MX-6, which my mother still drives!). Traded in my Maxima for this slightly-less fancy car, but so far Im pretty pleased. Zippy, corners well, good pick up on the freeway, good sound system (although I do miss my Bose with Sirius XM). Dealership was awesome. Hopefully gas mileage will be better than my Maxima, and that I have it a long time.

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  Better than the Accord hands down - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By orange73 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  For evreything you get with the 6, it with out a doubt is one of the best values out there. I had an Accord that a traded for my new 6 and the comparisons are not even close. The 6 looks better inside and out and is much more exciting to drive. The horses are a little low but the smooth-fun drive more than make up for the lack of power. This may be the best investment I have made on a vehicle. Bottom line, Mazda has sold me, I will be back for more. Very impressed!

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  My Wifes New Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hisdad - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Scenario: Our 14 year old son had outgrown the backseat of our 1997 Acura Integra GSR. We needed a mid- sized sedan. My wife prefers to drive a manual transmission and wanted a little zip. Possible Choices:Altima, Passat, 6s. (Accord and Camry did not offer a manual transmission w/V6) Outcome: Although, the 6 does not perform like the Acura, by any means, it suited our needs. Adequate acceleration, excellent handling and braking for a car in this size and price range, sporty appearance, and price (MSRP was $5000 less than comparably equipped Altima or Passat) were the factors in making our final decision. Epilogue: My wife chose to keep her 6s when I

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  Love my 6 more every day - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By abresci - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive, and it is a head-turner. Most people are stunned that I only paid $21,500 for such a nice-looking car. The sport package is definitely a recommended option (sport bumpers, skirts, suspension, and wheels), as is the luxury package (leather, power drivers seat, seat warmers)

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  Fun to Drive (true zoom-zoom) - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jjdawson - December 25 - 10:00 am

  [I hate driving in the crazy, stop and go, permanent-construction Denver metro traffic.] So, I opted for the automatic with sequential shift. Although I gave up quite a bit of manual-shift punch (I drove that one, too), the car is really fun to drive. I push this thing to its tire-screeching limits (no joke), but the car just begs for more. If it lasts five years the way I drive, Ill be seriously impressed with Mazda.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anna - December 10 - 5:43 pm

  Here is a car that you want to drive. Sporty handling with a sedan comfort. Good value for the money.

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  Got me by the price, conquest me after - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthropologist - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I really was not looking for a sedan, but the dealer offered a great price on it. I love it after the first week when I found everything naturally placed. I got the MZ6i (4 cl) with 4spd auto. Very impressive space inside front & rear leg room, all features are usefull and clear. No struts on the way at the trunk. Extremely great handling and suspension -very fun in twisties-. All accesories work and do not feel cheap. Upsole seems very rugged (I did not get leather)

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  So Far Its Good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By meathead1986 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for a few months and so far I couldnt be much happier with my purchase. I was told when i bought it that the catalytic converters had already been replaced in it which disappointed me but we made the purchase anyways. The ride on the new Hancock tires was amazing. For a front wheel drive car this thing handles amazing. The hatch offers a lot of potential for mass cargo so I intend to use it next year for a cross country trip. Gas mileage could be a little better but when switching from an SUV I cant really complain all that much. The only bad thing about the vehicle Ive found is the turning radius. Its pretty horrible and my old SUV could out turn it.

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  First Time Mazda Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By b0r3dguy - December 3 - 1:50 am

  This is just my 3rd vehicle Ive owned since I began driving. My previous two cars were Acuras (04 RSX & 07 RDX), so I was looking for something sporty, yet luxurious. When I originally began looking, I went to the dealer and test drove the all-new 2010 Mazda3, but I noticed that Mazda had great incentives on the 6. Later that day, I test drove a Mazda6 and instantly fell for it. I decided on the Brillant Silver w/ Moonroof & Bose package. I didnt get Navi because I have my own unit already.