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:

• 

  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony D - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I think my desicion to buy this Mazda ^ has been one of the best. The first time I saw it in the street I fell in love with it, when I test drove it I didnt want to let go of it and I didnt, now everybody turns to see my ride, the interiors are very confortable and has a lot of space. I did a lil bit of street racing with it and it didnit dissappointment.

• 

  Greeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaat - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By burkarak - November 9 - 8:56 pm

  All in all a great car for the money. Has a few rattles that the dealership has been unable to fix, but when you consider how fun it is to drive you dont really care. Everything is laid out and very accessible from the drivers seat.

• 

  Zoom Zoom is everywhere - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By adick75 - November 4 - 8:59 pm

  Great car for value on the market. Good millage as a cars with over 270 PS under hood average 21 miles per gallon. Bed side is only limited speed to 132 mph. In Germany hgwy no doubt. You can get easy over 155 mph and the worst is that this car can do it more than that. Nice acceleration 0-60 under 6.5 s. Beast!!! Only speed limit and breaks poor quality (pads changed after 14K miles and rotors after 22K) are under average. Also hand set free system is screwed only for US and Canada with dailling European nr you can do it on phone book.

• 

  100 Ochkov! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By slivka - November 3 - 3:06 pm

  If you care anything at all about the "fun part of driving", the 6 delivers. The steering feel, the springy suspension, the growl of the V6 (when pushed), all produce nothing but smiles. It is also so ever beautiful on the outside and tasteful on the inside. The car is a bit loud and feels somewhat less refined than Camry or Accord, but on the fun side of the equation it is way ahead. Also with Mazdas discounts our 6 was a bargain compared with similarly equipped Camry or Accord.

• 

  Sharp handling, no grunt - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By attila - October 26 - 12:13 am

  After driving a Camaro Z28 and various sportbikes I am shocked to see that a family-hauler can handle this well. Smooth (manual) shifter. The front wheel drive is a little disappointing and theres virtually no torque below 3000RPM but all in all it is an excellent package at a very good price. Dealers are willing to let it go several thousands less MSRP (mine was about MSRP-$8000 - what a steal!). Highly recommended if you dont absolutely need RWD.

• 

  almost perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By umm5354 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  the respose rate of 4-cylinder is not fast enough during acceleration. sport- type automatic transmission is not smooth enough. So if you know shift stick and have money to get a S-model, youll have a perfect car!!

• 

  Real driver, real world - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nwcab1 - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  Every review on here seems to be written by Mazdas PR dept. This car has a major issue. Everything about the car is excellent, except for the transmission. It is flat out terrible. Read the reviews at cars.com, this is not isolated. In their attempt to save gas, Mazda has created a transmission that will not shift down unless you floor it, and then the pedal engages some sort of performance button imbedded in the floor and the car lurches forward unsafely. Real world driving is miserable. Every down shift is met with a delay sending your body forward, and then the car lurches forward a second later. Simply awful. Test drive in traffic, around corners, change speeds...youll see.

• 

  5 on the Floor - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By MarkP - October 17 - 2:43 am

  Significant upgrades from last year make this car at this trim level a real sleeper in the midsize class. High revving V-6 with 5 speed MTX makes the car come alive. The 18" Pirellis combined w/ Mazdas sophisticated suspension result in a very tight handling package that gives surprising comfort, even on PAs third world roads. Tough choice between this car & Acuras TSX, but it costs $$$$ less, feels faster & runs on regular gas.

• 

  6th Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott Chesebro - October 16 - 6:56 am

  Excellent finish and fit. Built by the UAW which proves that great cars can be built by union labor. My 6th Mazda and the best yet. Very quick and very responsive. Solid feel without feeling heavy. Flat cornering. Silky smooth manual with short throw clutch. Attention to details. Very techno without being gadgety. Easy to learn. Keeps the fun in driving. Zoom. Zoom.

• 

  Drove it and Loved It - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By B Stager - October 14 - 9:16 am

  I was looking at this and the Altima. Liked the Altima but loved the Mazda. Steering is tight like a sports car, yet it sips fuel (30 MPG on a 200 mile trip averaging 75 MPH). Not bad for a lead foot! Wind noise was very minimal. Great fit and finish on the interior materials. Love the Bose speakers, bluetooth, and noise reduction feature. Push button start is fun too. Smooth to drive and the 4-cyl engine provides power when needed. I am 63" and have plenty of room. Dealer was 65" and could sit comfortably behind me on the test drive. On my way home from the dealer, I had two people ask me at a light what I was driving!