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 Zoom lives up to it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ashbrown38 - September 9 - 12:36 am

  I love this car, I purchased it brand new, the comfort and safety features is awesome. My previous car Ford Focus, even though fun to drive, it was functional. With this Mazda, Its fun, great mileage, sporty, speedy, security. The stability is awesome, tight curves no problem. Handles extremely well. Love the interior, Love the look. Love what it does to me as safety goes. Great stereo system, keyless entry is fantastic especially when I have a lot of groceries. Im finding out new things about my car every day. Definitely, recommend this car. So far, 39 hwy/28 city

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  Very sporty/very nice - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Audiprof - September 6 - 6:30 am

  Two kids in college took me downmarket from the Infiniti and Audi range but Im not disappointed. Very smooth performance from the 6 speed auto which is well matched to the 6 cylinder engine. The S Sport model handles like a demon with very little body roll and is really a hoot to drive. Seating is supportive with a very good power drivers seat. Being over 50 Im not crazy about the rear spoiler which smacks of "boy racer" but overall the styling is eye catching and sets itself apart from the plain vanilla of Camry and Accord. The ride is just a bit rough over bad pavement and expansion strips but overall this is a great car.

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  Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John - September 3 - 3:53 pm

  Great wagon!! Drove the Saab, Volvo, BMW3, and the Subaru. I just couldnt find the same value as the 6. I got the slick shifting Manual and what fun it is!! The leather seats are some of the most comfortable Ive sat on.

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  COMPETITION IS NONE - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 10 - September 3 - 4:40 am

  Just like the title states. Test drove the Honda Accord; wasnt comfortable. Test drove the Nissan Altima; on the slow side. This is my second Mazda, my first was a Millenia s. Luxury with an attitude. Same goes for the new 6, handling is crisp, suspension feels sporty, ride is smooth and comfortable. More bang for the buck if you ask me. I just fell in love with this car.

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  Good Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Handbook - August 20 - 1:26 am

  I brought a Madza, V6, with 60,000 mi, a month ago. Someone just hit me this weekend and cracked the back fender and wheelwell. So far, Im very happy with this sporty, stylish car. It gets a lot of compliments. The car is bright red with 17" alloy wheels. The engine is very quiet. I can barely hear it while I drive. The car is fast too. The V6 is suppose to have 220 HP. Once I test drove it, I decided to buy it. I do have one issue with the car. Its hard to see out the back window, and the blindside on the passengers side is bad. Its hard to see if there are cars on my right side. I have to be more careful when I parallel park. Other than that, the Madza is a good car.

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  Love my 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mandy - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Easy to handle in all weather conditions, great performance...no problems. Runs perfect, comfy. Only downside is that it gets door dings easy.

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  Quickly forget its a wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mym6 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I drive an automatic Redfire Sport Wagon with black cloth interior and the Bose and Sport packages. Great car for the money. Handling is superb, predictable and smooth most of the time. The engine mated with the 5 speed ATX is smooth most of the time but generally under powered for a V6. It lacks the low end grunt most Americans are looking for. Instead it offers smooth delivery that feels nearly the same throughout the RPM range. The transmission also likes to shift a bit too soon and is a bit busy between 40-50MPH, a TCM update from the Mazda dealer fixes this gripe however.

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  somewhat disappointed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrianne - August 13 - 8:40 pm

  Four months new and under 3K miles, so not enough info on mechanics, etc. I do a LOT of errands and have some things I love and HATE, namely: shifter - "sporty" automatic zig-zag maze made like a manual. Having carpal tunnel and shifting 10x or more a day between PRD absolutely kills the hand/wrist. Pickup: extremely slow and extremely jerky, and I mean with a pronounced jerk when stepping on gas. A full 1-1 1/2 seconds to kick in, which makes it useless to dangerous when passing and power/speed is needed. Test drove 20 minutes or so but never noticed the bad pickup, and shifting wasnt done as many times as would be done in a normal day, so it wasnt noticed. HATE radio volume depending on speed!

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  Love It! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott Brandt - August 11 - 6:13 pm

  I compared the 6s to the VW Passat/Jetta, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Mazda gives up some power to the Altima and Accord, but the driving dynamics more than make up for it. Great seats (mine has the LX heated leather seats), responsive steering, crisp handling with a firm, smooth ride - all wrapped up in a sportier exterior made the choice an easy one. For my money, the combination of sportiness, safety features,driving dynamics, and comfort make the Mazda 6 a winner.

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  Still a cool car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By R E - August 10 - 4:50 am

  I love my Mazda, after I replaced the cheap tires that the factory put on it. It handles a lot better and the ride is more smooth. The only problem Ive had it the regular service, light bulbs are a pain to get to and I believe mine has a short in it. Sometimes it goes out for no reason at all. All in all, the car is wonderful. In fact, Im thinking about trading mine in for the 07 model.