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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  Wonderful - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By WstEndZoom - August 7 - 12:30 am

  This is a wonderful car. Mazdas done a great job combining sportiness/design/value in this car. Exterior really draws the eye, it just looks quick. Inside everything about where you expect it to be and falls to the hand easily. Ride is what sells the car to me its fantastic. I took the 4 cyl for gas mileage (getting 28 from a midsize is fine by me). A little raspy when you put your foot down but it moves. Goes exactly where you point it - handling is a good as previous BMWs and Audis I have owned. This car wants you to push it. Brakes are 1st class.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomtex - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 8K miles. 6sp Manual fun to drive but could be geared taller. Very close ratios, do not use all 6 in normal driving. But if you want to thrash it, its fun. Impressed with trunk. Headed on trip in old minivan with 5 people, but it broke down. Switched all people and gear to Mazda and went on 3Kmi road trip. Immense trunk swallowed luggage with ease. Got up to 33 mpg @75 mph. Enough room in back to prevent fratricide. Came back from that trip very happy with vehicle.

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  2003 Mazda 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBroadster - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent headlights,and brakes. Enjoy shifting the automatic manually, came in handy in the Smokey Mountains. The 8way seat and double ajustable steering make it possible to find the perfect driving position.

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  i have a mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris6 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i love my car but the only problem that i have is that i cant good reception with the antenna i have. Also i have a problem with my window when i roll up the window it make a clicking noiseso check it out with others and make sure im not the only..........

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  Great mid-size sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobwilliamson - July 18 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the Camry, the Accord adn toying with the idea of getting a Ford escape instead, I ended up with the Mazda 6 - 6 cyl, Auto w/ Appearance Package. Had it for 5 months now, already have 10,000 miles on it, and every drive is fun, fun, fun.

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  Impression after 3000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Knox County Zman - July 17 - 2:53 am

  The new Mazda 6 (i touring) is a good car with decent features. Disappointments are: Travel computer is masked by clock. One or the other is visible at a time. The Travel info button is hidden. There is no auto headlight feature standard. You must spend about 1500-1600 more to get the xenon package. The auto on should be standard! Very irritating after having auto on on previous vehicle. Center console armrest is poorly padded. It is adequate at best. The radio is not the best quality. I find myself constantly adjusting the bass/treble to get a decent sound. Also no auto text scrolling for file names. Gas mileage has averaged 23-24 mpg with mostly highway driving. Brakes are just ok

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  Buy this car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anson - July 5 - 11:40 am

  This is my first Mazda I have ever owned. What a fantastic car. I looked at a lot of other vehicles such as the Passat and Audi A4. I kept coming back to this one. The handling, performance, price and fuel economy made it a hard deal to pass up. The wagon has a ton of room for hauling around just about anything. This car is one of the few that needs little improvement. Buy it and you wont regret it.

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  Great Car for the Price! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Godfathr - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Mazda6s 5-door. The engine comes to life at about 3500-4000 rpms and it flys after that! The car handles better than most cars that I have driven. For the price it is a excellent car. I personally like it better than the BMW (low end) 3 series cars because of the interior room and the engine (not to mention it saves about 5 grand). Performance and appearance mods are begining to come out and they are making this car faster and making it look better. I would recommend this car to anyone. I am very pleased with it and the service that Mazda has is unbeatable.

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  Mazda6 4-cyl iTouring-BlackCherryMettali - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kris - June 25 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my car with the Bose/Moonroof package on 6th June 09. Have almost 5000 miles on it! (less than 3 months). Love driving this car around. Great mileage - combined EPA estimate is 24 mpg, I have regularly got over 26.5 mpg. On a really long trip I got 30.2 mpg. (All calculations based on full tank and trip meter) 170 hp makes it one of the most powerful car in its category. Bose 10 speaker sound is awesome. Fog lights are nice. Good Michelin tires, but I think squeals a tad too much sometimes. I test drove the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, VW Passat and CC (liked the CC a lot, but 4 seater) - Mazda6 as a package, features and price, won hands down.

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  Steering and air conditioning vent problem - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoomtx - June 22 - 12:37 pm

  I have 1500 miles so far, having some issue with the steering wheel column making vibrating noises whenever the cars driving on bumpy roads, sounded like somethings loosen. I went back to the dealer to report the problem and they said it is a common problem that theyve seen before and Mazda have a solution for it. That was three weeks ago, and now this vibrating noise is back again. Also, one of the air conditioning vent makes a noticeable whistle sound if air speed is over 50%. Any of you had similar problems?