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:

• 

  mazda electrical/misc troublemaker - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dsuranksy - February 2 - 10:58 pm

  I purchased an 07 hatchback in 08 with 12 k miles on it. Car has had repeated air bag lights. Taken to dealer numerous times, paided alot for diagnosis, dealer cant ever seem to repair. All goes well for a day or two, the light comes back on! Warranty is long gone, pretty much stuck with it..Seems to go thru tires, all four have to be replaced every 20k with alignment (michelin tires). Stay away from Mazda, never had these problems with Honda or Toyota.

• 

  Zooooooooommmmmmmmm! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By davec - January 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best car out there for the money! Have the Onyx Black. Very beautiful color. The 5-speed shifter is nice and smooth. Love the styling of both the interior and exterior. Even had an infiniti g35 sedan on order, but choose this because it had almost everything I wanted for $10000 less! Also considered Accord and Altima but this won me over. Extremely fun to drive.

• 

  Fun Car To Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By UiucBum - January 27 - 10:00 am

  So far I have 4000+ miles driven on this car. I have an automatic. Very fun car to drive. The handling is great. A little slow off the line, but it really moves on the highway. Great passing power. Very sharp looking car. Has very nice brakes. Best in its class. Nice bang for the bucks! If you dont want a Honda or a Toyota, this will be a nice alternative.

• 

  Best Sports Sedan for the Buck! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JohnnyZ - January 24 - 11:03 am

  My wife had a 2001 Acura Integra and needed a bigger car. After careful research, we decided on the Mazda 6S in Sepang Green and cant be more happier. The car is loaded with everything but leather and navigation. The styling is very sporty for a 4 door sedan. Performance and handling are excellent. The engine and transmission are smooth throughout acceleration and quite quiet. The interior is very roomy. The car has ample storage space. I like the spring-loaded rear seats that fold when you pull the levers in the trunk. I also like the fact that it is easy for me to change the oil. I dont think there is a car on the market with this many features for the money!

• 

  Just love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mary - January 24 - 4:43 am

  Hey, I just purchased this vehicle 5 days ago. I just love it! It drives so smooth and quietly. I love the pick-up it has. The AC is nice and cold. All my co-workers really like it too. The volume and channel control on the steering wheel is great without having to reach for the knob. My 16 year old daughter wishes it was hers. No way! All mine!

• 

  Wow - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tim - January 23 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 weeks ago. I have driven this vehicle hard as well as babied it, the response from the throttle to the engine is immediate. The new look is completely amazing, love the new look. The interior is very roomy and comfortable even for a "big" person (58 300) plenty of leg room in the back. Bluetooth Is very reliable. MPG could be better Im getting about 19 or so miles to the gallon so far.

• 

  Brilliant - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ryan - January 22 - 6:06 am

  I choose the Mazda 6 over the BMW 330i, because of its looks both inside and out. The warrenty also made the car more appealing. More for your money, than the BMW

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By wildcats7 - January 18 - 10:33 pm

  My V6 manual has been the best car I have ever owned. I purchased my 2003 Mazda 6 new in April 2004 and still drive it today (8/14/2014). The only thing that has gone wrong with this car in over 10 years is the water pump once went out and I had to replace a sagging headliner. I have over 150,000 miles on it and it drives as well today as the day I bought it. The paint, interior, and mechanical components have held up well. I read many of the reviews prior to writing this one which stated problems starting around the 50,000 mile mark. I am sure glad that has not been my experience. The car has been a pleasure to drive and almost like part of the family after so many years.

• 

  Impressed so far - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By New2Mazda - January 15 - 8:43 pm

  Just picked up my 5i Hatch last weekend. So far am loving it. Have the 2.3 5 speed. The V6 accelerates quicker, but the 4 felt more balanced. Better mpg, and hopefully lower maintenance will be a bonus. The space offered by the hatch is huge, and it looks great. Practical, sporty, and fun to drive....what a combo. Price was right with incentives too.

• 

  Great Midsize Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By frogmanhenry - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has certainly impressed me with its level of refinement for paying just a little more than $18,000 with 0% interest. The chasis and suspension are superb, making highway cruising quite and comfortable and back road twisties a real joy. The clutch and shifter work well, although there is a little too much clutch travel for my liking. Fit and finish seem to be excellent inside and out. The new for 2004 2.3L 4 cyl. engine is smooth, responsive, and turns in respectable gas milage (29-30 mpg mixed driving) I opted for the sport package in sepang green with Bose audio system.