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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  Mazda6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  After a year of ownership, I traded it in for an 06 MX-5. I wanted to love this car, but only liked it. Interior rattles started after a few thousand miles. Ive tried to like FWD cars, but still hate them, even after this car. The engine is powerful, but you dont feel it until you reach higher revs. Comfort and space are fine. Interiors a bit cheap - too much plastic, hard leather. Great interior storage areas. Long-throw shifter doesnt inspire. Poor pedal placement, which makes heel and toe driving very difficult. It got me around for a year. But I sensed too much Ford influence in the (lack of) build quality. With that said, cost/performance is a relative bargain.

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  Great car so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By adamjf - October 7 - 10:49 am

  Have had the car for two months and 3400 miles so far and it has been great. Love the styling. Could be getting better gas mileage; if driven cautiously and try to milk the gas some, get about 30 mpg mixed driving with about 60/40 freeway, town driving. When driven more aggresively I am getting 28 mpg. That is still not bad for stepping on it quite a bit.

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  Not so Zoom-Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Munna Bhai - October 4 - 3:16 am

  I got this car yesterday. Car is pretty big but for this size of car an I-4, 170HP is not enough. Im sure this car will be a lot of fun with V6 240+ HP in touring trim. Car is not alot of fun to drive. When you accelerate it, it feels like car is working hard. Interior is good but there is generous use of hard plastic that doesnt suit a 20K car. Exterior is dashing Overall I might not go for an I-4 170HP for this size of car in the future

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  Overall we love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By maz5maz6 - October 1 - 12:10 am

  Bought this new and have over 50K on it after 4.5 years. Only issues have been an LCD display problem (very recently at the 4.5 year mark so its out of warranty) and the plastic around the lower end of the steering wheel column rubbing against something and sometimes "creaking" very low as you drive -- otherwise the fit and finish of the car was/is excellent. We avoided the 6cyl version as that was a Ford engine with noted reliability issues. Besides being a little underpowered, the 2.3 4cyl has been excellent so we bought the same the next year in our Mazda5 (which has also been excellent after 50K miles). Overall weve been very pleased with our Mazda6 "Sport" (hatchback).

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  Nice car, but.... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rekow - September 27 - 9:16 pm

  Got this car loaded - everything except the leather. After a year and 26,000 miles, I still enjoy it, but its not without faults. Its a good blend of utility, looks, comfort and sportiness. It does lots of things well, but nothing really great. Its quick enough, but doesnt inspire me to race (could use 30 more hp). Its fuel efficient enough, but no Civic. The handling is good, but only in dry weather (bad tire choice - I cant wait to replace them). It looks great (especially in black) and I still find myself staring at it. Definitely stands out in the crowd. The interior is well laid out. Seats are firm and comfortable, but the fabric pills up like a cheap sweater.

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  Inexpensive and sporty - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By romans - September 27 - 7:03 pm

  Bought this car new to replace my 99 Altima. Much better looking, great handling and brakes, very comfortable and good MPG Engine not very responsive and not much torque, need to keep RPM high to get any power. Had to take it to dealer a couple of times, now its knocking in front end, so build quality does not match Nissan. High engine RPM at highway speed, needs 6th gear, that would improve mileage as well; I get about 30 MPG in mixed driving and a bit over that on highway. But otherwise reliable and fun to drive

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  My Mazda experience. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By My Mazda6 - September 25 - 5:00 pm

  Fun to drive, love the way it looks. But.... all of the rotors were warped at 11,000 miles. Dealer turned them but now it squeals when the brakes are applied. (No, I dont beat on it!) Not happy with the auto climate control in the summer. You have to put it on 78 or else the fan runs on high speed all of the time! The automatic transmission sometimes seems to clunk into gear. Not always, so it wont be easy to find out why, as Im sure it wouldnt do it when its in for service. Transmission also has a gear whine. Great dealer experience.

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  2004 Mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toubas - August 28 - 11:00 pm

  The Mazda6 is fun to drive. You may lose some tires because of the low clearance in some poorly maintained New York streets. The car does not like severe rain downpours either. I lost a fan blade that hit the radiator and pierced it during a rainstorm. The Mazda dealer said it was an "act of God." and the warrantee was not honored. I wrote mazda at no avail. Good car, poor service and a company that is not consumer oriented. I would not recommend it. A calm, careful driver.

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  Not a wagon for wimps - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zooming - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is close to a sports car for young families or 4 adults. The Teutonic suspension is stiff, seats are hard, the ride is firm-to-harsh. The steering is precise, very sensitive to input, and has good road feel. A blast to corner, flat and adhesive. Acceleration spirited once the engine winds up. The auto/manual shifter is no substitute for the real thing: too much automatic (with various lags, limits, and early upshifts) and too little manual— encourages pussy-footing. Tunnel vision to the rear. Compared to other wagons this could be a 10 (7 for cargo space). Dont know yet if improves on mediocre reliability of previous 626 model.

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  mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick, Waltham, MA - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for an Altima or Accord Coupe. I was very interested in a sporty, reliable car. That is when I started to look at the Mazda 6s. I read as much as I could about it and the quality is excellent. The performance is equivalent to my old 99 Maxima 5-spd. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchse.