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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  Still Like It - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By erasmus75 - June 20 - 12:42 am

  I purchased the Mazda 6 back in October 2010. Have around 24,000 miles Never had any major problems with it so far. I just changed my front brakes after 20,000 miles. Has pretty good pick- up for a 4 cylinder. Drives very well on the highway. Very large trunk and a roomy back. I would highly recommend this car to any perspective buyers.

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  This car rocks!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanelleT. - June 16 - 10:16 am

  Mazda doesnt lie. This car goes zoom zoom! and it has the heart of a sports car. I love it. The internal design is genius. There is so much more to thrill you about owning this vehicle! I paid $14,000 for this car and I think its worth every penny. The color of royal blue with purple fleck catches everyones eye. My 18 year old son loves to drive it.I love this car more than any other car Ive owned and Ive owned quite a few. If you are thinking about buying this car, DO IT! Youll never look back! Make sure you get the color you want, because thats what others see first. They teased me for being picky but I dont regret it.I love my car!

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  So good, but so bad... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DC_Mike - June 14 - 1:23 pm

  I thought for a while before I wrote this. And I think my title describes my 6s perfectly. It really is all good, and all bad. Great to drive, sharp looking, so much more exciting than an Accord/Camry type. But Ive experienced horrible reliability problems from day one. Brakes replaced twice. CD player not working. Engine fan. Power locks. Etc. I havent even begun to describe the horrible build quality--rattles in the dashboard, drivers seat, passengers seat, sunroof, headliner, glove box. I used to own a VW Jetta, and joked that it was like a beautiful girlfriend who treated you like dirt--you cared and cared, and it never cared back. My 6 is just as bad. Ill never buy a Mazda again.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - June 14 - 4:26 am

  I never expected the Mazda6s sports sedan to be so much fun to drive! We have 3 vehicles and 2 drivers in the family. Everyone likes to drive and ride in the sporty sedan. Its very comfortable with the new for 2006 interior. Im not a young person having been driving for 40 years. Ive been a car and motorcycle enthusiast for nearly my whole life. Ive owned cars such as a Corvette, a Porsche, and traded in a 2004 GTO on the Mazda6s sports sedan. This has to be the most fun car to drive that Ive ever owned! Even my picky adult daughter who wanted another sports coupe bought a 6s identical to ours except for the exterior color after looking at every car in its class. FUN! FUN! FUN!

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  A thing of beauty - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By larmo1 - June 11 - 1:34 pm

  I am not really into righting reviews, but I love this car. It is perfect for me. It has great gas mileage, fantastic looks, and has a comfortable sweet ride. Holy Cow! Did I say reasonably priced? This is the best car in its class hands down. It gets the same gas mileage with a 2.5 liter engine that my old Honda Civic got with a 1.7 liter engine! What I like most about the Mazda 6 is its smooth acceleration. Most cars lurch or surge when pressing on the gas. Not the Mazda 6. It smoothly and competently accelerates. And I challenge you to feel the transmission shift. It is a thing of beauty. The transmission shifts fluidly like a diver making the perfect dive... not a ripple.

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  Mazda 6S - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Snowdy - June 10 - 7:33 am

  I purchased my MAZDA 6 in May 2003. To date I have 52,000 miles on it. This car looks great but is one of the most undependable new vehicles that I have ever owned (of 17). This car has been towed in 4 times, 2 times for the "knock sensor". The battery blew up, the transmission locked up and now the master cylinder has gone out on it. These are in addition to the 5 times that the "check engine" light has come on and they cant tell you why. This car will break me before it is over, even though I started with several thousand dollars equity, I am now in several thousand dollars negative equity. Learn the lesson from me, NEVER buy the first year of a new model.Terrible resell value!

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  Not as Good as an Accord - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cmara1 - June 7 - 3:12 am

  After purchasing a 6 with around 30,000 miles on it, I am a bit disappointed. My main gripe is with engine. Its noticeably slower than my 4-Cylinder Accord (which isnt a rocket-ship to begin with). The lack power is to a point where I wont pass someone because I am afraid I wont have enough room. The transmission is clunky and doesnt shift when you want it to. Unlike an Accord, the engine sounds like a coffee grinder -- rough and unrefined. When accelerating the engine seems very taxed. However, the handling is very good and the 6 can be thrown around with hardly any body roll. The stereo is one of the worst I have heard in a modern car.

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  07 Mazda 6 2.3 hatch - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By nevans - June 4 - 4:53 am

  I have owned Hondas, VWs, a Peugeot, and a Mazda GLC. If I had the cash I would buy a GTI, or BMW, but the 6 is a nice affordable alternative. Good handling and the 2.3 with a stick has enough power to be interesting. The hatch is what sold me. Room for skis and a couiple of bikes. Good car on snow and ice. I put on minus one, 16 inch wheels Nokia studded snows. Use the standard 17s in the summer. Like a lot of cars today there is lack of tie down hooks on the frame, which make it diffcult to pull out of a ditch

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  Nice Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sagitaur - June 1 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car used with 3800 miles on it, so it was pretty much like new. Had never really looked at them, but got a great deal on an 05 Sport Hatch. The car handles great and is pretty comfortable for my daily commute. The looks are unbeatable in this segment, having a much more sporty demeanor than the Camcords. The interior is nicely done as well, with all major conveniences and safety gear. Although a little reluctant at first, the versatility of the hatch cant be beat and its difficult to differentiate between the hatch and the sedan versions. This car would be a great choice for those looking for a sporty car with a little room and versatility.

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  NICE car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Daywatts - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It hugs the road, manuvers well and brakes are excellent. I narrowly missed someone who pulled out in front of me. The brakes did their job without any extra handling necessary. It has a large turning radius but I wonder if it is built this way to have better overall manuverability. I dont like the gas mileage. The manufactor claims the car gets 26-32 mpg yet I can only squeeze out 25 mpg when driving conservately. I usually get the top rated gas mileage for each car Ive driven. Mazda is directly to blame for this yet the government has freed companies up to lower gas mileage and the companies are now able to fudge its numbers.