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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  Best wagon on the market - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By zop - April 4 - 11:50 am

  This car handles like a luxury sedan. Slice through corners and accelerates like a champ. I bought this car for my wife, but it is so much fun to drive that we battle for the keys. Great family car for those who dont like minivans and like to ride in style.

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  Whats not to Love - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fast Eddy - April 1 - 3:40 pm

  Very Stylish best of all the sedans. Very quick acceleration, smooth transmission shifting. Handles curves like a real sports sedan should, yet has a very pleasant ride on the highway and over bumps, the 18” wheels are a plus. The car is roomy with options that you would normally find in cars twice the price. Overall: The best car I drove in its class by alot.

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  $$ well spent - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ryan Delman - April 1 - 9:46 am

  This car is a blast to drive and well engineered, inside and out. My complaints are relatively few and are generally cosmetic or insignificant to the avg driver. First, the cars turning radius is pretty wide which can be a pain if you need to do a quick K- turn because there winds up being nothing quick about it. Also, the red dash lights seem a bit toy-ish, almost something very "early80s/Atari-esque" about them. However, on the positive side, much ado has been made of nothing where this cars lack of low end torque is concerned because although the 192 lb/ft dont kick in until mid-may up the RPM scale, the torque band does flatten out right where the cars max hp of 220 kicks in.

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  Great 6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sreid - March 31 - 1:10 am

  When I want to go some place fast, comfortably and cheap, I take the 6. I have several other cars but the Mazda is my favorite. I leave her home in nasty weather, thus the low annual mileage. So far I have just had routine maintenance.

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  2015 Mazda 6 Touring - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By scrdn1 - March 27 - 9:23 am

  At the end of my VW CC lease, I chose the Mazda 6 Touring with the 6 speed manual. Chose the Mazda for the manual, and didnt want a mid size sedan with a CVT transmision. Well put together inside and out. Trunk is cavernous and rear seats have great leg room. I have had problems with the touch screen as Edmunds suggests. MPG has been about 28 in mixed city highway driving. Its also a beautiful car BTW with the Deep Crystal Blue exterior.

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  One week with new car - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Walter - March 25 - 3:53 pm

  I have only had the Mazda6 for one week. t he exceleration is just about what I expect from the 4 cylinder engine. The engine is smooth in daily driving. you do notice the engine on exceleration, but it is not taxing our too intruding. I like the red colored gauges at night. I like the radio controls on the steering wheel. The 5 speed automatic transmission is smooth, but I particularly like being able to shift it manually if I wanted. the wear seats are roomy. I have good room in the drivers seat. The drivers seat is easy to adjust for comfort. The wear seats are roomy anough, although I will be driving up front. Highway driving is a breeze.

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  Consider the mileage - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kenny g - March 22 - 9:10 am

  Bought a Mazda 6 wagon new in late 2004. Love the car except for 2 fatal flaws. It gets HORRIBLE gas mileage. At best 16 mpg in town and 21 on the road. Therefore I never drive it around town which is most of my driving. The mileage compares to a Hummer! The other fatal flaw is a super wide turning radius making city parking a real chore. Its very hard to get into tight urban parking spots. Ive had 2 re-calls already in under 2 years while other Hondas/Toyotas Ive owned never had any recalls. The car drives great, handles well and easily fits 4 adults and gear for a long road trip, but the awful mileage really bothers me!

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  Black 2009 Mazda s Grand Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - March 21 - 1:43 pm

  I test drove the 2008 G35 sedan, the 2008 Saab9-5, the Lincoln MKZ, and the 2009 Nissan Maxima and found the 2009 Mazda6 to be a better value for the money compared to all of them. It really is fun to drive and has a lot of power when you need it. It has great stylish looks inside and out and I like that Mazda took a tested engine (from the CX-9) and didnt make a brand new one. It will be interesting to see how this does now against the Honda Accord and Toyota Camery since its now on par with those cars and might be an even better value.

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  quality for less cash - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By keith8 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is by far one of the best looking around. Looks more expensive than it really is.

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  It was calling my name - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By KeithinTX - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I knew the Mazda 6 was for me when the dealer took me on a test drive and hit a speed hump going 40 mph and I barely felt a thing! I was even more amazed with the vehicle when I jumped behind the wheel. The feel on the road was nothing like I have felt before and Ive owned 7 vehicles in the last 3 years. It just called my name over and over, begging me to drive it harder.