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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  4-door sports car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jzn2tr - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Camry because I wanted something more fun to drive. This is it - has the practicality of 4 doors and a real back seat, with the handling, feel, and suspension of a sports car. Love the manual automatic transmission - use it all the time. With the ability to control gears, can control speed on curves, etc. And the V6 will really tear out. Layout of controls is really good - big controls, easy to use, and having all the sound controls duplicated on the steering wheel is a nice feature. Not as plush inside as a Camry, the ride has a sports-car feel and not the Camry softness, but this car is a joy to drive.

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  zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JimBob - March 13 - 3:30 pm

  I bought this loaded with leather, side airbags, manual shift, and sunroof for thousands less than Passat or BMW. Interior quality, especially the leather was better than I expected for the price. FUN to drive. 3 kids fit fine. Fuel economy is surprisingly poor (23) but maybe I am still in lust phase and revving too high. If that is possible. :) I LOVE THIS CAR! A little more low end torque would be perfect but I work around it. My last car was MX6 and it lasted 245k miles, even the clutch lasted till 190k. Im hoping for more of the same! Actually my 11 year old son is hoping to get this in 6 years. Safe, fun to drive, lotsa pep, value pricing. Wagon with stick. Cant beat it.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ricky - March 12 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this 2004 Mazda 6 V6 5 speed Automatic Wagon for about nine months. Love this car. The handling is rigid and confident. Cornering is exceptional. Autostick is fun to play with. Interior design is luxurious and comparable with German cars. Exterior design totally turn heads anywhere I go! The only down side is the fuel economy. I am getting 22 mpg average, I was expected a little more on this V6 wagon. So far, I am very happy with the car, no unexpected repairs so far. I just have been changing oil every 4000 miles (manufacture suggest 5000 miles) and also routine tire rotation and alignment.

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  Zoom-zoom refinement at a bargain price - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By lcmunson - March 9 - 2:42 am

  Picked up a 2011 black 6 six-speed during a year-end dealer blow-out. At a price less than a new 3, I am very happy with this vehicle vs the 08 3-touring that I traded. At 1200 miles, engine is starting to loosen up a bit and fuel economy ranges from 29-35 mpg; might still improve. The aerodynamics of this design are amazing .... on moderate downhill stretches it just rolls. As an old stick-shifter, this is an amazingly slick transmission! Get one before the bean counters decide there are not enough customers. In my opinion, nothing in this price range comes close to the value.

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  The best car Ive had - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By MDCruiser - February 26 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my 6i automatic on 6/1/06 with 9 miles. Ive had only small issues with it, now have 58,000 miles on the vehicle. Ive done a lot of modifications to the suspension and some to the engine, and I drive the car pretty hard. Never a problem thus far. Im extremely happy with my purchase. The handling of the car is great, it has adequate interior room, OK fuel economy, and reasonable maintenance costs.

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  Despite the points I would not buy - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By A2BDriver - February 23 - 9:06 pm

  I know this car is supposed to be sporty. It drives and handles okay. I wanted a good daily driver for the snow belt. But in the first light snow all of a sudden the TCS kicked and IMMEDIATELY swings the rear of the car out. I lost power to straighten the car as it held back the front wheels, I barely recovered, entered a turn an again the TCS kicked in throwing the car sideways, again losing all power to the wheels. I pulled over and found the stupid button, turned the TCS and had an uneventful rest of ride. Tanks Mazda for almost killing me, I barely missed an oncoming pickup. I am going back to the dealer to permanently disable this dangerous "feature".

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  the plus-size Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By treeweezel - February 23 - 11:53 am

  I like how the wagon looks like a grown-up Mazda3 both in size and style. Classed-up, but still with some spunk. We have a BMW 530 wagon near identical in size, power and age, and there is absolutely no deprivation in taking the Mazda. More trunk and backseat, even. The 3.0 V6 brings the heat at high revs, but feels like much less engine at lower revs. Gutless under 2000 rpm and an absolute dog below 1500 rpm, youll need to shift often. First gear is tall and if you let the clutch in too fast itll really leave you out to dry. The engine also goes through oil and spark plugs kinda quickly, and the lack of replaceable fuel filter worries me.

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  Best Handling in its class - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aviboy97 - February 15 - 8:06 pm

  The driving dynamics of the Mazda6 are just fantastic. The 2.3L 4 cyl could use more power, but at highway speed, it performs very well. Fuel economy is around 31 highway, and 25 around town. Overall, I get about 27 with mixed driving. Build quality and reliability have been excellent.

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  expectations exceeded - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By ikey1988 - February 9 - 2:32 am

  in the midsize sedan segment, this car is the absolute BEST bang for your buck. I purchased the mazda 6 Sedan, grand touring model, with the I-eloop feature. As far as"fun to drive," mazda is the only way to go. class leading fuel economy with 40mpg hwy and combined 32 mpg. I test drove the Altima, Accord, Sonata, optima, and Passat. Mazda6 is the most refined. interior fit and finish is class leading. styling is exceptional. I cant fathom anyone buying a Camry,(BOX). you owe it to yourself, if your in the market for a family sedan to look at the Mazda product. im glad I dont have to settle for a boring sedan. Mazda got this RIGHT, Sedan Nirvan, I Totally LOVE this Car....!!!!

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  Best Car EVER! BMW is only other car I can compare to! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By npalafax - February 7 - 12:52 pm

  Bought used at 70k Base i hatchback with sport package same car as the photo above. I really loved the hatch vs one with a trunk. It came in handy more than I ever thought. And still wish I had it. The only other car that I can say drove anything like this was a BMW which I now own. Ironically, the previous owner I bought it from sold it because she bought a new BMW. The only issues I ever had were: 1.Thermostat at 83k common problem threw a engine light so never over heated. 2.All the motor mounts failed at the same time. This car was defiantly well loved and cared for. Sadly was totaled at 98K in a garage fire in my building otherwise I would still have it. BUY A 4cyl v6 has a lot of probs