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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  Fun to drive, comfortable... concerned - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By socalowner - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Cool to drive. Many compliments on the Mazda6 sports package style. Good handling & comfortable. Trunk has good amount of space. My Mazda6 has good acceleration when in the higher gears. At times feels as if transmission is trying to catch up, especially in the slapstick manual mode. My concern is how much quality the transmission has. I have had problems changing gears in both the manual and auto modes. I cant tell yet if it is me getting used to the sportamatic or if there is actually is a problem. Still a great car.

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  Pimpin in style - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JR3676 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. There are a few things I have a problem with but I can live with. The engine 3.0 likes to red line first when jumped on so you sort of have to throttle it, if you will. I wish it had auto locks when driving.

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  this is one fun sporty seden - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By pchmz6 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  if you are looking for outstanding value in the mid size sporty seden this is it under 25k, s model v6 5 speed stick is the only way to go, comfort for 4 people and great looking car take it from me i had a 98 honda accord now that car was boring.This 6 i never get tried driving the car or looking at from all sides buy the 6 japan version of bmw!

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  Best car I have owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dalalli - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I read an article about the 6 in Popular Mechanics about 2 years ago. I loved the look that Mazda was going for and if it met with expectations, it was going to be a sweet car. I had looked at Altimas, Accords, Jetta/Passat, and the overweight Camry. I was ready to go with the Altima until I drove the 6. Love at first sight and drive! I ordered one with everything I wanted and picked it up as one of the first four to roll off the line for the 04 year. Ive had it 2 months and love it. Still paid a ton less than any of the other cars I mentioned with the same package. Way to go MAZDA!

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  The Ideal car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dustin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is put together nicely. I cant imagine a four dour handling any better. It has okay power from a stop, but impressive power while on the move. In comparison to everything else like honda, toyata, nissan, and so forth, the 6 is a much better bargain. To get the V6 in the other competing models is much more expensive, and in the end all you would be paying for is a LITTLE more pick up from a stand still. Is that really worth a couple thousand? Not when you consder how well the 6 handles.

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  Durability - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By kjmilow - November 2 - 10:20 am

  Durability & Fun to drive. I have driven Mazda for over 20 years, GLCs, ( go like crazy ), 626s and now a Mazda 6 my last new car. They have all gone over 200,000 with minimum care & maintenance. Im taking better care of this one since it is supposed to last until I die and I am only 62. A healthy 62 I might add.

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  i am in love - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kaye and mazda 4ever - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car that i pay myself and it is money well spent, it might waste alot of gas but its because its a v6.

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  Fun car, but dont get cloth upholstery - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dgmosr - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the 6s 5 speed loaded with everything but leather. After 9,000 miles and six months of ownership my impressions are: - great handling for a 4-door sedan. - very comfortable ride for a sport type suspension. - needs more low end torque, but really moves out once you hit 3rd gear. - engine idles very quiet. - Bose stereo option is very good but not great. - the cloth seat coverings are starting to fray and pill. I should have gone with the leather.

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  First Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacko - October 25 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased new in 04 and love this car. Get compliments on exterior design all the time. Got the Luxury, Sport, Security, and Bose packages all in a manual 4-banger and love all these features. With the small engine, I really dont push this car hard, but it gives me all the power I need, with the exception of some throttle lag in 1st or 2nd gear. Stock Michelins terrible in snow. Had clutch replaced due to shudder, and brakes and rotors twice due to abnormal and untimely wear, all noted by Mazda bulletins. Hope current models have these problems ironed out cause I still love this car.

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  Pauls M6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kim - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We drove many other cars in simular class, and size. Drove the Mazda last, mainly drove it for a fun ride didnt feel it would live up to what we wanted in a new car. To our surprise it surpassed all of our expectations. We chose the four cylinder, for the fuel economy. It is a little down on power but at 33 miles per gallon the very little we give up is made up in fun, and style. It has more class on the outside and the best in class interior design. The handling of the car is incredibly nimble on the 17" rims and Michellin Pilottires. All it took was one drive after driving many other cars more than twice. Great car at a great price.