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, But Thirsty - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - October 19 - 5:33 am

  Based on extensive Edmunds.COM research, I decided to purchase an 04 6s Wagon. I considered the Outback Impreza, but at 61" and desiring a powerful V6, I went with the Mazda. I love the style of the car and the power of the V6, but have noticed pretty horrendous gas mileage since day 1 (17-22 mpg (max)). There is a ton of cargo space in this car. I can fit a full adult bike, golf clubs, and luggage for 2 for a week with the seats folded down. Long road trips are pretty comfortable, although the low ground clearance makes getting in and out cumbersome. Recently, thick plumes of gray smoke emit upon startup. Dealer is perplexed. 3 weeks in the shop on 3 occasions yielded nothing.

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  Very pleased with this car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dash_Riprock - October 14 - 4:20 am

  I had a Speed6 before this. I needed to "grow up", but still wanted to enjoy driving. 6-speed automatic delivers seamless shifts so well I almost dont miss the Speed6s manual. The power seat and tilt/telescope steering wheel it easy to attain a comfortable driving position and still see all the gauges. The "blue halo" effect at night takes a little getting used to. The cabin is tastefully done, and many people have commented on the rich feel Mazda has given this car. Theres plenty of room front and rear, and the fold-down rear seats are convenient. The exterior is very well executed, especially the wheel well bulges at front and rear.

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  Eye catching, Wallet snatching!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cc45 - October 13 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car still under warranty with roughly 35000 Miles on it in 2011, Car was great drove amazing handled great, I am used to SUVs So it was an adjustment with the wanky 4Cyl init, And very light weight which not a fan of, After having it and discovering the cons there are alot of them, With the HID headlights i had one go out. I thought the bulb was dead took it to mazda and well it needs all new wiring 1000 to fix and then the AC tube leaked. Alot of inside noise when driving at high speeds. Brakes suck, picking up speed and down shifting sucks, The radio is worthless!! the frames in the back the plastic around rear windshield is falling off will not stay attached. JUNK!!

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  A Blast to drive! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff Bourff - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 2004 Honda Accord for My Mazda6S. I took A beating ON TRADE-IN BUT IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I look forward to driving my Mazda every chance I get. Im a car FREAK and nothing compairs for the money. Best Advise: BUY ONE!

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  LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By LI TONY - October 12 - 2:00 am

  AFTER 3 PROTEGES, IT WAS TIME TO MOVE UP TO THE 6 AND WE DONT REGRET IT! WHAT A CAR! IT HAS SO MANY FEATURES FOR A GREAT PRICE. THE 4 CYLINDER HAS ENOUGH PEP AND SAVES GAS. IT RIDES SO NICE TOO.I LOVE THE DESIGN.

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  Fun to Drive and Good Value - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By CCD - October 9 - 6:23 am

  The Mazda6 is an excellent value. I bought the car loaded with everything except nav. Yet the car still lacks an upscale feel. The real appeal of this car is the handling which is outstanding for this type of car and the versatility of the hatch. With a more powerful motor, this car could have been exceptional. With the 6 cylinder engine, it is just a lot of fun to drive. A bigger motor would have really given the car a strong identity.

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  sweet car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - October 1 - 6:40 am

  I searched for the right car and was looking at the 6 and a Civic, my sister has a Civic, and my Mazda6 beats the Civic hands down in style, look and interior, as well as the drive. The color, bright island blue, is an eye catcher and all the features are more than enough.

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  Brought the First 2009 Mazda 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hoysum81 - September 26 - 7:06 pm

  I just got the new 2009 Mazda 6 yesterday. it was the first one brought in the whole New York. I got the S Grand Touring, the V6 one. Its a beautiful car. I was about to get the Nissan Altima, but after hours, hours of research, I decided to wait for the Mazda 6, and it was definitely worth the wait and all the time I put into researching cars. I have test driven Accords, Altimas, Camrys, Acuras, and none of them drive better then the 2009 Mazda 6. besides the driving, the car is beautiful from outside to inside. Everyone that is looking for a new car should definitely give the 2009 Mazda 6 a look. I believe this will change the way people look at Mazda cars now.

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  Love Our Mazdas - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Riles - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love our Mazdas. We have had two other Mazda 626s. We still have one of them and the other we sold with over 170,000 miles on it and still going strong. We just bought the new Mazda 6s and it is powerful, handles great. We love the sporty, classy look and we also love all the features. We always get compliments no matter where we are.

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  a head turner - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoomzoom - September 22 - 2:00 am

  a white 6s with sport package + white sport grille = a lot of attention and turned heads. i love my new 6 and cant wait to go to work in it everyday. it has great handeling, power and it just looks oh so fine. aside from the wide turning radius and fuel economy, this is a GREAT car for its value compared to the accord, camry, passat and altima. all my accord/camry/passat/altima owner friends are jealous of my sporty, sleek car and were shocked when i told them i got the v6 for 19,000. when you do get a 6, be sure to get a v6 and the sport package. you wont regret it.