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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  Great Car for the Money - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanR - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone, without hesitation. Have been extremely happy with the features and how solid the build quality has felt so far. Where I am from, there really are very few of these cars around, so it stands out in the crowd of all the other sedans. Has great safety marks as well as being roomy enough for everything I need.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Doug E - September 13 - 10:03 am

  Considered the Accord/Civic and Acura TSX/TL but Acuras need premium unleaded and are pricey, the Hondas get one interior color choice (depending on the exterior color) and the dash is too funky. The 6i Sport had everything I was looking for at a price that Honda could not beat. Matching speedo/tach in red illumination, good interior color selection, handles like a go cart with decent mileage using regular unleaded.

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  1st Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By tan - September 12 - 11:06 am

  It was not my choice. I really wanted a charger. After driving it, I like the radio control on the steering wheel. It will save me on gas. The seats are comfortable, and the car can get up and go.

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  Mediocre Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry Wood - September 12 - 10:00 am

  OK car, but does not live up to thier marketing. Less than average fuel economy

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  Mostly Im lovin my car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By risitaluv - September 9 - 11:53 pm

  I actually traded in my 2002 protege because I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. I love how it has a soft growl when I start the car sounding powerful. The seats are comfortable for long drives which I have done. The trunk is huge and helped when I moved. I am currently at 81,000 and just recently changed the brake pads for the first time. I am just now having a few problems but thats given with the mileage. The only other complaint that I did have was the stems on the wheels seem to snap off when you tighten your lug nuts and Ive lost about 5 of them. But either then that this car has been very reliable for me these past 7 yrs.

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  More fun that you may think - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DL - September 8 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this new, auto w/ manual shift, minimal other frills. Overall, it rides a bit like an Euro car, feels bit stiff but soaks up bumps well. I dont like how most Japanese cars wallow but then kick you when it gets bumpy. Engine w/ auto is slow-ish, but fast enough to get you into illegal speeds anyway. Handling is far above average; I find it more engaging even than my 09 G37. It did have a software glitch, stalled a couple of times the second year; fixed under warranty. No other problems in almost 95k miles driving in the punishing Boston climate/traffic/pothole combo. No regrets. If the new Mazda6 wasnt so corpulent, Id get another one.

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  Nice mid size sedan for the buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Moon - September 8 - 2:03 pm

  It drives like a full size car with the gas mileage of a compact. More than enough power, luxury and safety features.

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  Wow! What a car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vasquez1 - August 27 - 1:46 am

  What can I say. I bought my Mazda6 for the fuel economy (I had a truck...BLAH) and how surprised was I to find out that this 4 door sedan was a sports car in disguise! Aside from the roomy interior and the great handling this baby comes loaded with a BOSE sound system, an in dash 6 disc CD changer (I dont know if that is standard) and power everything. All my friends are jealous and I absolutely love this car. If youre looking for a fun car to drive that looks great and is light on the wallet (on the lot and at the pump) then the Mazda6 is the way to go. ZOOM!ZOOM!

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tony Taggart - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my mazda 6. It drives like a sports car with the smoothness and quietness of a luxury car. Unfortunately my mazda is going to the car gods. A young man made a illegal left infront of me and totaled it out. My air bags deployed and left no marks on me. The car was a blast to own and apparently made very safe as well. THANKS MAZDA I will be in a new one soon.

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  ZOOM ZOOM the Mazda6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toadster - August 11 - 2:00 am

  What a surprise this car has been! I searched long and hard for a replacement for my SVT Contour, and voila! the Mazda6 is my late SVTs big brother! More power and just as good handling... the price is phenomenal for this quality of a car. Many of my friends guess that the Mazda6 costs about 10-15K MORE than what I paid for it :)