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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  Family sedan that doesnt drive like one. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By buckster - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Shopping around for a long time trying to find just the right blend of car that would accomodate my small family and not feel like something my father would drive. Considered a small SUV initially but the M6 is much more practical as an everyday city car with similar interior room. Better value and nicer looking than the Accord or Camry.

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  My Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jbclay - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Camry to a Mazda 6 - what a fun car to own and drive. I almost bought another Camry. Im glad I made the switch. Everyone says the engine dont have enough power. I have the 4 cyl. Power is excellent, and gas mileage is great - much better than my 96 Camry.

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  Best sedan for the money - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ATL Mazda 6i - January 10 - 5:56 am

  I got my 2003 6i with 33K on it fresh off a 3 year lease. I have had only 1 problem in the last 35K miles and that was a noisy drive belt idler. I replaced that and have not had any other issues. The car is easy to work on and easy to own. The only heartburn I have with the car is the turning radius, its awful. Other than that I love it. 30MPG combined hwy and city.

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  Grab the 6 5-door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By internetmandude - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I had to write a review regarding this car. I have the automatic. I test drove competing cars like the Camry and Altima (the Accord and Galant were too ugly to be considered) and the 6 won hands down. The 6 looked better than all the competitors, had many of their optional features standard and blew them away with the space of the 5-door that still looks like a cool sedan! The warranty is better at 4yrs/50,000 miles with free rental cars and roadside assistance! The price I paid for mine was also less than I wouldve paid for the other boring cars that you see at every single street light!

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  So Far Not So Bad - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By sangria6 - January 3 - 6:30 am

  Purchased new in Oct 08 and received a great deal. Have 6200 miles on it and have not had any issues. Mileage is great, performance is great. Paint quality/durability seems to be lacking. Possibly needs a better clear coat? Ride comfort, features, quiet interior, and looks are really nice. No issues at all. Prefer the "old school" oil filter spin on canisters, but hopefully a conversion kit will be out soon.

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  Love the style but maintenance is the killer - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By JSPEED6 - January 3 - 5:26 am

  I bought mine back in May 06. I loved the styling and functionality of the hatchback without looking like one. My only complaint from the start was the lack of engine pickup. Its nice to have a smooth riding car but it has no oomf. Im only at 25k miles and brought it in for inspection to find that I needed new rear brakes and rotors...already? The new rotors rust up often like the old ones so I dont anticipate any longer wear. Also my check engine light was on due to a faulty O2 sensor that they were going to replace but got a new "procedure" to reset and see if it happens again....it did and I had to drop off for a couple days all over again. Be prepared to spend the maintenance dollars.

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  M6 Decent Wheels - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tommy M607 - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  Had the car for 15 months, 22K miles. Very comfortable, nice interior layout, good visibility, nice options for the price. Sporty handling but large turning radius. Engine idles a bit rough, smooth while driving, decent power, good gas mileage, average 28 MPG in mixed driving. Excellent brakes, trunk and fold down rear seats. Only problem- steering creaks when going slow-dealer said not a safety issue, greased fittings per tech bulletin, seems better.

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  Seriously, get this car. - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By William Eckard - December 26 - 9:43 am

  I got this car to replace my 15 mpg truck and am now getting over 30 mpg. A month before I got it, I never thought that I would ever be driving a Mazda, but I love my car. The handling is amazing, the 4 cyl still has enough oomph for me (I drive it hard). It looks good in any color that its offered in. I have no complaints about this car. I love driving it. It isnt that expensive, you get over 30 mpg, its a whole lot of fun to drive, it looks cool, its safe. Mazda knocked this one outta the park.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gord - December 25 - 8:43 am

  This is a FANTASTIC car! I like the more muscular look of the car when compared with the Camrys, Altimas and Accords. This car says, "Look out! Im Comin!" Im exceptionally pleased with the car and highly recommend it.

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  Dont overlook Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zak - December 18 - 9:03 am

  Grip, a fist full. Punch this car in the mouth and it takes it. I drive hard. It takes it as well as any honda or toyota. Yes I did have a cracked pre-cat to fix at 4000 miles but nothing is perfect. these things happen. The warranty took care of it. When you get a new car, drive her hard. Get the kinks out. Im extremely pleased. 9000 miles so far.