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, but unreliable at times - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OwnerInTorrance - August 10 - 11:33 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s hatchback for 3.5 years now. Its been a good, not great car. I love the looks and sportiness versus the Accord and Camry - a fun car for a young dad. However, Ive had several maintenance issues that have kept the car in the shop more than I would have liked - starter, water pump, radiator all had to be replaced, axle seal leaking, among other things. It was all covered by warranty, but still a pain. On top of all this, my gas mileage is less than I hoped, around 15 mpg when I was hoping for closer to 20 mpg.

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  WOW! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By jlynreid - August 8 - 5:30 am

  While it may be a bit premature having just bought the car a week ago... but WOW is all I can think to say. Beautiful on the inside & out. Comfortable, roomy, classy, smooth ride... everything within reach. I researched cars for 2 months prior before finally settling on the Mazda 6 & fell in love as soon as I got in. Drives as beautifully as the Volvo S40. 24.5 miles per gallon (city) & Miami traffic is constant stop & go. Im completely impressed with this car. I love it!

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  Just buy one! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By franz - August 6 - 10:23 am

  Ok. This is coming from a "German car snob" all my life. Ive owned Mercedes, BMW and Audi and finally got smart. I had a great deal lined up for a Mercedes ML430 (used) then did some reading on the horror stories and breakdowns. So decided to test drive the Mazda6 before I went for a 3 series BMW. Guess what? Save the 10k! The Mazda6 is outstanding, sexy and "prances" down the highway at 80 mph with a solid, quiet feel. Yeah the beemer is a little quieter, better turning radius, and tighter on hard turns, but get over it for thousands in savings with the Mazda6. This company knows where the market is!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dissapointed - August 6 - 4:50 am

  Original Owner. Well Maintained commuter car. 50K miles. 6 Cyl. 5sp manual. Loaded. Squeaks and rattles everywhere. Lots of problems: Trany, Engine replacement, Brakes, exhaust, electrical, engine performance, suspension, steering, seat breaking, to name a few. Approx 20 times / year to dealers a year on average. Bad Dealer experiences(not very knowledgeable, poor service, poor quality work) and Mazda Customer Service did not seem to care. So much for Mazda advertising quality and taking care of the customer. Not in my experience. Did not like them doing computer updates without my permission. Hurt cars performance and they refused to reverse the updates.

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Charles - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Mazda 6 hatchback new in 2008. I did a lot of research on this car before deciding to buy it. It had everything I needed. Comfort is top notch. Performance is a 10. The touring trim level is very well put together. Between the hatch and the fold down seats its amazing what you can fit in this car. Ive owned many a Honda and Toyota... Reliability is as good as Honda or Toyota with better interiors. If you want "Vanilla" buy a Toyota. Personally, Ill take two scoops of "Zoom Zoom" over vanilla any day.

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  Really great car for the money! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rochester Todd - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda at the end of May 2003... and Ive loved it ever since. I use to have a 2001 Pontiac GTP... which had awesome horsepower, but the cheasy looks of the new one turned me off. The 6 has a more classy, but still sporty look... better size, great trunk space, decent acceleration for a 4 banger... but on the highway it rides super, and around highway RPMs it has ample power for passing.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By joelopez - August 3 - 7:50 am

  I have driven many cars in my 17 years as a licensed driver and I have to say that the Mazda6 is by far the best car I have driven. The handling on this car is equivalent to my nephews BMW. As soon as I reach my destination, I look forward to getting back into the car. Never had that feeling about other cars (BMW, Mustang, Maxima, Altima, Corolla, Firebird, Cougar, etc.) .

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  Fast and Furious - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - August 2 - 3:26 pm

  Ive owned a lot of cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Corvette. I test drove Toyota Camry and Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Sonata and Azera, and Mazda 6, Speed6, and CX7 ( 2006s & 2007s). I got this car new for $7,000.00 under list. Nice handling, comfortable ride for four people, good looking, good sized trunk, first tank of gas returned 19.5 mpg in mostly city driving, and fun to drive. Quality build and materials inside and out. No problems so far. I love this car.

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  Recall Poster Card - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By John P. ODonnell - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Not since the Ford Pinto has a car been recalled so many times. I have owned the car less than a year and it has already been recalled 4X. In addition the clutch failed after 8 months. The car has been in the shop for approximately 2weeks total. The dealership has been good in fixing the problems and has provided a loaner car but the quality definitely needs improvement. One other thing why are there no rear speakers, this is almost unheard of to have only two front speakers.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Linz - July 31 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say is: ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM