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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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WestlakeG - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 6s for a month or so and still look forward to driving it with the same anticipation usually reserved for a new lover. Got it totally loaded up...all packages and plenty of options, and absolutely love the Blazing Copper Metallic skin. I believe its gonna be a long affair and shell be turning heads for quite a long time.

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  Oh So Sweet - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By RINO48 - July 31 - 8:36 am

  I have had this for a week and I absolutely love it. I have had more comments on this car than any other car I have ever owned. Even old girl friends are coming out of the woodwork.

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  Crashworthy - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nobodyspecia1 - July 29 - 3:28 pm

  Two months after my purchase and about 1000 miles, two kids ran a red light as I entered an intersection. It was night and the Cops were right behind them. The kids were going at least 40mph. My Mazda6 struck the left side of their car. The kids spun through the intersection, took out a light pole and ended up on the lawn of a lawyers office. Their car was demolished; they jumped out and ran. My Mazda6 coasted through the intersection. Neither I nor my passenger was hurt; air bags did not deploy. The front third of the Mazda6 was destroyed but the passenger compartment was untouched. I have a new Mazda6 on order. It is a great car.

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  Fun to drive sports sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By miltownguy - July 26 - 6:13 pm

  Solid car that is fun to drive, decent V6 overall although its just the duratec V6 from Ford, has great power from 3k and above but definitely needs more low end torque below 3k..gas mileage is subpar, when im driving it nice i can get up to 27mpg, but 24-25 is more common..awesome to drive on curvy roads, the stiff frame enables you to hug the road and you can fly through corners..5 speed is also very slick and a lot of fun to drive..bought this car w/ 18k and havent had to replace anything yet through 67k besides regular maintenance (F & R pads once, F & R rotors resurfaced once & then replaced, tires once)..heated seats and leather are also nice

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  Most dangerous car I have every owned - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By todd345 - July 26 - 5:54 pm

  I purchased this car 8 months, 18.000 miles, and $28,000 ago. I thought I did my research, I test drove Acura, Nissan, Ford, and Mazda models. I read the reviews for each. The good things I found are correct; it is very stylish, comfortable, and good performance. The items they dont tell you are; The BLIGHTSPOT, that you have behind you, the headrest and A pillars make it so you cant see anything, VERY dangerous, you might as well paint the back windows black. And if you pull out of a drive and his "ANY" bumps the traction control kicks in and kills the acceleration and leaves you in the oncoming lane waiting for traffic to hit you. If you have a family this in NOT the car for you.

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  Check out Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RickNatalello - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Mazda 6 less than 2 weeks ago and I love it! I did the research online and drove at least 3 other cars (Nissan,Honda,Chevy) and the Mazda was my favorite. The style is sporty and on the same level as the Altima but at a better price tag. The interior is refined and classy - very well thought out (and not cheap looking). The car handles very well and I saved some cash and bought one with the manual transmission, wife cant drive it (yet) but it is very smooth to operate and I dont have any complaints/doubts about my decision. My advise, look around and drive different cars...but dont forget the Mazda 6!

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  Very fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chadrawson - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a mazda after test driving all other cars like the maxima, focus grand am. Main thing that I like about this car, not only looks good on the outside but has the interior and the balls under the hood to back it up. For example my friend has a camamro z28, raced him and it kept up with him till about 80 then thats where the v8 keeps going, but lets face it, how many times you going to pass someone or go faster than 80?the mazda 3 and its interior and was fun to drive. But it has no thrust when your getting on the road or riding the throttle. Got the Bose stereo has a sub in the trunk included,

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  mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By fordtrucker2007 - July 22 - 7:43 pm

  I have had my 6 for three years now and love it. Besides brake and caliper issues it has had no problems. It is fun to drive and handles wonderfully. I would suggest this car to anyone wanting a family car with a fun factor.

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  Loads of fun, but... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barb - July 22 - 5:56 am

  I have had my Mazda6 Sport Value Edition hatchback for just over a year and have 25,000 miles on it. This is a fun car with lots of pep. It looks very cool and looks like its driving even when it is parked. But the seats are not comfortable for me, the blinds spots are too large to be safe and the turning radius is horrendous. Not to mention the Michelin stock tires are terrible in the snow. Im old enough to have driven rear-wheel drive cars in Minnesota winters so its not that Im a new driver. I think the TCS and ABS are probably good, but the tires are awful. Again, really cool car and fun to drive, but too many negatives to want to keep this car very long. Horrible resale!

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  1st week review - 4 of 5 stars - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By abra - July 7 - 11:20 pm

  Just bought a new Sport-VE auto a week ago. Loaded with all Value Edition features including 17" alloys. 150 miles on it so far, so just breaking in the engine. Excellent handling and throttle response - this is a drivers car on a budget. Quiet engine at idle, though growly when pressed hard. Superb 5-speed auto with manual shift gate. Cabin a little shorter than the competition, but makes up for it in width. Open greenhouse, very airy. Highly raked profile - with alloys & side sills, it makes most midsizes look boring. Overall best value in 4 door midsizes. Paid <$16K after $2K rebates, plus taxes. Much better value than Korean & US midsizes. $5K+ cheaper than equivalent Accord/Camry.