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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  Loving my car!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By verybusymom - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I had been wanting the car as soon as they came out.It was so worth the wait. I have really enjoyed this car. I look forward to driving it everyday. I even love washing it. :) Boy do you get the looks in this car. People are always stopping me and asking what kind of car it is. Being a mom of 2 I needed a car that would work for the family, just not one that yelled out MOM!! and this car does that for me. :)

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  Love that Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By FANNA - June 7 - 10:00 am

  In looking for a car we test drove several cars, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima. The Mazda 6, V6 was by far the best value for the money. The Maxima was my preferred choice until I drove the Mazda 6. It was readily apparent that the ride of the Mazda 6 was comparable to that of the Maxima. It is a smaller car, but had all the amenities that the Maxima had. It is an all around winner for comfort, exterior design, interior design (it is awesome!)and safety. For anyone who truly enjoys driving cars, the Mazda 6 is an utter delight! I absolutely adore this car!

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  Tight Car - loads of room - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rossberg - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The build quality of this car is great. If average German quality were a 5 and Japnese a 4, this car would score a 4.5 in my book. There is a solid "thunk" when closing the doors, quiet ride, good cornering. I went with the 2.3L for the fuel economy, not disappointed performance-wise, but if I did not care about mileage, I would have taken the V6. Even with an manu-matic the car is not a slug, just wont beat a Hemi off the line. I would highly recommend this car for its good looks, versatility and value.

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  WOW!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - June 6 - 4:03 am

  ....and I thought you had to buy a GM car to get such a soft ride. Superb handling. Smooth acceleration with the V6. Now I get the Zoom Zoom thing. Great driving experience. Not one rattle so far. What a car!!

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  Mazda6 V6 replaces Altima - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aaron R - June 1 - 1:46 pm

  A little over a year ago I purchased a new Nissan Altima. It was close to a strip model and I was never really satisfied with the car. Checked out the Mazda6 with the 4 cylinder and thought it was a nicely appointed car but the power was not what I expected. The dealer pulled around a Touring S model with the V6. Wow what a difference, I was sold as soon as I hit the acceleration. I got a great deal since they were having huge rebates and $1000 buyer loyalty credit. (Also own a 2007 CX7) I had an 07 IS250 and this car is almost identical in looks and features in my opinion.

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  Superb Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christy - May 30 - 5:30 am

  This is my third year with this car and it hasnt disappointed me yet. I have not had a single major problem, just usual maintenence. I highly recommend this for a driver looking for a cheap, reliable quality sport sedan.

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  Mazda 6s - great value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DH800 - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 6s for a couple of months and I love it! Value is first rate: leather seats, powerful V6 engine, and beautiful design at a very affordable price. The 220-hp lets me run with most cars on the road while it doesnt kill me at the pump (although mpg could be better). And when I wax my car, I still catch myself staring at it; love the exterior design. The only thing you have to do to this car is open up the mufflers, add an intake and you have a legitimate, stylish contender that stands out from the economy-car pack. I cannot attest to the reliability yet, however, but I think these cars have done well considering 03 was the first production year.

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  This car rocks! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - May 24 - 6:16 am

  We have had this car for two months and fall in love with it more each day. We absolutely love the 6 speed manual - it has made driving fun again. The ride is excellent and the car is a real head turner. Although the car is not fully loaded (No Nav system - it is equipped with everything we need, except maybe heated seats). The car has handled superbly in severe winter conditions - heavy snow and ice. We feel in control, even when driving conditions are bad. This has been a great buy and my wife and I would purchase this again - maybe one for me! Mazda really hit a home run with this re-design and we are looking forward to the 2010 Mazda 3! ZOOM-ZOOM All the way!!

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  Love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lipman photo - May 23 - 3:06 am

  This car is a joint venture between Volvo ford and mazda.It is really got a lot of Volvo in it . It is just great to drive. I keep looking for reasons to drive somewhere. The mileage is about 20 in the city and 27 on the highway

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  Very satisfied. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick Tishma - May 11 - 8:50 am

  This Mazda has BMW-like handling at a lower cost. Reliability has been much better than domestics I have owned. The exterior still looks like new and the interior (leather) has held up well too. This car should last me another 6 to 7 years easily. I still enjoy driving it every day.