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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  Nice, but wanting more - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By OhioMazda - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car all around. Interior is well layed out and easy to use. Very comfortable. Exterior styling also very well done. I have the automatic with the sequenctial manual option and I am really missing the manual shift. For 160 hp, the car feels a little under-powered.

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  2004 MAZDA - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By spikemoss@cableone.n - May 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, A REAL HEAD TURNER

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  Best Car for the Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andrlean - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I compared the Maxima, Altima, Accord and 6S (all manual of course) and the 6S was the easy winner. The combination of its 220hp 5-speed manual with its size and handling made it the most exciting car to drive in this class and price range. The exterior styling is more aggressive/less domestic than the others. The interior fit, feel, and design is on par with the Accord and blows away the Nissans. It is smooth and quiet but has "corners-on-rails" handling. It will guzzle gas if you zoom-zoom and the gas tank gauge is way too conservative. It is a must-drive if you are looking for a practical car to get your driving fix in.

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  Clunk-Clunk in place of Zoom-Zoom!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Olegreybeard - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Too man recalls to mention.Weve had the transmittion checked for rough shifting-dealer cant duplicate problem.Then comes a recall for that very problem,car is in shop all day,they say its fixed,no it is not! Service engine light has come on 3 times ffor different reasons,the dealer says,find out there had been recalls of those problems!We are already looking to trade.Looks like Ill take about a $10,000 hit on this one.Lesson...NEVER buy a first year vehicle.The 6 is a beautiful car,drives like a sports car,super sterio system,only we cant hear it good for all the air noise coming in from somewhere,and of course the dealer cant duplicate that problem

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  Zoom Zoom, Yeah Baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBoy_N_OTown - April 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS is the car for my fellow Baby Boomers on a budget! The ride is awesome, taking turns like a fine tuned lean mean driving machine. When I step on the gas to pass or change lanes, my head pops back! Man, what a rush. The cockpit interior is awesome, I love the red lights. Its so much fun, I sometimes just get on the road and go nowhere. And when I get there, I turn around and head back!

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda6 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. It drives and handles beautifully. I opted for the automatic, and I love that it allows you to shift manually if you want. The turning circle is a little wider than some others, but it definitely is the most fun car to drive and hugs the roads like it was on rails.

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  More fun than Camry Accord etc. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MickeyMazda6 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Try all of the others before trying the Mazda 6. You will be very surprised how this car compares to the others. It is just the right combination of looks, performance, safety and price. The new Camry and Accord are such BORING designs. They are good cars, but lets get some pizazz in the exterior and exterior of them. The Mazda 6 is as good as both of those, but with GREAT LOOKS inside and out!

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  You get what you pay for - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JeffInNC - April 28 - 4:20 am

  Yes, you get a lot for your money here. In my case Mazda was taking $4K off sticker to move a few of these and I was able to get the dealer to reduce his cut as well. But theres a price. After about 9K miles my front rotors are warped. Lately the car has started to stall immediately after being started in the morning. The interior rattles and buzzing speaker enclosures were annoying from day 1 and seem to be getting worse. Matter of fact, I put it in the shop this afternoon and got a Dodge Neon as a loaner. The Neon has a smoother ride and it doesnt rattle. Thats pretty sad! I was planning on this car purchase being a long-term keeper but I dont think thats going to happen.

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  Mazda 6 is a fun and good looking ride! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michael - April 27 - 10:00 pm

  My Mazda 6 has a hatchback but looks like a sports sedan and has a spoiler, moon roof and many other great features. I love the way it looks and how much fun it is to drive. I love the red interior lighting on the dash. Besides looking good it is much easier on the eyes on road trips.

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  A good college car... - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By OUStudent - April 26 - 8:43 am

  This is a nice car to drive. Its quiet on the inside and rides almost as smooth as my moms Lexus. I think that for the money you cant get a better car out there. I test drove many including the Scion, Honda, and Nissan. I liked the feel of the Mazda 6 the best. I have owned the car for about 6 months now and havent even noticed a rattle. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.