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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  Worth the Wait - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Whalebelly - April 25 - 10:10 am

  We were ready to replace our old Mazda6 back in April of this year, but decided to wait for the 2009. Im glad we did, for this vehicle is so much better. It has a larger interior, larger trunk and we opted for the i Grand Touring with remote keyless doors and ignition, dual zone climate control, leather heated seats and we opted for the moonroof and sound upgrade package. The car still handles great like the older version but is so much more comfortable.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - April 25 - 3:00 am

  I havent had the car for long, but I love it so far. Nice power, handling, ride. Ive had two Mazdas in the past and loved them, so I can only hope this one works out as well as the others did!

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  EXCELLENT! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Margie Carroll - April 17 - 7:43 am

  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my car! With all leather interior, Bose stereo, and choice of fully auto or manual shifting "on the fly" this car rocks! It is just as nice as a mid priced Beamer and WAY nicer than any Honda. Everyone that gets into my car is surprised by the quality and the "cool factor" it has. Plus with side curtain and back side curtain airbags standard on this car it cant be beat.

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  2007 mazda 6 saved our lives - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By flatsider - April 13 - 11:45 am

  March 26, I385 north taveling at 65-68 mph,we were hit with basically a high speed pit manuver which put us in a spin off the interstate,down and up an imbankment through a chainlink fence across a frontage road and back into the fence and a pine tree.It completly totalled the car and we walked away with just minor brusies and a little whiplash,not a scratch.The suprising thing was no air bags deployed as we didnt strike anything with the front of the car.Im convinced the car saved our lives.We have since purchased another 6 and waiting on delievery.Great car!

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  Mazda6s - Better looking everyday - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Atlanta Mazda 6s - April 12 - 2:56 pm

  I purchased a 6s after driving a number of competing cars including Maxima, Passat. The 6s was well equipped, less expensive, better styled and drove like a much more expensive car. In the four years I have owned the 6s, the car has remained interesting. I have not grown tired of the driving or looks. After some warranty repairs on brake rotors, fans, and a "reflash" of the transmission, the car drives better than new. Mazdas are clearly driver-oriented cars and their design and performance confirm that philosophy. My daughter recently became primary driver of the 6s and she raves how well it drives. She receives frequent positive comments on the style and sportiness.

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  Mmmmmaaaazzzdddaaa!!! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By tmayagirl - April 8 - 9:43 pm

  I just bought the 2014 Mazda 6 I touring model about 2 weeks ago and I love this car! I had an MX 5 soft top convertible before so I already was a Mazda fan. But now, in my humble nonprofessional opinion, Mazda has out done itself! Quality all the way! Alright Im going driving now.

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  Update on December Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By clif02 - April 7 - 9:20 pm

  Weve had our Mazda6 since December now and have close to 9000 miles on it. I wrote in my initial review we loved the car and hoped it would be as reliable as all of our other Mazdas have been. Switched oil to Mobil 1 synthetic at the first change. We average 22.4 around town and 28.3 on the road. The car is as good as our 04 as it is rock solid, totally reliable but it is more comfortable than our 04 Mazda6. It is a great car and we love it. The V-6 has more than enough power and I find the fuel economy pretty fair. All in all we are very pleased with the car and look forward to driving it for years to come.

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  Tons better than my 2008 Honda Accord - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MNA2002 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 08 Accord in March 2008. It was plagued with fault brakes and other electrical problems. So, buh-bye Accord. I know Mazda owners and test drove the 09 6. I had parked by Accord next to a 6 at the dealers. The 6 made the Accord look like a dowdy Buick. The 6 has had zero problems. The interior is 10 times better than the Accord. The power seat is fantastic for my long legs. On the highway I get 30 mpg -- the Accord got 33, so its a little less. I like a reliable car, and I do believe that I have found it. Ive read some unfortunate things about the current Accords. The 6 might not hold its resale value as much as the Accord, but I wont have the car repairs that Accord needs.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By djkest - April 3 - 10:00 am

  We got this car to replace our Corolla with something safer. Its been a great car for us so far. The engine, while not super powerful, is very smooth and loves to rev. Between the engine and the close-ratio 6-speed you can always find the power band. I was never lacking in power up to 11,000 feet on mountain passes, a feat my corolla stumbled on. The handling is wonderful, very composed and confident on twisty roads, but the ride is very smooth as well. It looks great, and the interior and trunk are enormous. The factory stereo is probably above average, the seats are grippy without being constrictive.Too early to notice any repair issues, engine seems to be getting stronger as it breaks in

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  Great Car for the $$ - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 1 - 2:20 am

  Black on black with the convenience package and rear spoiler. Looks are fantastic and its one of the best looking cars out there. Handles very well around corners. Very little cabin noise. Controls are perfectly placed. Push-button start takes time to get used to if youre used to having a key in your hand as you exit the car. 2.5L has some zip to it and gets up to speed quickly. Leather trim does look cheap and seats are a bit hard. Interior lights look fantastic! Bluetooth works well and very easy to set-up, however have been told that it has some static on the other end.