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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  Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bri - December 18 - 12:23 am

  2009 iTouring w/Bose/moonroof, and Conv Package. I have had the car so far for a few months. So far I really like it. No major problems at all.

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  Mazda 6 - So Nice we got it Twice!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul C. from Seattle - December 17 - 3:40 pm

  Wife was happy with her 2007 silver glacier M6 i 5 Dr Touring HB so shortly after got a 2007 redfire metallic M6 s SVE sedan for myself. The sedans V6 is very smooth, drives and handles great. The M6 hugs the road very well and is fun to drive and quiet, overall its a poor mans sports sedan. Best car owned with regards to driving experience. To improve my M6 sedans looks, found on the internet and added a factory like pre-painted rear wing spoiler for 1/3 the cost of what Mazda charges. Looking to add fog lights.

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  Good purchase - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Had the car about a month --major complaint is the pick up -could be better. If you have the extra $$$ go for the bigger engine --other than that, it is an excellent car so far

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wally Coolidge - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I only have 1600 miles on my vehicle at this time. I have found my Mazda to be efficient on gas, easy to handle and it appears at this time to stand up to all advertised statements pertaining to this particular vehicle.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - December 9 - 4:23 am

  So far the vehicle has been excellent. The style of the vehicle is incredible. It has good acceleration for being a 4 cylinder sedan. Very fun to drive.

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  little money allotta car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cash - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Since day one the car has been an eye catcher. Its handling is far superior than the gran prix gt i sold.Interior quality is great. Engine is strong but not as smooth or as powerful as my sons accord. Overall I am very satisfied with the car. A good choice and not expensive.

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  Looks Hot, Runs Hot - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tonebone1 - December 8 - 2:56 pm

  This is my second Mazda6. My first was was a 2006. I love to drive my Madza6, especially with the V6 it has. However, recently it has been running hot. I had to get it towed once because of this issue, and had to return it to the shop for the same thing a few days later. The service person advised me that it was a manufacturer defect. Needless to say, the car is still in the shop. Other than that, the car with its unique look, is fun to drive. Interior features can be improved like the Aux plug that is located in the armrest isnt convenient (why not put one on the radio). Folding mirrors with turn signal would be nice.

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  Not too bad - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By treed67 - December 7 - 1:16 am

  Bought car new. I think the automatic shifter is a little sloppy. When traveling at slow speed (like slowing down to turn) if I give it the gas to zip through my turn it will kinda lag. Or not downshift as I feel it should. Note if in manual mode no issue whatsoever. At 73000 miles my wheel bearings went. This turned into a month long nightmare with another area dealer trying to fix it. Took 4 return trips for them to finally figure out that one wheel bearing they replaced was bad. And by that point they also had to replace a hub as well. But they did get it fixed and not charge me any extra to fix. All in all I do like this car. If you like playing twister then getting into car should be ok

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  Wow what a fantastic car - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By 40yroldkid - December 5 - 9:18 pm

  I had a 2005 Mazda6 Hatchback and loved it but the 2014 takes the 6 to a whole different level. I fell in love with the exterior styling as soon as I saw it. When I had the opportunity to test drive it I was blown away, the car drives and handles wonderfully and the interior quality is second to none. I do agree that the navigation system seems a little cheap but it works and everything else is so fantastic I dont mind it at all. I read somewhere in a review "If Porsch made a car under $50,000 this would be it". I couldnt agree more and I only paid $28K for the Grand Touring Edition (it was a demo the sales manager was driving). Oh yea and the fule economy is excellent!

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  Could be great but few issues mar the experience - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By estwest - December 4 - 10:54 pm

  Got it about a month ago; put 1500 miles so far. Nice-looking, spacious, comfortable interior. Has been averaging 33 mpg (mostly highway on weekends, in-traffic during the week). Decent audio with Tech Package. Mediocre TomTom GPS. Very buggy infotainment system; visiting dealer for the second repair. First was the Bluetooth/USB/Phone dying completely - was "fixed" by unplugging the battery, so the bug is still there and who knows when its going to strike again. Second - one of the buttons on the "joystick" control got stuck making it unusable. But the biggest issue -serious road and wind noise at highway speeds. Make sure to test drive it at 65-75 m/h if you plan to drive on highways a lot