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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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6sDriver - December 4 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought my new 6s 5 door with the leather package and the 6 speed AT. Looked at one with the Bose/Moonroof package but wasnt overly impressed by the sound of the Bose stero and the head space was limited with the moonroof so I went with the leather instead. Handles wonderful, very smooth on the highway and fun on the backroads. I disagree with other reviews that I have read saying that the ride was overly harsh; I think its where it should be for a sports sedan. Huge space in the back makes it practical and sporty which is a hard to find combination. With dealer incentives and rebates I paid more than $2000 under invoice. After much looking its a very tough car to beat for the price.

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  Mom’s new car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dru2you - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Okay. I really haven’t had the experience of driving it yet. Just test driving it. Went out yesterday to lease my 90 year old mother a new car. She had been driving upscale Mercury Sable. The dealership now also sold Mazda. Talked mom into the Mazda 6S with the 17” wheels and dual exhaust. Would have liked her to have the manual, but she opted for the 5 speed automatic. Can’t wait to compare it to my bimmer.

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  Mazda 6 Believer - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kerry Noble - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Totally fun to drive. Im using it for business as well as pleasure and have received numerous compliments and questions about my new Mazda 6. Would and have recommended it to friends and family.

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  Mazda6s the best. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By americanguy - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the best cars I have driven, under $40,000. I have driven the Chrysler 300M, Nissan Maxima 2004, and the Mazda 6s it is fun to drive and reliable.

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  Four Cylinder Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hisfiddler - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 300 miles a day. After many test drives and reading Edmunds, I chose the Mazda6i over the Honda Accord 4 cylinder. I get a better feel of the road, better steering action and had a larger number of option choices. I am getting better gas mileage (between 27 and 28) for a lead foot, than the Honda. It also came in a beautiful green color, though I dont know how it got the name Sepang Green (or what Sepang means). I would definitely buy another Mazda6.

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  A fine addition - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By FieryMango - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The 6 addresses the ride shortcomings of the Protege, almost hovering in comparion. Wind noise is nonexistent, road noise is largely muted, though there is a slight hint of pavement quality transmitted through the steering wheel. The real charm of the car lies in the thoughtful interior design. The two- tiers center console, centar stack storage compartment, bottle holders in the doors, and other torage cubbies provide lot of options. The spring- loaded rear seats fold flat, and can be released from either a button on the seatback or a lever by the rear hatch.

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  Praise for a very good car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom - November 25 - 9:16 pm

  The 2.3L 4 cylinder cars handle slightly better due to the reduced weight. The ergonomics of the hatch are unmatched in the sporty sedan market (even Saab dropped theirs). In addition to these features which put the Mazda 6 at the top of our list the car is a PZEV - partial ZERO emissions vehicle, meaning it pumps our 1/5th the pollution of similar cars. Also this car has a lot of Ford based domestic parts, including the new, larger, brakes from the heavier Fusion. Feel good about your ZOOM, ZOOM. It is not marketed as a car for flag waving greenies, but it is a car that feels good in more ways that just behind the wheel.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By CK - November 23 - 6:36 pm

  I bought my car used with 24000 miles on it. Ive driven it to school 40+ each way for a year now and also took it on two road trips - this car has gotten me there with no problems whatsoever. Its comfortable and reliable enough to get you where you need to go. Low range acceleration in automatic mode could use some work but Ive gotten around that by using the triptronic to shift as needed. I love the steering wheel controls and large trunk space. All controls are easy to adjust while driving. Overall, I am very happy with the car, especially for the price.

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  Drive Mazda 6 before buying anything in this class!!! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By futbal9 - November 23 - 9:28 am

  If you are looking at cars in this class, you must drive the 6 before deciding. It took over three months and 2 to 3 test drives on almost everything in this class, then the 2014 6s came in and it was end of story for all the others. This car is fun!!! The others are nice, Accord Sport is the only thing close, but you wont be driving what everyone else is driving with the 6. The red color is awesome, the silver was also very nice. Gas mileage is great 28mpg average so far with mostly city driving. I feel that I bought a luxury sports car at $15 to $20 thousand less than the luxury brands. Love the leatherette seat very comfortable and Im 63", wife is 54" and also is very comfortable.

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  6i Grand Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ctl - November 22 - 10:36 am

  After driving the Mazda6, none of the other cars I tested (Altima, Accord, Legacy, Camry) could match the combination of features/performance/style. The acceleration is better than I expected with a 4cyl and the suspension has an excellent balance between handling and comfort. The Michelin tires do squeal too early though. The dashboard is very intuitive and easy to use. The GT has more features than I know what to do with. I especially love the blue tooth connection for my cell phone. The only minor disappointment is the gas mileage. After 2 months, Im only getting 21 mpg in combo city/highway driving but thats a small price to pay for an excellent car.