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! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JUST SMILE - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Get multiple price quotes on the net to get the best price and then go buy the 6s V6 with all options. Its sporty and stands out from the others in its class thanks to style and value. I ordered it and had to wait almost 4 months to get it. Camry and Accord are so dull looking. I am a past accord owner and their 2003 design looked pathetic to me and then I saw the Mazda 6s on the floor.

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  Great car except for the gas mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By poots - January 21 - 7:03 pm

  Love the styling and the performance (mainly handling), but cant say were a big fan of the gas mileage. My wife drives the car almost exclusively to work, which is a ~32 mile roundtrip of 90% highway miles, and were averaging 25mpg (tires properly inflated, oil changed, air filter changed) on our 36,000 mile Mazda6. The styling is great and it performed well in the snow, which reminds me of one other negative: this car is not meant for snow chains AT ALL. There is almost no clearance between the control arms and the actual tire, so you get A LOT of vibration even at low speed with snow chains. On top of that, the alloy wheels were scratched by the plastic chain connectors.

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  Great fun car, but scary to drive @times - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By hp - January 10 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this car in 12/2008; I sold it in less than 6 months. The car handles great, pickup is ok; but when theres even little snow on the street; if its raining or if there are potholes and youre going over 45mph; it seems like youre drifting. Imagine if you driving a semitruck and on every bump you noticed the trailer wavering. Its not as bad as that but close. I didnt feel safe driving it. Since I bought this car, I have heard the same compliant from other people Ive met with a Mazda 6 and today for the first time someone with a Mazda 3 mentioned the same thing. When I bought the car, people were raving.

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  Fun to drive but with issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Davey - January 9 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004 and love the way it drives. Very quick and fun to drive. However, there have been reliability issues including a clutch that just doesnt seem to catch shifting first to second, the starter had to be replaced and finally, the cable that connected my shifter to the engine snapped and I could no longer shift my car into gear. Very puzzling and the dealership had no idea why that would have happened. I really do love my car but wish it was more reliable. Also, it is terrible in the snow with all-season tires.

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  Owned it for 5 years now - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By B Davis - December 29 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car new almost 5 years ago. Just turned 70000 miles. 4 cylinder 4 speed automatic. Have had no major problems. Transmission shifts a tad hard from 1st to 2nd when cold, but dealer found nothing wrong. Just learned to baby it for the first 1/4 mile. I find I use the manual shift mostly, especially on back roads when I want to keep it in 3rd gear, and not let it go to 4th gear. Overall very pleased.

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  Expected a little more from the Zoom Zoom people - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By galesburgcoins - December 26 - 11:45 pm

  First new car I have ever owned...had 3 years now. I picked this car because everything else looked alike. A+ on that, I think its sexy hot and unique. My biggest complaints are that it doesnt have a lot of power (same engine as Mazda3 I believe - probably rocks in that model) and the gas mileage is horrible for a 4 cylinder. It gets like 20 mpg AND has a lack of power...hmmm. I always find lots of minor annoyances in a cars interior design and the 6 is no different. One think I really hate is that if you open the rear windows and not the front windows at 30 mph+ (for my dog) it totally pops your ears with negative air pressure...never seen anything like it! It actually hurts!

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  Like the Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peter Riess - December 20 - 7:06 am

  Really fun to drive. Very roomy cargo area. Gets lots of compliments on its sporty looks. Must burn mid-grade fuel or performance is severely downgraded.

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  Good car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RHB - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had car now for three months. Nice car to drive. Had a manual 1988 626 previously for 23 years and that car, even old, gave much better mileage (27 city, 35 hwy) than this car; probably due to all the added built in features on 6. One cannot choose options as in old days. Performance ok now, cannot judge reliability after 3 months--maybe in 3 years. Appearance is good, trunk nice and big. Could only get black interior with manual and shows dirt quickly; Mazda should provide more interior options with this style. Seats are hard, lumbar feature not as useful for me as my old 626, wrong position. Good car with advanced features but old 626 was much sportier with better gas mileage

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  Mazda 6 after 2 months - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By chrisnolga - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It handles great- big fun on treacherous, windy roads. Also good for commute driving -easy to get around slower traffic and show them your tail lights for a change. Interior styling is best in class and rivals that of cars costing $10K more. Exterior styling is also very good- sporty yet not too extreme.

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  My First Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By bullrunlover - November 20 - 11:35 pm

  As this being my first vehicle, it was a good choice, especially with TCS (Traction Control System), Ive had it for almost a whole year and mine has 68,500 miles. The only problem Ive had with it was the A/C, which doesnt blow very well, and a terrible creaking noise coming from the engine area when I rev it or turn on the A/C. The brakes are amazing, they have to go through pretty bad situations in my area due to bad drivers. The build quality of the interior is pretty bad, the fuse door and some of the unnecessary bits and pieces have came off and Ive had to put them back on while driving, which can be dangerous. But overall, this car has been one that Id keep until its inherited.