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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  A Great Five Months - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hippyhart - November 20 - 8:06 am

  I bought this car in September 2004, and after five months, I still smile when I see it. As my first new car, I was pleased with the price, options, and Mazdas warranty. Other reviews Ive read mention tight seating in the back, but Ive yet to hear a complaint. Coming from a hatchback, one of my top priorities was ample trunk space -- the Mazda 6 trunk is huge! The exterior styling is beautiful -- I think its the best looking car in its class.

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  Fantastic Performance, but... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart - November 16 - 8:50 am

  ...only fun for short hops. Im 65", and I found out within a few days that the hard plastic of the center console really irritates my lower right leg on trips longer than an hour. The test drive didnt reveal that because I was having to much fun zoom-zooming, which the car does very nicely. Acceleration, handling, braking are all top-notch, and the 6-speed AT is like butter, except when you kick it down around 30 MPH -- downshifts too abruptly. Interior build quality is kind of low-brow, with cheap plastic in abundance, and the cloth seating is already showing wear after only five months. Would not buy again, now that Ive lived with it, mainly because of driving position.

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  Ok, for the price - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By jayw - November 3 - 6:20 pm

  Fun car to drive,looks cute,sporty handling,however seats squeak horribly since day one, paint chips and scratches easily,interior doesnt hold up well-seats and dash trim,gas mileage- max 28mpg hwy driving no more than 65 mph. (would love to know how others are getting 30 mpg +, as they say they are! Dont think its possible, not even using cruise control) Have already replaced catalytic converter and rear main seal at 30,000.Heater has rattling noise that no one can seem to figure out what it is.Has alot of road noise.Would rather own another accord or camry for sure.This car is more comparable with a corolla or civic.Not as impressed with it as salesman was.

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  not too shabby - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - October 29 - 12:32 pm

  So i decided to trade my hyundai for one of these. while i have not really driven this yet i can tell it should be fun. i have more room on the inside and the layout is basic. I opted for a base model minus the the fancy radio and gadgetry. also the price was right. so far it rides well throttle response is better and the ride is very quiet. the 4 gerbils under the hood seem to be very happy and get the wheels moving quite quickly. i dont know about fuel economy but i expect it to be rather decent for a 4 cylinder. note i have only owned this for about 5 hours.

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  Mazda 6 :) - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karla - September 26 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Mazda6, for the most part. The interior has a lot of rattles that they couldnt resolve. The cooling fan has already been repaired once and is running overtime again. It is fun to drive and is "cool" with the teenagers, even though it is a "Moms" car. Had planned to pass it down to my teenager, but not ready to let it go!

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  Its pretty good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jf19540 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Considered the Passat and Altima. It my mind it was the best value of the three $ wise. Doesnt need the V6, the fours just fine. Handles well and corners nicely. Has 4speed auto-stick

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  Good Car? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdafan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely loved this car from the moment I test drove it. Great handling, road feel and crisp shifting manual transmission. If you want a sporty alternative to toyota and honda this is the car, but wait till the 2004 model year.

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  NOT BAD - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jairo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY THING THAT HAS TO GO IS THE ANTENNA IS TO LONG. GETTING OUT OF FIRST GEAR SOMETIMES IS NOT TO SMOOTH SO AM GIVING IT THE BREAK IN PEROID...

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  Wonderful car for long commute. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By joemerchant1 - August 25 - 5:55 am

  I have now owned this car for a year now and added over 25K miles to the odometer. I bought this car for commuting and second car as I also own a 2012 Ford F-150 and my wife has 2010 Camary. The only bad thing I can say about this car is the leather is not very good and cracked under the front corner which does not get any wear from sitting. Other than that, it gets 29 MPG hand calculated at every fillup no matter what gas or the season. The little 4 banger is peppy and gets to speed well. The gearing of this car is terrific as I find many cars are not geared well with mismatched engines. Mazda did a wonderful job matching the transmission to the engine.

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  Its the small things... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6 or 3 humm?... - August 8 - 3:23 am

  Overall, my Mazda has done everything and more. The long trips and are comfortable and short trips are quick! I enjoy the tight and quick response handling. As for quick comparison, my last car was a Ford SHO and I would have to say that the 4-cylinder in the Mazda really moves when you go from point A to point B safely.