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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  Much promise, little delivery - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jon - October 18 - 10:40 pm

  Smooth engine, good handling and nice auto box ruined by worst ride of any car I have owned in 23 years of driving (avoid the 18 inch alloys and Pirelli P Zero tyres). Looks great outside, cheap materials inside. Loads of space and easy loading on the hatch. Lousy economy. Overall, disappointing, as on the surface much more interesting than competition.

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  Our new 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clif - October 16 - 9:40 pm

  Well, after 5 years and 76000 trouble free miles we traded in our 2004 Mazda6s for the new 2009 Mazda Grand Touring. Weve only had it 2 days but love it. Its as rock solid as our 04 but bigger, more comfortable and very powerful. We love the options like the navigation, Bluetooth, Bose system, Blind Spot Monitoring etc etc. It is much more comfortable than our old 6, but a bit bigger. Mazda managed to retain the sportiness and fun to drive aspect. I just hope it is as dependable as our 04 was. It was easy to return to Mazda, Weve owned 5 Mazdas in the last 20 years and they have been great with no issues. We havent had a bad one and look forward to our new long term test drive!

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  Enjoyable - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ryan - October 16 - 7:13 am

  My 6 is now 3 yrs old, and has over 65k miles on her. She still drives great, handles superbly, and has yet to have any "major" work (knock on wood) done on it. The only real draw back is the crappy fuel economy.

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  My experience has been very poor - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By oblithian - October 15 - 1:31 pm

  The Mazda 3 arrived after the 6 and has had who knows how many infotainment updates, yet the 6 still hasnt had one in North America, and as a result a lot of the features run into problems (like playing songs not associated with the title displayed, dismally slow connectivity times). Mine has had transmission problems since I bought it, with many appointments and now resolution. The interior bits (especially the tilt steering adjustment) have started vibrating on even smooth roads. rear brakes clunk when releasing. Poor sound insulation. However, it handles nicely and gets pretty good fuel economy.

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  Sedan? - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul La Plant - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We first test drove many other cars. Nissans, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volxwagon, Acura, Honda. All were nice cars. Did not want to spend over 30,000 dollars for a new car. Last car we drove was the Mazda 6 Sedan. Although equiped with the 4 cylinder, and a manual transmission, it drove and preformed like a sports car when asked, and a sedate fuel effitient compact when needed. We went back and drove the others, but the decision was made. All that is left to say is.... What a great car for a great price. It does all that we ask, and acks as though we could give it more if we needed it. Compact car fuel economy, sedan comfort, sports car feel. Nice work Mazda!!

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  Sleek Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nursgrl - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second mazda...We dont own a SUV or truck but needed more cargo room from time to time..this was the right car for us...One word of caution when searching for a Wagon with a roof rack...It has to be factory installed...dont let the dealer tell you they can put it on after you buy the car..IT CANT!!! those side roof rack bars are too tricky when you add in side/curtain air bags..this is per Mazda headquarters...the cross bar of the roof rack can be added on later but not the other.one is permanant the other is removeable...wish the dealers knew the car better than giving false info to the consumer

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Annie - October 8 - 5:53 pm

  Fun to drive. Great fuel mileage. Lots of pickup for a four cylinder. Great body style. Mazda is a great car to own. Doesnt get the respect it deserves!

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  Great value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By ponchojack - October 6 - 6:31 am

  Ive had my Mazda almost 5 years. It has been a great, fun car to drive with very low maintenance costs. The interior is comfortable and highly functional, even with the standard options. The only gripe is the turning radius. Not an easy car to work in tight spaces. This might be a trade off for the good handling at speed. The motto "zoom, zoom!" truly applies to this car. Its just fun to drive.

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  Style and substance in one great car - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By evan21007 - September 30 - 7:12 am

  Ive had this car for 5 weeks and 750 miles. The exterior styling gets noticed immediately and the seats are amazingly comfortable with the right amount of support. Press the push-button start and let the fun begin. The engine has decent power, but 0-20 mph may require a bit more pressure on the gas pedal. The tires have plenty of grip combined with the standard 17" wheels. Steering and suspension are responsive to every input so you can have fun taking corners or enjoy a smooth ride in daily commuting. The interior is simply laid out with good ergonomics, high quality materials and switchgear throughout. Its not a flashy interior (which is a good thing). This is a drivers car!

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  Mazda got it right this time - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fly Fisher - September 26 - 1:43 pm

  Looked at everything out there for about a year and after I drove the Mazda knew it was the perfect car for me. If you love to drive but need a family sedan this car wins hands down over the competition. Power, handling, quality features and the best design out there make this a winner and I would recommend everyone test drive it before they buy.