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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  What a fun car!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By shahidm - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2003 s trim during the year- end sales. The car is very comfortable and easily seats 4 adults. Almost perfect combination of practicality (I have three kids) and fun - and very reasonably priced. The auto/manual transmission is great and one can switch from one to the other on the fly while driving - you can even keep your foot pressed on the accelerator. Dash is nicely laid out with the controls laid out cleanly - and they are intuitive to use. Overall, very pleased with the car.

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  AWFUL GAS MILEAGE - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bono - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  This car would be OK with a GM engine

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  Be careful with this one.... - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By thill357 - August 1 - 7:15 am

  This is my first time owning any mazda and for the most part I can say it is OK. I own the Touring Plus model with a few extra features. First thing I must say is the car is very slow and the 4 cyl seems lousy and sluggish. It is a very loud engine for not being that fast... The extorior styling is beautiful. I love the trunk, even though fitting some larger boxes through the small opening can be difficult. Since the day I owned the car, the radio has been very staticy and even when close to local radio stations. Tried to take it back and get repaired and they said it was fine, which it is not. Heritage Mazda of Towson has bad service and is pretty expenisve. Prefer the Camry SE over this...

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  Fun sports sedan! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By mmsim - August 1 - 1:04 am

  This was the first car I purchased myself. Im the second owner of an 06 Mazda6. In regard to appearance, this car is definitely "sexy", especially in the Dark Cherry color I have. I drove an 03 Toyota Camry before this Mazda6 and I can assure you, the Mazda6 is sportier, smaller, and more fun to drive. I havent had any serious issues with the vehicle, besides the routine maintenance (oil change, tires,). I had one mechanical problem when I first bought the car but it was under warranty so no cost to me. The speed and handling of this vehicle is up to par; it exceeds my expectations, especially being a 4-banger. Overall I would HIGHLY recommend this vehicle to any prospective purchasers.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MN6Owner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car off the reviews of many others. Pluses: sporty feel, good gas mileage (average 24 with city/highway drivin), fun to drive, love the autolevel volume control for radio, trunk space is huge. Cons: Interior is cheap, no padding on door rests for elbows (Camry has nice padding), rattles underneath the gear shift, no torque from 1K to 2.4K RPM, no overdrive for automatic. Front seats could have more padding. These are all minor thnings for the first 3000 miles I have owned it. Considering trading this in for a bigger car because I am not sure how a baby seat and a booster seat for my 3 year old is going to ride. The AC takes a bit to turn on

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  Impressed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomin - July 15 - 8:03 am

  So far a great lil car, would recommend to new car buyers. Fun, comfortable, overall good design, better than other cars in the same class.

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  zoom zoom is good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DeWitt - July 3 - 10:00 am

  this is my first mazda automobile and I am more than satisfied with the car. It is a blast to drive; running through the gears is mucho fun and taking corners the car sticks to the road like glue. For the money this car has more than exceeded my expectations. You can have your euro road racers. Ill take this puppy any day

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  I see a bad trend here - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda6s_in_ky - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Steel Grey Metallic beauty in June 2003. This car is very eye catching and you dont see one at every single stoplight like Camry and Accord so its unique! My auto trans has a horrible throttle delay. I contacted my dealer and Mazda USA and both say that its operating as designed. Fix the throttle and it will be perfect! Be sure to note the take offs from dead stop when you test drive an automatic!

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  I expected more. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kathleen Irwin - June 15 - 5:56 am

  I had owned Honda Accords for 12 years but then, I fell in love with the Mazda6 body style! I have driven it for 1 year now and although I still love the outside of the car, I am unhappy with the quality of the inside. I have had the dealer replace all the seat bottoms because, they ALL began to wear where there is wire under the cloth. This is true in every Mazda6 out there! Push on the seam and you will feel it. Now the driver seat needs to be replaced where the seatbelt is rubbing through the fabric (I am short and have the seat pretty far forward). The gauges are hard to read due to the steering wheel, no matter how I adjust it.

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  Serious brake problems - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cubanpete - May 23 - 9:31 am

  Anyone considering a mazda 6 should wait until they resolve the following serious issue: My 2014 sport has been in and out of service for loud clunking noises in the rear brakes. So far neither the dealer nor the mazda techs who came out have been able to resolve it. Apparently it has something to do with the calipers. So far theyve replaced many of the parts in both rear brakes to no effect. Currently I am waiting while they manufacture larger brake pads to install to see if this solves the issue. I asked them to just replace my vehicle, as this has been dragging on for a long time, but they refuse, so Im stuck with it while they use me as a guinea pig for their tests.