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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  Unreliable Lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By BuyHonda - September 24 - 9:23 pm

  The look and feel of the car is great. When it comes to performance and reliability, it broke down twice in the first two months of ownership and within the first 3000 miles. The car jerked and bucked and was inoperable both times and had to be towed to the dealership for diagnostics and repairs. On both occasions, the actuator throttle assembly went bad and had to be replaced. After the second breakdown and over six weeks of the car being in the repair shop, I exercised my lemon law rights as a consumer and got a full refund. This time, I purchased the much more reliable Honda Civic.

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  Melting Tail Lights - If youre out of warranty - Youre Out of Luck - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By gregsmazda6 - September 9 - 1:56 am

  I bought a used 2010 Mazda 6 with about 44,000 miles on it. By about 48,000 miles, I noticed the tail light lenses were melting. It has stock bulbs. Dealership never saw this before (of course) but was willing to charge $350 for new tail lights. I tried going the route of "Tail Lights shouldnt melt in a year". I say they happen only after 3/36,000 warranties. Several iterations up the Mazda Corporate ladder - proved fruitless. Out-of-Warranty, Out-of-Luck. Only when I went to the NHTSA, I found (service bulletin) SB-10033969-2790), 2009/10 "Mazda 6 might experience heat deformation of the lens in warm climates" - Why isnt Mazda Selling - ARE MELTING TAIL LIGHTS ACCEPTABLE to CUSTOMERS???

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  Not Meeting Expectations - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jtb82 - July 22 - 10:58 am

  The car has a great appearance and seemed to be a decent value, but the fuel economy has not even come close to the averages seen on the window sticker. The sticker averages were 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. My car is averaging 24 mpg and I drive mostly on highways. Would not recommend!

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  Slip joint problem and pulsating brakes - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ariel - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased car Dec. 08, Feb 09 -to dealer for knocking noise when turning, car inspected, nothing found. Noise continued, May 09 to dealer for knocking noise when turning and pulsating brakes. Valiant grease to steering column shaft. Breaks inspected, no issue. Noted some improvement with turning noise. Returned 6/3 for both issues continued. Replaced steering column, excessive movement in the slip joint used for steering wheel adjustment. Informed had same problem with older Mazda 6 and grease worked, but not 09. Replace the front rotors for customer satisfaction and at 14,950 machined back rotors. Not impressed with the continuing issues only 6 mo. car. If continues will pursue lemon law.

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  Just didnt work for me. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By herbww - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I found the seats very hard and the front seat positions limited. When on medium to long drives I would get out of the car limping. The GPS never worked probably, but even if it had I found it difficult to use and read. The mileage wasnt near the rating for highway driving. The car is also a little under powered. The electronics all seemed a little off. The base car is probably very good value. I wrote to Mazda and didnt get a response. I finally just dumped the car after about 8 months of driving.

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  Must Have Fallen Off the Truck! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jstandefer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is very good. It is comfortable yet sporty, with a nice interior and a lot of nice touches such as the standard steering wheel audio controls. The 4-wheel disc brakes are excellent. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of problems with this particular car, everything from drivetrain to interior to the infamous "staining". Perhaps this car fell off the truck!

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  Transmission - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By YellowMazda6 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in May of 2003. I loved the car since I first saw it, and of course it was my favorite color, Yellow! I got the car and had problems 3 months later. And still to this day I am having problems. When I am coming to a stop, and the gears are shifting from 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd, it shifts really hard to where it jolts the car. I have taken it to the dealership at least 4 times and there is nothing they can do for it. One technician told me the car is suppose to ride like that... Which I highly doubt! So now to this day, I am filing the Lemon Law.

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  Poor reliability and durability - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ahmed - March 17 - 8:50 am

  I had Mazda 6 and it was doing well till it hit the 50 k mark and then it became a problem. Once it had 65K and it became beyond repair. If you are looking for a durable car for sure this is not for you.

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  2004 6S - fun, but too many problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJW - March 11 - 10:50 am

  Love the exterior of 6s and owned 3 other Mazdas. The 6S is less than expected Mazda quality -- less than 1 year/12kms; blinker connection loose, pulled transmission to replace defective clutch disc, replaced defective windshield, fluttler noise when heater turns on - dealer cant fix it, recall on leaky emission, wire falling in leather seats, engine valves noisey, dealer tightened left front noisy axle. Turning radius is WIDE, gas mileage is terrible, Stick is loud when shifting gears, good brakes, good sound system, fun to drive - good pickup and handling. Should provide option for leather package without seat warmers - not needed in south.

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  cuisinart motor, rice krispies interior - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mtaylor - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  After only 10 months, Im ready to ditch this car. The engine is smooth enough but sounds like a blender. Transmission is beginning to hesitate between gears and is rough. The entire passenger side rattles (dash,under seat and on B-pillar). Impossible to find a comfy driving position (gauges too high for the wheel, lumbar support too hard, among other issues). Door handles are flimsy. Plastic trim on A- pillar is loose. HVAC fan rattles. Felt-like trim between dash and windshield is uneven. Bose system is mediocre. Very weak low beam headlights. Was sucked in by the looks, but have been let down by the quality. At least its mechanically reliable and gets good mpg.