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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  Disappointed in Ohio - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bigmama4 - September 13 - 5:26 pm

  When I first bought my brand new Mazda 6 in 2003 I kept getting a burning smell in the car. The Mazda mechanic told me the smell would go away after 3 -5 thousand miles. He said it was something to do with the exhaust pipes. I can not remember how many times my brakes had to be changed and also just a month before my warranty expired I had to get rust fixed around my back wheel well. Of course they gave me a hard time but they fixed it twice because the first time looked terrible , I could have done better. Needless to say the rust came back with a fury it looks terrible,at least it is only in that one spot (strangely). Also the light cover on my front passenger door never stays on .

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  Good but not Great... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By generalpipe - August 21 - 10:26 am

  When I bought this Mazda6 last November I did not intend to buy a Mazda. After driving it I liked it, but still reluctant. I read the reviews in the New York Times and went back to Carmax for another test drive...and brought it home. Fit and finish are above average; not too big and not too small, just right for me, 5- 10" at 160lbs. Lots of get-up and go from a powerful 4 banger, 160 horses in the higher revs. It will get you on the freeway and back off. In the stop and go traffic of Houston heat I worry about overheating, but have put Mobil 1 oil to help with heat dissipation. We have had 90 degree days and no problem yet - wait till August.

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  Unbelievable Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Law128 - August 15 - 7:13 am

  I got a grand touring hatchback with the 6 speed auto and this car is simply amazing for the price; there is no other car in its class that can touch its options for this little money. Tons of storage space, AC outlets everywhere, comfortable heated seats, 6 cylinder can really go, auto climate control, high intensity discharge headlamps, awesome gauges. plus the 18 inch wheels look killer! And the hatch can swallow anything you throw into it. Amazing car for the price.

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  m6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By khollo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  mazda6-i version with the 5 speed manual transmission makes driving more fun. generous trunk room, ample front leg room,height adjustable drivers seat,cup holders,bottle holders in front doors,6 speaker sound system, plus very good gas mileage (we got 26 mpg on our first tank with mostly in town driving).a quick and responsive handling system that tames curves, zoom-zoom

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  The more I drive it, the less I like it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeH - July 18 - 12:33 am

  There are way too many problems popping up with my Mazda6. So much so I am trading it in on something else. Headlight lenses that collect condensate. A/C that causes condensation on the dashboard. The car is 6 months old and its got problems that shouldnt be occurring in an auto.

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  Great car for $$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By G - July 4 - 6:00 am

  For the $$$ you cant beat. Plus, it has unique style that sets it apart from camrys, accords, and other mass- produced 4 doors that old people drive. Power is only good up top so you need to keep it there if you want to have fun. Handling is excellent - I owned a 91 300ZX and this handles just as good. Interior style is good, though quality of materials is lacking. This is my third MAZDA - I will definitely purchase again. They seem to be the only manufacturer that can put all of the right peices together in one package. Not necessarily the best in any one category, but I feel it is best all- around.

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  Very good all-around - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By swyler - July 3 - 5:46 am

  I am very pleased with the build quality. No defects apparent after 1500 miles. Average fuel economy 26 mpg.

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  Denmark - Actually 2.0 liter - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gutterman - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car in Denmark. Has good pickup for a 2.0 liters 141 hp. and thats pretty good for a European car. Nice interior (alcantara like). Mine is Sparkling silver which is a pretty nice mix between silver and golden, it actually changes color depending on the weather. When its dark the color is more silver and when its sunny the color is more golden. It has the standard CD and no-name speakers which sound pretty nice. You have to understand that all car prices in Denmark cost "the price of the car" plus 180% tax, so all extras cost a fortune. I used to have an Opel vectra 1.6 liter and this is a step up, although I feel that some of the parts are a little cheap.

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  Move over Maxima - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By FT - June 19 - 10:33 am

  Car is a lot of fun to drive. In sales, my car is my desk and this car fits the bill. Map lights (front and back). My kids love to read and the lights dont interfere with my vision. Storage compartment in front dash is very convenient. Car has plenty of pep and the manual shifting is slick when you want to play. I had two Maximas before this and this car is in the same league.

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  pretty nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By phishhead - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a graet car for the money. It has many nice features not offered on many cars in this class. The 6 cylinder engine cound use more torque, its a bit slow off the line. The exterior design is wonderful. The inside is also beautiful.