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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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Garrett - March 12 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this car used at about 23k miles; now at 72k. I like the 2003 options because you can get a moonroof unbundled with other options. Reliable; only issue was a throttle body sensor I replaced out-of-warranty with a salvaged part for $120. Only drawbacks are dash and trim rattles and buzzes; I stuffed some wood pieces under the dash align pins which really helped but the center console (all plastic) makes noise and theres some kind of buzz in the B-pillar area occasionally (hence build quality = 4). Sun visors will weaken if you clip a garage opener on them.

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  Really Like It!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Go Mazda Go! - March 11 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a Mazda6, went from a Acura TL 2004 to this but gas prices were killing me, I do miss the power of the TLs V6 but this Mazda6 is really good looking and gives me a very decent mileage. I love the black on black combination. I was surprised at the quality of the cloth material used in the seats. I compared to the Camry and even though the Camry its bigger with a more powerful engine and better gas mileage the pricing factor makes the Mazda a better deal, I bought mine for 16,200 and it comes with 6 discs cd changer, 17 inches rims with michelin tires, dual exhaust system, well it is pretty loaded and for 16,200 WOW!!

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  Great daily driver - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob McCarver - March 4 - 7:23 am

  Over all the car is great. Im averaging 28 to 30 MPG mostly all city driving starting and stopping I usually cut the car and restart it about 15 times a day.

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  Mazdas plan worked! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By musicman5 - February 15 - 5:23 am

  I have been a Honda owner for the last 20 years. When it came time to trade in my CR-V, I was ready for a sedan. The Accord was nice, drove perfectly fine, and looked very elegant, but wasnt as exciting as the Mazda. The Accord just didnt have the "Zoom, Zoom." I had forgotten how much fun driving can be. Mazdas plan to compete with Honda for market share worked on this Honda owner. Ive only had it for 1 week, but I love it more each day I drive it.

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  Mazda 6 s Sport Wagon/5-spd - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 351W SVO - February 8 - 10:00 am

  After two months of research, Im pleased with my choice. The 5-spd was hard to find, but definitely the way to go - as long as you dont sit in traffic. Engine is smooth and features are abundant. Only complaints are a bolt, or something, rolling around in the console when I turn and a loose hook for the cargo barrier. Overall great value and would recommend to anyone looking for something practical yet sporty.

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  over 1 year together - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By vonsippen - February 7 - 3:36 am

  Car runs great, but I still have the feeling that something will break down. The driving is not so comfortable, and the engine sound is too loud, it sounds like blender and both with the transmission, they think before they act. I saw more responsive trans than this one. Overall quality and ride is ok, not for elderly but still only for going to work and back. The best thing is THE LOOK. MAZDA6 looks like much more expensive car, paint job is great after a year looks shiny like new.

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  My New Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Melanie - February 4 - 4:30 am

  We just traded in a Lexus E300 (2000) for a new 2005 Mazda6 Sports Sedan, 6 cylinder, with all of the options. While its not as plush as my Lexus, it is much sportier and will be lots of fun! It has a roomy trunk and the backseat IS just as roomy as the Lexus. The ride and steering are different -- more like my old Volvo 850 turbo wagon (1996) -- tighter steering and I can feel the road. I really do like this car, though.

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  Total Package - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Faro - January 31 - 1:56 am

  I am the 2nd owner, bought it with 67000 miles. Currently 76,000 in a little over 8 months. Had a 97 Prelude (auto trans) previous to this and I can say that this car handles just as predictable as the Prelude, which was lowered 2 inches all around. It has just the right amount of power to merge onto the highway, to cruise on the open road, as well as passing someone on the highway. I have the manual tranny and so far havent had any problem. I do experience starter squeal from the clutch dust in the bearings, as well as a defunct CD player, and my fan control module went - causing the engine to overheat. The car does have its reliability issues, other than that, its a great all around car.

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  Luvit but Hatit - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Noah Hansell - December 15 - 2:43 pm

  This car looks and feels like a million dollars from the inside out. The lines on the trim to the outstanding handling put you on the top. I recommend buying this car for yourself not the wife; it is no minivan! This car to me compares to having a Mustang station wagon but still rides well on the highway, especially at high speeds.

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  great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Borenstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  this cardrives nice and has comfortable seats, but i would like the car to have a power passenger seat.