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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  Nice Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By raddad2 - September 22 - 8:20 am

  I just bought the 6-Sport Value edition. I really like the cars exterior appearance. Mine is black with the rear spoiler. Interior is nice but not overwhelming. I did not look at the upgraded models so I dont want to rate the interior too much since mine is pretty much just standard equipment but is still comfortable enough for the daily commute. The sunroof is nice but not really needed much in Seattle area. The drive is nice even with the small 4 cyl. 2.3 lt. engine, smooth shifting and gets up to speed just fine. Headroom is a little tight if your a taller person and rear seat area is a little cramped but is fine for a family with two young children. Fun to drive... zoom-zoom!

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  mazda6 review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sammie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  better handling than my 98 trans am

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  Bad Transmission - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michelle - July 27 - 1:40 pm

  I had only 50,000 miles on this car when the transmission started slamming into gear. They definitely have an internal problem with their transmissions. They cannot be rebuilt. You have to purchase another one from Mazda. $4000.00 later with only a year warranty it runs better. After I picked up my car from the shop another one came in with the same problem, same year. This should be a recall..........

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  Cool Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bluetiger121 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My only problem is the tranmission is very rough when switching gears especially in the mornings. I ahve the automatic. Other than that LOVE the car!

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  MY MAZDA6s -- SWEEEEET! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WAHDAHECK - July 8 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT MYSELF A FULLY LOADED 6s FOR CHRISTMAS AND ITS BEEN A GREAT JOURNEY SO FAR. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE LOW RPM LAGS ANYMORE THANKS TO HKS GROUNDING KIT (THATS WHATS CAUSING THE BIG LAG IN LOW RPM GUYS, TRUST ME). ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS THE GAS MILEAGE, ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN THE GAS PRICES ARE SOOOO HIGH!!!!

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  M6s Hatch - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DSS - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  Recent used purchase. M6s so far offers a spirited and exciting driving experience. Its comfortable, stylish, & sufficiently powerful, although latter could be better. Hatch is very versatile and plenty roomy for four adult commuters. Tires need replacing at 27K miles: they spin when slightly wet; brakes to be upgraded, too. Faint engine tick emerging which Edmunds.com claimed is problem w/"camshaft caps": to the dealer it goes under warranty. High revs to get moving & low-end torque are nuisances, but punch is a thrill once theyre figured out. Mid-rear-childseat clip is near hatch at car back-may need extension. Otherwise, great car to be kept a while.

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  Rattle trap! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Carolyn - July 3 - 1:23 pm

  I love my Mazda6 but when driving over 50 mph there is a rattling noise coming from the front pasenger side. I was told I was "imagining it" after they couldnt duplicate the noise on the third visit for the same problem. Now at 69k something under the hood is making a rattling noise when the car is put into gear or when the heat/ac is turned on. Along with all the other problems & recalls you get with a new car. regular maintance isnt easy either-oil changes are horrible. I will never buy a Mazda again.

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  Unbelievably poor performance in snow. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By thebigbw - July 3 - 8:12 am

  This is a nice car for warm months of the year, but if you live any place that it snows STAY AWAY. I live in Minnesota and the performance on snow is terrible. The biggest issue is inability to accelerate. Level ground or an incline, it doesnt matter - you will spin and spin and spin. Its a reliable starter in cold weather, and heats up pretty quick. Stylish too. Im also having issues with my stereo and CD player. This car is so close to having it all....maybe if I lived in southern California Id be all right.

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  I think we bought a bad one. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bacardifrog - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  i have a 2003 mazda 6. I have had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. the dealership had to replace the radiator, the transmission, and all my wiring harnesses and now i have a strange burning smell coming from my engine. the car is fun to drive and i love it minus all the mechanical problems.i just recently had to replace some ignition coils. if it wasnt paid off, i would trade it in right now. i just wonder if the problems come from it being the first models??

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  follow up from november 2014 - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - May 16 - 7:55 am

  have had a chance to drive this for some time now. only been about 1300 miles but i can better review it now vs. 5 hours. overall the car is alot of fun, again i have the base model. this IS a sport sedan with the sport sedan feel so i will caution you up front the ride is stiff and the suspension will NOT be like driving an El dorado. now that does not mean you feel every bump and pebble in the road either. get it on a smooth highway and you hear almost nothing at all. the motor idles near flawlessly at stop. and the OEM tires seem to hold the sharp turns on a nice mountain very well. the info center is good for MPG. but the 6 spd manual. also helps achieve well over the listed 28 mpg. city