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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  my new car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jared - July 13 - 6:56 am

  I traded up my 93 Protege LX and purchased a 2003 Mazda6. I was sad to see my Protege go but I LOVE the 6. Mazda has come a long way in 10 years. I was very impressed all around. It drives great and is well equipped for the price! Its no BMW or anything but still in my opinion the best that Mazda offers.

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  A Faithful and Fun Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Felix - July 8 - 1:00 pm

  I owned my Mazda 6 for almost 6 1/2 years before trading it this month. In all that time, the only mechanical problem I ever had with the car was a bad CV valve. I did however have several problems with interior quality, namely my hands wore holes through the leather coverings on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob. Talk about cheap. The headliner also started coming down after only 4 1/2 years. Finally, the pixels on the center console started fading out making it difficult to read. All that said, the car was very reliable and fun to drive. It handled very nimbly and dug into corners. Straight-line acceleration was lacking but it was a 4-cylinder. I would definitely buy it again.

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  Not too shabby - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By medman13 - July 8 - 4:49 am

  I have owned this car now for about 1 yr. I bought this when i decided to go back to school. It has an overall great design to it and gives a professional look when needed as well as a sporty look when needed. It is reasonable on gas however lacks desired power. The stick is fun to drive and shifts quite well, however an automatic would have been a better choice as an everyday driver in town. The car is said to be the poor mans BMW and holds true to that in many facets.

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  Sporty.....but a letdown - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kevin Kells - July 5 - 7:30 am

  I have owned the Mazda6 since March now and put over 9,000 miles on it so far. Its a nice, sporty looking sedan but It needs some improvements. The engine sounds nice but in terms of power, its lacking. At 215hp stock, i am getting smoked by Accords, Camrys and other sedans. The car handles good, but the turning radius is horrible and the suspension will rattle your teeth when the road is bumpy. Front interior is roomy, but rear is very small. Gauges look nice but the dark lettering and colors could be hard to read sometimes at night. Interior feels cheap too. Overall its a decent buy, but for the money you can spend $3-4k more and get a Passat or a SE Camry.

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  Fun to drive, but not fun to fix - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By aperion05 - June 24 - 10:13 pm

  I got my Mazda 6 brand new a little over 2 years ago. I love this car. Its fast, handles great, comfortable, looks great, and I love the Bose stereo. Mazda has, however, really let me down. This car has been in the shop for warranty repairs six times! Ive had problems with the fuel pump, transmission, A/C and even the key fob. Im so torn. I love the car, and have unfortunately gotten to try others as rentals, but it is a huge hassle to keep getting repairs. When the warranty expires I dont know if Ill be able to afford such big repairs. Ive even met other people that had the same car and had the same problems. Overall, dont buy this year, and beware of other years.

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  A cure for the common Camry - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brad - June 22 - 6:43 am

  This car is a first class ride! Of all the family sedans available, only the Nissan rivals it for good looks and no other brand comes close to Mazdas excellent sports tuned suspension. Add a well-designed interior, supremely comfortable seats, and you have a car that rises above the ordinary. My wife and I test drove a Camry and found it to be a quiet car with neutral handling characteristics. When we took the Mazda out for a spin, we found that the Mazda 6 not only accommodates small families but does it with a good dose of fun. The 4-cylinder engine is adequate with the strong acceleration above 3 thousand RPM. The mileage is acceptable if not the best in its class.

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  Very disappointed in my Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - May 23 - 4:13 pm

  It seems like a solid car, and it handles nice, but there are too many things about it that fall short of expectations. Bought the 5-Door S model with 6 speed auto. I have owned it about 2 months. Compared to my 98 Maxima with a 5 speed manual, this car is SLOW. Maybe the automatic is the problem. It couldnt get up a hill if your life depended on it. The ride with the sport suspension is horrible on bumpy roads. The gas mileage is pathetic. I average 19 mpg combined. Climate control never blows hot air. Honestly, I would gladly take $2,000 less than what I paid for it and buy something else.

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  2009 mazda6 - 1 year later - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tamoshanter - May 11 - 10:00 am

  bought this 2009 mazda6 for my wife last year after she put 235k on her 2000 626. she loves it - base model, sound system very good, very good pickup for a 4 cyl w/ 6 spd manual. black interior shows dust and dirt more quickly. you can bury several bodies in the trunk without blinking, and sleep in the back seat with two others. ride is smooth, handling excellent (for its size) and A/C will freeze you in seconds. we had a 1990 protege with 250k, and i got the hand- me-down 2000 6 (averaging 150 miles/daily) and still running like a watch.

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  So far so good - status update - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By sargon123 - May 8 - 7:31 am

  I purchased a preowned vehicle in April 2011. I have put about 14,000 miles on in to date (purchased at approx. 11,600 miles). No major repairs to date. Vehicle is reasonably comfortable, convenient controls on stirring wheel and dashboard. So far, routine maintenance has been performed, car has been reasonably comfortable with no major problems.

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  Shifty - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By YT Cai - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  The Mazda6 is a well made car. It is tight, especially compared to the Malibu which was one of the loosest cars I test drove. Its still too early to tell, but Im not sure if I like the 6 speed automatic transmission. Not being a sports car person it seems a bit shifty from start to 5th gear which doesnt take long to get there. I wouldnt recommend it for circumstances where a "family car" is desired. The Sonata seemed a little more appropriate in the same price range.