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 Mazda6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jbmam - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda experience and so far so good. I think I got an excellent deal on the car. I originally wanted the Sport package, but the $2k manufacturer rebate didnt apply. What I ended up getting was an S w/performance package + spoiler and had the dealer install 17" factory wheels. With the exception of the leather interior its very hard to tell the difference and all for just under $20k! I agree with several of the other reviews: love the exterior look and the handling is great! Excessive brake dust - they must have used organic pads, when they have to be replaced w/metallic I wonder if they will squeek? Hate the low end torque!

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  So much fun! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By oreads - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The best value out there.

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  Great mid size car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By cchristina79 - March 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have a 2006 Mazda6 i and have owned it for a little over two years now. I am very happy with this cars performance and looks. I have received many compliments at work on the exterior paint and design. Definitely an eye catcher. One thing I do not like in regards to the Mazda6 is the cloth interior. It is very cheap and wears a lot (especially for a model that is not low end for Mazda). The Mazda 3 even has better interior than the 6. I have already had the cloth seats redone under warranty and they have worn out again.

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  A Great Value Without Compromising! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By C.M. - March 26 - 11:20 pm

  After considering both the six and four cylinder engines, I decided to purchase an i touring (4 cylinder) with the moonroof/Bose package and the convenience package. The car has almost all the features of the grand touring but costs much less, and it is a joy to drive. The 2.5 liter 4cyl is peppy enough for normal city and highway driving yet offers reasonable gas mileage for such a large car. I have no problems merging or passing on the interstate. The interior is phenomenal - very well thought out, comfortable, and beautiful, especially at night. I test-drove most of the competitors, and I found the Mazda to be a far better value (size, comfort, features, etc.) than the competition.

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  Go Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Man - March 24 - 9:43 pm

  I drove a V6 Mazda 626 for 11 years until it was totaled in an accident. I reluctantly decided to go with a 4 cylinder this time to save gas. New car does not pick up as fast, but the shifting is very smooth and the power is quite sufficient. Interior is all black, which turns out to look rather sporty from the outside. Seats are very comfortable microfiber with good side bolster support. Driver visibility is terrific, especially out of the front window - better than in my old 626. Engine noise is very low and the ride is smooth. IMHO, the 6i is the best new car value for the money.

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  Awesome ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Miller - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I think the 6 is the best midsize car to come out in a long time I have always loved Mazdas but when this came out it caught my eye it has the interior of a $40,000 car, It has the exterior of no other its sporty and stylish and beautiful.

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  sickofmazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jb2590 - March 12 - 12:56 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 used and it was perfect... At first.. The first problem was the cd player. Only likes select cds and ruined every cd I put in it. Another problem I experienced was the interior. I dont know what kind of fabric it is but water.. Stained! Impossible to clean then it felt like my transmission started slipping but couldnt pin point it because it didnt do it all the time. Went from that to check engine light staying on to the wiring system being messed up to getting stuck in 3rd gear to stalling out. This is all in 3 years. I loved my car at first but now I will never get a Mazda again..!

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  Best in class mid-sized sedan - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg16891 - March 11 - 11:19 am

  After placing an order in March of 13, I got my vehicle in August and I now have 16K trouble free miles on it. After reading virtually all of the available reviews on affordable mid sized sedans and driving those that I was willing to consider (Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai and Subaru), buying a 6 was an easy decision. The car has met all of my expectations for a fun to drive sedan that gets solid gas mileage and that does not look like everything else on the road.

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amiss28 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my new mazda 6. It is so fun to drive. Mazda realy has gone the exrea mile with this one.

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  A fun mid-size sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex H. - March 10 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had my 6 i Sport with AT for about a month now and so far it has been a very enjoyable car to drive. I like the design (both exterior and interior), which offers a sporty look. The sport package adds a lot of nice standard features. The Bose audio system is great, although the CD changer shouldve been MP3 compatible as a standard feature. I find that the AT tends to be a bit slow to downshift sometimes, but maybe its just my style of driving. Overall it performs well and smooth. The interior is quiet and well laid out. Im getting about 27mpg so far in mixed driving, but expect that to improve a bit.