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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  Not a bad car for the $$$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mattywat - April 17 - 12:36 pm

  Overall a great car; been buying hatchs for years, GTIs, CRXs and so on. Love the exterior and interior. Standard sport package "makes" the car. Kinda wish I could have afforded the V6.

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  Good Stuff - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rdn - March 18 - 1:13 pm

  This thing is a rocket ship. The engine hums at speed. It has a great growl. The bad thing is the split personality. Gently drive this car and you feel like an old person cruizing around. Open the taps on this car and HOLD ON! It just goes. I had a Honda Civic before and this car runs a bit rougher...but this is another species altogether. The only major issue so far has been the drivers door handle which has broken...thanks to some ice and a weak spot....one morning gave it a pull and CRACK! The motor sounds awful when started and then wakes up. Need to get plugs changed... but that is normal. Would buy another.

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  Good Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dtyner - March 16 - 4:33 pm

  Before buying this car I had done a lot of research on cars in its class and for the money there is no car that even compares. My particular car is fully loaded and still costs less than any of its competitors. My car has the manual gearbox that shifts perfectly, and the v6 motor that has not great power but the a range of power that makes it feel sporty. The engine makes a decent note with the stock exhaust. The clutch has great feel. Stiff enough to have fun on the track but soft enough that your left leg wont shadow your right. The Handling is amazing. Very limited body roll but then road noise at highway speed is very loud. Overall a great car for the money.

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  Not Bad, better than I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By QbanPete - March 16 - 2:40 pm

  I needed a vehicle to get to and from work, well the 6 does and then some. I find that I take the long way home through country backroads that have lots of hills and curves. Once I adapted to the "Semi-Manual" its fun to keep the engine revving above 3500rpm. Keep the engine happy and it rewards you with a pleasant sound, considering its a 4. Gas mileage has been around 26mpg, which I consider good since I tend to floor it. A lot!

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  Anthonys Mazda6 review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - March 10 - 2:20 am

  I drove my Mazda 6from St. Louis to San Diego and back and its just what I expected. It has a very smooth shifting 6 speed automatic transmission and nice acceleration; the interior seems to get a little uncomfortable after a long period of time; the 200 watt Bose sound is awesome and easy to use. It’s the most fun car I have ever driven. This is a great car for people who enjoy driving or like to make it fun. I was amazed at how this car grips the road. I tried to throw it around a little bit but it kept griping the road so that’s great. I highly recommend this car for all driving conditions.

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  Only 1 day, but a +++ so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rsteph4 - March 9 - 9:06 pm

  2014 liquid silver iTouring with auto. Replaces 2006 Cadillac CTS and 2010 Mazda3 sedan. Love it so far. Looked at 4 cars total (Camry, Altima, Sonata, and Mazda6) and for us the M6 beat out the rest, hands down. Of course, its a personal tastes thing, but I think the M6 was top line for both exterior and interior looks. Drives great. Not quite as snappy as the old M3 6-speed was, but it is bigger and heavier with, basically, same engine. Still, itll kick you back in the seat just fine. This is still first impression stuff since car barely has 100 miles on it, so well see how things are 6-months down the road. Still, dont think you could go wrong with this car.

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  Something different in this segment - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By byronape - February 25 - 11:25 pm

  I was searching for a mid-size car with decent power, nice looking, and a V6-MTX combo to replace my aged Maxima. The 6 fit the bill, and since its made in Michigan, I could keep my Ford retiree FIL happy. It had a little over 80k when it bought it, and had a few minor issues that I have yet to deal with. Almost a year after buying it, Im still pleased with the way the car drives and handles. The factory Bose system was terrible, so I swapped the speakers for aftermarket... fyi you need to swap the amp too or it will sound worse. Power isnt fantastic, but sufficient for keeping things interesting. Looks nice and with the leather and sunroof, it feels like a more expensive car.

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  Worth my Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe - January 10 - 1:33 am

  I enjoy driving this car. I commute 80 miles a day in it, and it definitely feels sporty. I replaced a Celica with this car, and I dont feel like I drive a mommy mobile. This car is not for the people who want cushy ride. I actually enjoy having a car with quirks. EXCEPT the weird clutch feel; thats annoying in stop-and-go. This is the car that Saab used to make, and its a well rounded vehicle. Im not crazy about the Bose stereo or the middling fuel economy. The tires are a very weird size which make replacement fairly expensive. I enjoy the rather peaky nature of the V6, it keeps me alert and focused. I cant be a lazy driver

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  The good, bad, and ugly, i.e. the truth after ~20k - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By takumi1 - January 5 - 8:00 pm

  Finally, an honest review of the good and the bad. Not sure why people leave such biased reviews - all cars have faults. Id buy the same car again, but lets look at a few things to keep in mind when you test drive. First the good. A beautiful car from any angle - the best in the segment.Terrific gas mileage. Great handling. Comfortable, with a very nice interior if youre not into lots of clutter. Fun to drive. Roomy. Good price. Now some hard truths. Mediocre acceleration from stop. Poor rear visibility. Poor infotainment system, badly positioned, with a laggy voice response system. Massive wind noise. USB difficult to get to Tiny cheap useless sun visors.

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  Mazda 6 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Duket68 - December 28 - 1:13 pm

  I compared the Acura TL, IS300, G35, Passat, and others before making the Mazda my choice. I was dead set on a V-6 so the S model was the only choice, too bad I didnt know gas would rocket up! After looking at all the comps, and for the price, the Mazda was the best choice in bang for the buck. I commuted and wanted something with some zip (or Zoom Zoom), the reason for the v-6 and just couldnt bring myself to pay the extra $10K for a TL, IS300, or G35. I got it all in a Mazda. I think Mazda is the sleeper; in 2004 when I bought my car you just didnt see that many Mazdas. So 27000 miles later, I still like my car, nothing is broken except for the wallet for owning the V-6. Its still fun!