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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  Take it or leave it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amanda2471 - December 25 - 5:40 am

  I like my mazda because its has a nice design, an amazing amount of space, and its a nice ride. I was also impressed at how nice the car was a really reasonable price. However it has not always been a very reliable car. At only 3000KM the fuel pump died and I didnt have a car for 2 months because the part was on back order in Japan. Then at 15000KM I had break problems and the break clips had to be replaced. Then last week at 58000KM the transmission died. My lease is up in appox 9 months and because of all the reliabilty problems I probably wont buy a mazda again.

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - December 16 - 10:03 pm

  Pros: Body style is distinctive. Standard DSC. Roomy. Quiet at highway speed. Uncluttered dash controls. Huge trunk. Nice firm suspension. You dont blend into the sea of Camcords in a parking lot. Good combination of fuel efficiency, size, handling, and looks. Base stereo far better than our Civic EX-L. Cons: Front seats shaped weirdly, not the best comfort. Steering wheel obscures top of gauges when adjusted properly. Stupid red gauge lighting reminds me of wifes old junky pontiac grand-am. Auto trans shifts in and out of overdrive too often. Clear shifter surround panel scratches easily. Little support from online forums, not nearly as much as VW or Honda message boards.

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  Defects Make Buying Pointless - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmkeuch12 - December 9 - 4:15 pm

  This car is stylish, great to drive, and the extra perks make it comparable to other luxury cars. The problem? I bought my 2015 MAZDA6 Grand Touring (with Technology Package, low profile tires, and remote start engine) in November of 2014. One month later the car died on me. What happened? The TPMS was constantly misinforming me of low tire pressure, but that wasnt the biggest issue. The big problem was the power control module dying. After a month of waiting for the part to come in I was finally given a substitution vehicle identical to my original car. This car, after 5 days of ownership, is also having the Tire Pressure Warning come on unnecessarily. Mazda has not been helpful.

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  Mazda6 is Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mary - November 22 - 8:16 pm

  I did extensive comparisons. I dont like driving a car that everybody else in the parking lot has. My Mazda in ash metallic can be found easily in the sea of cars. It would have been easy to spend another $8K or more on Audi A4 wagon, but I can use the difference for some nice trips. I havent had a chance to try it on any of the big hills here yet in San Francisco though.

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  Mazda Sport 6 05 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 4 dr sport sedan - November 12 - 12:20 am

  It has a lot of pep when you need to get into traffic or getting on the interstate. Its fun to drive.

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  Function Follows Form - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sport - November 5 - 6:33 am

  The Mazda 6 Sport wagon is used to haul family kayaks and bicycles. It does this well. The roof height is just right for loading large objects onto the sturdy factory rack. No trouble with three bikes or two 17 ft kayaks or four adults. Have driven long distances fully loaded at high speeds. No problem. The Mazda is fun to drive. Very good handling.Only problem is poor fuel economy. Having a V6 is no reason for poor MPG.

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  Not so happy with M6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Z. - October 14 - 5:10 pm

  I bought the 2009 M6 last week, its already in service. With two problems, mind you - pretty minor, but still. One, the heating system did not work properly - radiator needed to be bled. Two, one of the air vents, driver side on the left, did not open. Some broken peace of plastic the dealership did not have in stock, it needs to be ordered, and then I have to go back again to have it put in. I bought this car because I had 250 k on my old Accord, I thought its getting to old, and did not want to spend time in repair shops. I had one minor issue with the Accord in 10 years, at around 180 k km, and with Mazda, 2 issues in the first week.

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  Great Value Sport Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By gareman - October 13 - 12:16 pm

  Ive owned some amazing cars, mostly BMWs, but I was starting my own business and a family. The 6 sport wagon provided sport sedan handling in an affordable, reliable package. It had some minor problems while still under warranty, such as needing two new stereo head units, but has since been reliable. It drives wonderfully and I love the 5 speed manual. The turning radius is awful. Low RPM acceleration is pretty bad; there wasnt a need to gear it like a 4- cylinder. Its a fun highway cruiser and obviously does very well on corners. The quality of your tires will make a huge difference with this car. Sadly, there are no more sport wagons being produced by Mazda in the US.

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  Cant stop looking at it or driving it... wow... stunning automobile. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cecmazda6 - October 12 - 4:00 pm

  Wow how many superlatives are there in the English dictionary? Ive had some pretty nice midsized cars in recent years - 11 Optima EX, 12 Sonata 2.0 Turbo limited (nice turbo power) & even an 09 Mazda6 Touring (which like a great indie film excellent but under publicized), but great as these all were in their own respects, none evoked the level of pure joy my meteor gray 2014 6 touring w/tech package has! Looks are subjective but I literally cant stop looking at it & snapping photos haha! Ride remarkably smooth despite 19" rims & tight suspension. Cabin dead silent at idle road noise not that bad. Great acceleration close to Sonata turbo despite 90 less hp. Fantastic car!!!

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  Great handling, subpar build quality - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason P - October 8 - 9:26 am

  I was very excited to get my 2003 6i automatic. I opted for the 4cyl. because I felt that it would save me on gas and intial purchase price. I have been upset at the gas mileage however never getting better than 24.5 hwy and 23 city. The design team did an awesome job with this car and the handling is great for the price range. Interior build quality is terribly cheap and unexpected on certain things. At 4,000 miles shift gate metal "look" trim has nicked and scratched. Worse the cloth front seats are already fraying and the drivers side has started a small tear on the drivers bottom cushion just from getting in and out. I have not contacted the dealer about this but intend to.