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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  Awesome Enough - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tripeze - November 14 - 10:36 pm

  What an amazing car to drive. Great manuvering, speed, features, and dynamic. Mazda6 is unbelievably the smoothest, customer friendly vehicle for traveling.

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  Blak Mazda6 2004 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By onditquoi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a problem with low-end torque in my Mazda 6s (manual). There was not enough and I often stalled the car. I added an Injen Cold Air Intake and the problem is solved. Added about 25 horsepower too! Zoom-Zoom!!!

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  I hate this car. - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Don - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  This is a car built for teenagers, not for a big (not fat) man over 50. Real world driving does not require seats that pinch your legs and shoulder blades to the point of pain. Red lights on the dash at night may be cool in a fighter jet but if youve become far sighted you will not be able to focus on them. Dont expect to carry any hanging clothes because the hook is too close to the drivers seat and the air bag wont work if you hang things on the grab handle. Does anybody really have room for this totally insane key on a keyring? Besides, $250 to get another, can you say ripoff? And the mileage isnt as good as they say either. Ill unload this turkey even if it costs me thousands!

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  Pretty good bang for the buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tonyryder - November 7 - 4:50 pm

  Looked at Honda Accord, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Lexus IS 250 and others before purchasing my 2006 Mazda6 (GT model in Canada - V6, leather, sunroof, NAV system) in April 2009 and in my opinion this car offered the best value in its class. The pick up is amazing with hardly any torque in the steering wheel at all. Styling is absolutely gorgeous, people are mistaking it for all kinds of other high-end cars and are surprised that it is a Mazda. Interior space is very generous and comfortable, but the drivers seat bolster feels as if its cutting off the blood supply to my left thigh causing me to shift my butt all the time. Very large trunk with room for 3 to 4 good size suitcases.

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  Worth a look - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By hdatomzd - November 5 - 12:10 am

  Bought the Mazda6s Touring in Dec and it has been a decent vehicle. The V6 engine performs well, yet like others have said; not as refined. My 07 V6 accord was a touch more refined. It makes some odd noises at idle as well. The car is plenty quick, but you will pay the price in gas mileage. In mixed driving, I will avg. 16- 18mpg, which is not acceptable. My Accord would at least get 21, but wasnt as fun to drive. While the car is bigger, it does not always feel that way inside. The trunk is big but the height inside the trunk seems short. The base audio setup sounds terrible. No clarity or depth whatsoever, plan on a upgrade. Lastly, the 18inch tires are very loud and sensitive.

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  Mazda Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda 6 - November 3 - 9:36 pm

  This car is awesome. Fun to drive and ride in. Its fast and has a good amount of room.

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  Love my little Zipper - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MzAngelique - October 29 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this car used with 34k miles. I really lucked up and got a great deal on it. Plus its fully loaded (sports trim, leather seats, power, tint, spoiler, sunroof, Bose stereo, etc.). I LOVE THIS CAR!! Im definitely a drivers driver. I love the handling, especially on curves (barely have to slow down on exit ramps). The speed is great, you feel like youre going 40 at 60 mph. Ive put nearly 20k miles on it in the year and a half that Ive had it. Including a 1500 mile road trip. I was comfortable the entire trip there and back. I saw a few people have had some mechanical issues with theirs, but other than a headlight bulb needing replacing, Ive had no issues.

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  Zoom Zoom Ping Knock Clunk - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart Summers - October 29 - 12:36 pm

  Poor performance and reliability. New 6 speed constantly needs to be recalibrated. Ticking noise from valves requires valves to be retorqued. Throttle assembly went out, and now there is a knocking noise coming from the engine between 700 and 1200 rpm. Not a purge control solenoid as told by dealer and manufacturer. Let the buyer beware.

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  TOO FUN TO BE A WAGON! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ToddM - October 29 - 10:43 am

  I drove the Passat and the new 05 Legacy before I bought the 6. The Mazda is the right balance of size and price. The test drive is the clincher. The Mazda is more about the drive where the Passat is about the ride. The Mazdas reliability reputation is better than the VWs as well. The Subarus all wheel drive gear gives it a smaller interior than the Mazda. The 6 had a large advantage in price over the Subie. I loaded it up (ordered car) with Sirius, Bose, auto-tint mirror, moonroof, cassette and CD changer, cargo tray, all-season mats, cargo floor carpet (should be standard!) and the car after rebates and discounts was a still reasonable $25,000. The 2.5GT Subaru was pushing $30,000!

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  TERRIFIC CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hot Momma - October 27 - 8:40 am

  Was glad to move up from a Mazda 626 4-cyl. to this 6 cyl. model--no problems merging onto an interstate in this car! Have the 5 speed version. I call this my Volvo station wagon on steroids--it reminds me of the Volvo 245 station wagon I had years ago: solid, dependable, safe. But the Mazda adds: acceleration, handling, pizazz.