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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  3 Months later - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert145 - January 29 - 3:26 pm

  Im enjoying the car. I did notice that it does not have a good tight turning radius. I have been on the highways somewhat. Very quiet comfortable ride. The glove box is small. I miss the compass on the rear view mirror.

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  incredible - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By thierry dieu - January 28 - 10:00 am

  i use to drive hight performence car in europ .bmw,mercedes,bis turbo renault 21.it is a car react on shift ,good acceleration,good road stabilisation,good sound system,quiet car ,speedy car and saving monney in gaz any drive 400 miles i use to save 15 dollars gaz very nice

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  2nd time around - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tdogg - January 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd new Mazda. My 1992 MX6 was a piece of junk. I hope this car is built better. I have a 6i 5 door, auto,luxy package,6CD Bose. I ordered the car with roof and sercurity package , but Mazda could not fill that order. The roof and alarm were put in at the dealer. The gas milage is good. 28 mpg highway. The car is fun to drive and gets a lot of looks.

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  2000-mile review - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By pb4128 - January 21 - 2:51 pm

  I have had my Mazda6 for a month and a half now. I am, overall, very happy with the vehicle. I was leaning towards a Honda Accord because I have owned Hondas in the past, but I could not stand the CVT. This brings up my favorite feature in the Mazda: the automatic transmission - perfect, absolutely perfect. It is smooth and quick shifting, and always eager to downshift for more power. It is like it reads my mind and is always ready for the next move. It is, quite simply, the best automatic transmission I have ever experienced. The engine is smooth and powerful enough. I have not really measured fuel economy. The interior and exterior design are clean and un-cluttered.

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  5 years in and very happy - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By faztang1 - January 18 - 4:22 pm

  Im winding down my life with my Mazda6 and must say overall it was a good 5 years. The car is 10 times better looking than a vanilla Camry or Accord. The subtle hatchback look is very sporty and the trunk is huge! Great looking car. Performance wise, the 215hp V-6 is not the strongest in class, but gets the job done. However I was not impressed with the fuel economy. Most small to mid sized current cross overs get better mileage. Handling is good but the 18 inch tires really bang around on bumpy rounds. I bent all 4 rims and went down to 17s. Reliability has been great, only some small plastic pieces are starting to get loose. Interior is decent, but rear seats are a little tight.

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  This Car Is A Winner - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe - January 17 - 6:43 am

  I picked up a 2008 Mazda6 last week. The car is an absolute hoot to drive. I was driving a Pontiac Grand Am before and there is no comparison. The Mazda6 is lightweight, handles superbly and is FAST for a 4-cylinder. The manual capability on the automatic transmission is nice and Ive used it a couple of times to downshift for passing, etc. The interior seems to be laid out well and it has some quality to it. Im disappointed that an AUX plug for my iPod didnt come with it. But, the Value Edition does have an in-dash 6 CD changer and so Ive just burned a bunch of CDs in iTunes and Ill listen to my music that way. Gas mileage seems to be average. Definitely consider this car!

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  Wolf in sheeps clothes - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ex mazda fan - January 16 - 5:23 am

  Purchased the vehicle in July of 06 with just over 18,000 miles and was as happy as could be for the first year or so. The second year on the other hand was not so good, I felt as tho I was taking the car in once a month for something different it started with a squeaky driver seat then some recalls then some weird clunks then a defective starter and several other things. Once everything was fixed things were okay until the car reached 58,000 miles and decided that it would be a good time to blow up! According to the mechanics the piston rod snapped and blew two holes in the block. The worst part is I was doing about seventy on the freeway not even accelerating. $9000 later the car is running ok

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  Nice, but quality??? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By quality6? - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the car! However, Im actually quite annoyed by the lack of quality. The dash rattles, my fan broke and was replaced by Mazda, there is a rotten egg smell, and my front sunshade is loose. In all honesty, Mazda has a potential winner here, but how can they succeed without the quality? I really like the car, but one should not have to deal with these problems associated with a new car. My fault for buying the first year...

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Captain9001 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the looks of the Mazda6 since I first saw one on the road. Excellent interior and exterior design. Great V6 and manual transmission. The ride is rather harsh. Small bumps in the road seem somewhat exaggerated by the suspension. Small creeks and rattles are evident on the interior when going over these bumps (noises in the B- pillar, the doors, and behind the audio/HVAC panel). The Bose system is awesome, but buzzes are definately noticable in the doors and handles when the bass is turned up above a medium level. Love, the car, wish the build was a little more solid.

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  Time to Start Worrying? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hmmmm...... - January 15 - 3:10 am

  Just replaced the starter today, at 30K miles. Strange "whirring" sound after cranking was my tipoff that something was amiss. Luckily, I havent had any of the brake problems encountered by many on this site. My other big concern since owning this car has been intermittent problems with hesitation upon releasing the clutch, especially into second gear, when turning a corner. It seems like either my clutch is slipping, or my power is dropping precipitously. And of course, the dealer can never re-enact it when they have it (tends to be worse when the car is cold).