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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  Who Knew??? So -- go know! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Almost mid-life - January 14 - 12:46 pm

  After drooling over the Mazda RX8, reality knocked on my door. The Mazda6 was the great surprise. I tried the Accord, the Camry, and even the Infinity G35 for kicks and found this car the most beautiful and fun to drive. Took the GT package, but left off the front/rear spoilers and sills. Instead, added lip spoiler, clear tail lights, a sports grill (sharp) and added a chrome piece above rear tag. It is EVERYTHING I wanted in a car - class with a sporty twist. My faith has been restored knowing that driving can be fun again.

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  Zoom-zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom-zoom - January 9 - 1:26 am

  Ive owned almost every type of foreign midsize sedan out there, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Infiniti J30 (upscale Altima), Suzuki Verona. The 6 by far is my favorite. Next to my fathers 350z understandably, the 6 is the most fun car Ive ever driven.

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  Wow! Thats not a Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By PM013 - January 4 - 3:10 pm

  Just got my 2005 Mazda 6 Sport wagon. I know why Mazda left out the word STATION in wagon. This car handles nothing like a station wagon, but rather a sports car with the space of a wagon. The comfort and quality for a loaded car with 6 speed automatic/leather/Bose sound/17 inch wheels/ remote starter/ and a sun-moon roof for under $35,000 CDN. Great Deal! Get One!

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  Right on Target - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric - January 3 - 7:56 pm

  Bought the 6 in March 07 after much research. After almost 3 years we all agree it has been an excellent car. 33MPG on warm highway trips at 65-70 mph. Typical 22-23 urban mix year-round driving. It has needed only oil changes and tire rotations at the local dealer. If you want blistering acceleration, buy another car, like a new V6 Mazda 6 or a Mazdaspeed 6. If you only occasionally use the back seat for adults, it is fine. If I carried tall adults in back on a daily basis, I probably would choose the new Mazda 6 or a Malibu.

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  I love this car and couldnt be happier - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Darlene - December 31 - 10:50 pm

  The car is comfortable for people who are tall and large, plenty of room.

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  6i Sports Sedan w/Auto - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jzoom - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Great overall package. Sporty, roomy, economical and really fun to drive. Equipped with all options, it compares to the 2 Millenias I had previously. I highly recommend this car!

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  My Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sue Mastel - December 22 - 8:20 pm

  I had one problem 4 days after I got it. The throttle casing had to be replaced. No fun trying to drive under 30 mph when in a 50 mph zone. Was fixed immediately, but had to drive it all the way back to the Mazda dealership, 2 hours away. Overall, I am very satisfied with how it runs now. Would recommend it to other potential buyers.

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  Cool Ride - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alballon - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great!!!

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  Decent Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dshur87 - December 20 - 2:16 pm

  Had it for a year now. Fun to drive. A lot more peppy with the manual tranny. Get 30+mpg setting cruise at 80mph on hwys. Had to replace 6 cd changer because it jammed. Also engine started to smoke at 11K miles. Thinking maybe a piston ring? (I let it set all winter = 4months.) Complete engine replaced. Both replaced under warranty with no hassle. Great dealership. Manual tranny and summer tires not great in the snow, drove my truck all winter. Has a lot standard features that are usually costly options with other brands. Great for daily commutes and short road trips.

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  Lucky Number Seven - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jobow - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Our seventh Mazda -- A terrific vehicle, much fun to drive. This may be Mazdas best car ever, and it really turns heads. The only, and we mean only, criticism we have is that the manual tranny is difficult to shift into first -- too little gas and it wants to lug and too much gas makes it bolt (the clutch is too sensitive as you try to get underway). Be sure to check out the new hatchback -- it is so versatile, and it is the only hatchback sedan available in America now. We expect a lot from a vehicle, and this ride does not dissappoint!