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:

• 

  Not sure what to expect, but now happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By The Saint - November 27 - 7:26 pm

  I transitioned from a European larger mid-size sedan (VW Passat TDI) to the Mazda6. He interiors are compatible in set up, luxury, & equipment positioning. The interior is well thought out and for the driver as well as passengers. The exterior is exceptional in appearance. The car handled like a dream in very heavy snow this past winter. The 4 cyl. is way under powered and the fuel economy is average when compared to my wifes 4 cyc Accord. The ac system is a bit weak and takes a long time to cool the interior compartment. Mazda seems to like the black interiors and I found it difficult to find a light interior. For the do-it-yourselfer, the vehicle is a delight. A value thus far.

• 

  Fun to dirve - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jay Park - November 26 - 6:56 am

  I bought it at the dealership without test driving since I rented one before while my day-to-day-driving Honda Pilot was at the shop for repair from a collision. I drove it down to LA from SF Bay Area and kinda like the automatic transmission that can also be in manual mode. By the way, the one that I bought was Mazda6 i SP for better gas mileage. I tend to get around 26 to 27 in city and hwy combined. Significant reviews from this site noted problems on brake and transmission and I kinda worry about it if mine starts with same problem like others. So far so good. Who knows.

• 

  Hoped for More - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By letrbuk - November 16 - 6:16 am

  The 6 is a sharp looking little car. Get behind the wheel and the V6 gets you up and moving promptly. Throttle response is quick, though if pressed too hard the engine is prone to rev hard in search of power. The 6 speed auto is especially fun in manual mode, but the close ratios make shifting a busy job. Fuel economy does not appear to reap the benefits of 6 gears, no matter who is shifting. Heading down the road/highway, however, subtle hints creep in that this is not the "touring" car its package advertises. Road noise is fairly high and presents a stiff challenge to the meager standard stereo. The ride, while absolutely stable, is not necessarily smooth and is tiresome on extended trips.

• 

  100 Ochkov! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By slivka - November 3 - 3:06 pm

  If you care anything at all about the "fun part of driving", the 6 delivers. The steering feel, the springy suspension, the growl of the V6 (when pushed), all produce nothing but smiles. It is also so ever beautiful on the outside and tasteful on the inside. The car is a bit loud and feels somewhat less refined than Camry or Accord, but on the fun side of the equation it is way ahead. Also with Mazdas discounts our 6 was a bargain compared with similarly equipped Camry or Accord.

• 

  Real driver, real world - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nwcab1 - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  Every review on here seems to be written by Mazdas PR dept. This car has a major issue. Everything about the car is excellent, except for the transmission. It is flat out terrible. Read the reviews at cars.com, this is not isolated. In their attempt to save gas, Mazda has created a transmission that will not shift down unless you floor it, and then the pedal engages some sort of performance button imbedded in the floor and the car lurches forward unsafely. Real world driving is miserable. Every down shift is met with a delay sending your body forward, and then the car lurches forward a second later. Simply awful. Test drive in traffic, around corners, change speeds...youll see.

• 

  Zooming 6S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - October 4 - 6:50 pm

  Overall, love the car. Wish it had more torque but Mazda did what it could with that Ford motor. It revs surprisingly well and is not as course as you would think of it. Some of the interior also shows Ford cutting costs but like the design very much. There are a lot of little things I would like to change but every time I drive it, I forget about them.

• 

  somewhat disappointed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrianne - August 13 - 8:40 pm

  Four months new and under 3K miles, so not enough info on mechanics, etc. I do a LOT of errands and have some things I love and HATE, namely: shifter - "sporty" automatic zig-zag maze made like a manual. Having carpal tunnel and shifting 10x or more a day between PRD absolutely kills the hand/wrist. Pickup: extremely slow and extremely jerky, and I mean with a pronounced jerk when stepping on gas. A full 1-1 1/2 seconds to kick in, which makes it useless to dangerous when passing and power/speed is needed. Test drove 20 minutes or so but never noticed the bad pickup, and shifting wasnt done as many times as would be done in a normal day, so it wasnt noticed. HATE radio volume depending on speed!

• 

  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomtex - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 8K miles. 6sp Manual fun to drive but could be geared taller. Very close ratios, do not use all 6 in normal driving. But if you want to thrash it, its fun. Impressed with trunk. Headed on trip in old minivan with 5 people, but it broke down. Switched all people and gear to Mazda and went on 3Kmi road trip. Immense trunk swallowed luggage with ease. Got up to 33 mpg @75 mph. Enough room in back to prevent fratricide. Came back from that trip very happy with vehicle.

• 

  i have a mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chris6 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i love my car but the only problem that i have is that i cant good reception with the antenna i have. Also i have a problem with my window when i roll up the window it make a clicking noiseso check it out with others and make sure im not the only..........

• 

  Impression after 3000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Knox County Zman - July 17 - 2:53 am

  The new Mazda 6 (i touring) is a good car with decent features. Disappointments are: Travel computer is masked by clock. One or the other is visible at a time. The Travel info button is hidden. There is no auto headlight feature standard. You must spend about 1500-1600 more to get the xenon package. The auto on should be standard! Very irritating after having auto on on previous vehicle. Center console armrest is poorly padded. It is adequate at best. The radio is not the best quality. I find myself constantly adjusting the bass/treble to get a decent sound. Also no auto text scrolling for file names. Gas mileage has averaged 23-24 mpg with mostly highway driving. Brakes are just ok