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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  Worthy of the best of the best crown - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By couleeman - November 5 - 10:03 am

  Im now on my fourth Mazda6, and after over 100K miles collectively, this car fits me like my favorite pair of jeans. This latest version is an 06 Sport V6 manual sedan with only the Sunroof/Bose pkg. This car is loaded with convenience, utility, style, comfort, competence, and efficiency. Its equally at home in city traffic or in the backcountry and is deceptively fast and always under control (unless you are doing something profoundly stupid!). All of this probably sounds like gushing but keep in mind, my car sold for <20K brand new- EXCEPTIONAL VALUE! Ive left home to buy BMW 325 but each time, Ive come home with a new Mazda6. No regrets, no problems, a sincere thank you Mazda!

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  Jims Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greek7 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is fun to drive and very comfortable. The dash design and controls are great to view. I notice people constantly looking in and out of the car when it is parked.

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  Mazda 6 at 12k miles - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By btuthill - November 2 - 3:45 am

  Overall this is a great car. Its fun to drive, and it has a lot of features that come with a low price tag. I bought the package that gave me the 6-speed manual with leather, and the entertainment package. While it has a lot of great things to it, the entertainment system still seems to be a major point where Mazda saved money. There is a decent amount of lag between the use of the center console or steering wheel controls to the actual response on the unit. The leather also feels very thin. I dont think its real leather, and I worry Ill puncture it. It still looks good though and a lot of people comment on how nice looking the car is. Transmission is superb.. shifting is smooth.

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  Mazda6 V6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tostitos - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  We originally dismissed this car because of its perceived weak gas mileage against its key competitors. We test drove them all and looked for several months at options. However, after test driving a Ford Fusion that had pieces falling off during the test drives, and a Malibu which was just too small with its lack of shoulder and width room....we came back to the Mazda. The V6 engine is fantastic. Smooth as silk. And doesnt have the annoying cylinder shut down like the Accord V6. Build quality is very solid and the ride feels great. Handles better than the Camry. The bonus has been the mileage. Thus far we have been getting 22 combined with at least 75% city driving.

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  Love it so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hbomb - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Needed to get out of an SUV, and saw a sport wagon as a perfect opportunity. Compared this to Volvo V40 & VW Passat Wagon, and this one beat them both on ride, handling, and looks. Solid road manners, superb acceleration. Priced to sell

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  My6... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By seba1 - October 28 - 2:59 am

  Bought it brand new in Sept. 2010. I drive this car on daily basis to work and around town. Made 35K and no issues so far. Oil changes on time and just keeping it clean. Brakes still in great condition as well as tires.Nothing to complain about.I wish I bought a 6 cylinder version to get more kick from it , but 4 cylinder motor still will get the job done.Im getting 25.3 mpg driving in both conditions ( highway and streets). At some points ,on a highway driving at 65 mph , it gives me close to 40mpg.Car still loks great. I wash it myself , trying to avoid car washes , first , too expensive , secondly , hand washing doest destroy your paint.

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  Great Wagon! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jahnu - October 24 - 2:50 am

  I bought the sport wagon Auto. few days back with lxry pkg, sport pkg, bose audio, side airbags anad pwr mnrf. and I love the way it handles. More space, easy ingress/outgress, comfortable seating position, more leg room for back passengers than the Subaru Outback. Got a great price $4500 below invoice. Also considered Accord but the dealers were so arrogant did not even acknowledge my internet pricing request. Great Saleswoman and was very impressed with the dealership. No hassles and transaction was very smooth. Great car for a great price, camry, accord, altima dont even come close. Outback is too pricey. Great Styling. Easy to use controls. Cant believe a wagon can look so sporty!

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  mi i love my 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mi6i - October 21 - 8:00 am

  I bought my 6i with the sport package and loaded it up with almost all available options. Its bright yellow with black leather. The bose audio system is great. The handling is awesome and it has plenty of get up an go.

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  After 3,000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mario - October 14 - 4:50 pm

  I was in the market for over 9 months and I was deciding between the Mazda 6 and Lexus IS 250. Yes these two vehicles are very different and both had their pros and cons. I settled on the Mazda because of a larger size, more horsepower, larger trunk, more options for the price and fold down seats. In return, I gave up rear wheel drive and a better warranty. I am very happy with the purchase, so donÂ’t get turned off by my review. This car is fast and fun to drive. The controls are easy to operate and intuitive. The leather seats are not as comfortable and my 2001 Maxima, but they are softening up with time.

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  Great Wagon with Sports Car Feel - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MN Snowman - October 10 - 7:40 am

  I traded my 02 Passat for the wagon ... that lets my wife drive a sedan rather than her Volvo wagon. I was impressed with the interior design/colors and the exterior color (I have the Firemist red with tan interior ... looks very sharp and Ive gotten a number of favorable comments). Ive liked the responsiveness of the engine and the manual transmission is very nice. Weve taken two longer road trips (one at 2200 miles and the other at 1200 miles) -- its a very comfortable highway car. The Sirius radio option is a delight on highway cruises as well. Around town, it gets decent mileage and handles well. Im pleased with the purchase & the end-of-year discounts!