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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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By skull_crossbones - November 25 - 11:46 am

  12 visits to the shop in 16 months. What more can I say. Basically it has been in for warranty work about every 5 weeks. I contacted Mazdas customer service and 5 weeks later I get a call telling me that they are sorry about all the problems with the car. So, now I am stuck with a totally unreliable car that is horribly upside down because the resale on the cars is awful. Now this is all to a customer who has purchased 4 new Mazdas in the past 6 years. I just wonder how they treat someone that wasnt that good of a customer. My message to MAZDA, "I am done with you and will never grace your doors again". Thank you for showing me such loyalty. Mine was proven but now gone!

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  Wonderful Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tylor Cartter - November 20 - 2:06 am

  I bought this as a used car. It is a 2005 Mazda 6 hatchback and have had it for about a month. No problems at all and runs great. The fuel economy has been great! I love it... It got into an accident but was repaired impeccably! The only thing that needed replacing was a caliper boot which the dealership replaced. I would definitely get this again!

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  Fun car, but dont get cloth upholstery - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dgmosr - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the 6s 5 speed loaded with everything but leather. After 9,000 miles and six months of ownership my impressions are: - great handling for a 4-door sedan. - very comfortable ride for a sport type suspension. - needs more low end torque, but really moves out once you hit 3rd gear. - engine idles very quiet. - Bose stereo option is very good but not great. - the cloth seat coverings are starting to fray and pill. I should have gone with the leather.

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  First Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacko - October 25 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased new in 04 and love this car. Get compliments on exterior design all the time. Got the Luxury, Sport, Security, and Bose packages all in a manual 4-banger and love all these features. With the small engine, I really dont push this car hard, but it gives me all the power I need, with the exception of some throttle lag in 1st or 2nd gear. Stock Michelins terrible in snow. Had clutch replaced due to shudder, and brakes and rotors twice due to abnormal and untimely wear, all noted by Mazda bulletins. Hope current models have these problems ironed out cause I still love this car.

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  Fun, But Thirsty - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - October 19 - 5:33 am

  Based on extensive Edmunds.COM research, I decided to purchase an 04 6s Wagon. I considered the Outback Impreza, but at 61" and desiring a powerful V6, I went with the Mazda. I love the style of the car and the power of the V6, but have noticed pretty horrendous gas mileage since day 1 (17-22 mpg (max)). There is a ton of cargo space in this car. I can fit a full adult bike, golf clubs, and luggage for 2 for a week with the seats folded down. Long road trips are pretty comfortable, although the low ground clearance makes getting in and out cumbersome. Recently, thick plumes of gray smoke emit upon startup. Dealer is perplexed. 3 weeks in the shop on 3 occasions yielded nothing.

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  Fun to Drive and Good Value - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By CCD - October 9 - 6:23 am

  The Mazda6 is an excellent value. I bought the car loaded with everything except nav. Yet the car still lacks an upscale feel. The real appeal of this car is the handling which is outstanding for this type of car and the versatility of the hatch. With a more powerful motor, this car could have been exceptional. With the 6 cylinder engine, it is just a lot of fun to drive. A bigger motor would have really given the car a strong identity.

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  Mediocre Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry Wood - September 12 - 10:00 am

  OK car, but does not live up to thier marketing. Less than average fuel economy

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  Mostly Im lovin my car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By risitaluv - September 9 - 11:53 pm

  I actually traded in my 2002 protege because I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. I love how it has a soft growl when I start the car sounding powerful. The seats are comfortable for long drives which I have done. The trunk is huge and helped when I moved. I am currently at 81,000 and just recently changed the brake pads for the first time. I am just now having a few problems but thats given with the mileage. The only other complaint that I did have was the stems on the wheels seem to snap off when you tighten your lug nuts and Ive lost about 5 of them. But either then that this car has been very reliable for me these past 7 yrs.

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  More fun that you may think - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DL - September 8 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this new, auto w/ manual shift, minimal other frills. Overall, it rides a bit like an Euro car, feels bit stiff but soaks up bumps well. I dont like how most Japanese cars wallow but then kick you when it gets bumpy. Engine w/ auto is slow-ish, but fast enough to get you into illegal speeds anyway. Handling is far above average; I find it more engaging even than my 09 G37. It did have a software glitch, stalled a couple of times the second year; fixed under warranty. No other problems in almost 95k miles driving in the punishing Boston climate/traffic/pothole combo. No regrets. If the new Mazda6 wasnt so corpulent, Id get another one.

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  Great car, but unreliable at times - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OwnerInTorrance - August 10 - 11:33 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s hatchback for 3.5 years now. Its been a good, not great car. I love the looks and sportiness versus the Accord and Camry - a fun car for a young dad. However, Ive had several maintenance issues that have kept the car in the shop more than I would have liked - starter, water pump, radiator all had to be replaced, axle seal leaking, among other things. It was all covered by warranty, but still a pain. On top of all this, my gas mileage is less than I hoped, around 15 mpg when I was hoping for closer to 20 mpg.