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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  Not as good as I first thought - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Not happy - March 7 - 1:30 am

  Have had the car for over a month now. Pros: Excellent build quality, stylish interior and exterior, many cool features (Bluetooth, Blind spot monitoring, auxiliary jack, Info display, etc), smooth even at high speeds, fun to drive. Con: Biggest problem: Most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. If I drive longer than 20 minutes or so, my back and legs start hurting. I have tried every setting possible, without success. If comfort is important to you, stay away from the 6 (maybe GT model is better).

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  How Do I hate thee? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By TCooke - February 28 - 10:00 pm

  Hate this car. With less than 3K on it the left front strut busted & now with 22k I am about to take it in for same strut #4! Dealer insists no issue causing this to happen, whatever! Have had oil pan seal replaced, rear interior lites repaired, exhaust mounts had to be lubed & needs again - rattling/squeak, steering shaft had to be lubed, squeaky seat fixed by removing a clip, passenger front window motor replaced. Most repairs before 15k! Not to mention that its 150 miles round trip to dealer, eating up time & warranty miles! Car has not held value at all, Im way upside down but I will trade before warranty is out, cant afford repeated repairs out of warranty. turning radius is terrible

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  Great Car but dont buy one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dennis - August 8 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased a new 04 less than 2 years ago. Loved the car for the price until clutch started to judder so bad car was not drivable. Mazda TSB 05-003/05 describes defective clutch plates. Mazda will not cover repair because car is more than 1 year old. Dont be left holding a $1300 repair bill for a defective car. Buy a Honda.

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  2003 Mazda6 i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By August - July 24 - 4:16 am

  First two years, great car, fun to drive, great looks, everything. Then the car starts to idle roughly, which triggers check engine light. Take it in for a diagnostics test, and it says to replace camshaft position sensor. Did that, only to have the car get worse. Take it into the dealer, who states that the cars engine has suffered a catostrophic failure. Oil burned up fast due to the cylinder head rings cracking. That resulted in the pulleys breaking off. Funny thing was, oil was replaced 4K before this happened, and no oil light ever came on throughout the entire ordeal. Fought with Mazda hard, but they never budged, so I got stuck with paying 3K left on a car that I dont even have.

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  Not what I thought a Mazda would be - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By christy22 - February 28 - 11:49 am

  I bought my 2008 Mazda 6 with 36,000 miles on it. Right away, I had A/C issues. With 90,000 miles on it, I had to have the transmission rebuilt and change out the valve body. As I now understand it (reading consumer reviews on the issues of this car), the valve bodies are made overseas and built with a poor grade metal so these cars have transmission issues. I finally sold the car 1 month ago having rebuilt the transmission and fixed the A/C 3 times. I had only heard good things about Mazdas, but I wont buy another one.

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  good looks, many problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By raslov - February 24 - 9:30 pm

  I was drawn to the Mazda 6s because of the exterior styling and price, but after only a few months of owning noticed really bad front wheel brake dust followed by a bad sulfur smell coming of the engine; then noticed the colling fan was really loud. Most recently my right front speaker blew out and just this week my check engine light came on. Needless to say Ive been spending a lot of time at the dealership and theyre starting to be less sympathetic. I stuck with Mazda after owning a Mazda Protege for the last 7 years without any problems but this will be my last!

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  So many problems.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By NoL - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda6 for 10 months and have had numerous problems with it. The first week I had it my drivers side tire went flat from a faulty valve. Later that week my headlight blew out. I had to have my front speakers replaced because they blew out. I am currently experiencing a sqealing noise when I turn left at low speeds or turning into a parking spot. I am also experiencing my transmission slipping in 3rd gear and I only have 12,000 miles on my car! This will be the fifth time I am bringing my car back to the dealership. Buyers beware!

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By disapointed owner - July 11 - 3:56 am

  Indicated oil consumption of 1 qt /1000 miles, leaves an engine vulnerable when the car design doesnt have an oil light that will illuminate when oil is low. This spells disaster for a car owner. Low end torque minimal, must wind the engine up all a time when starting from a dead stop. This is probably not good for an engine either, especially one constantly consuming oil.

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  Dont bother - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mymaz - June 29 - 2:23 pm

  After 8 months I have had problems with the A/C, Mileage is awful, exterior finish is below par, suspension and steering noises. I am trying to sell it to get a Honda. Even a Hyundai would be better now.

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  beautiful car piss poor reliability - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By blaznazn22 - June 6 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago for $3000 at an auction with 196000km on it, or about 129k miles. There oil kept disappearing quickly and I didnt know where it was going. After about $2000 in repairs and getting some tires and rims, I find out that the cars engine is through. It was burning oil rapidly, the reason for that was the piston rings being worn out, and the reason for piston rings being worn out was the catalytic converter melting and blocking the exhaust creating excessive back pressure. Not to mention the EGR valve recirulating exhaust gases as well as other particles into the engine which also screwed the engine over. Very piss poor design by mazda.