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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  Move over Mercedes - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Freddy - May 16 - 3:16 am

  I bought this car to replace a 320 Mercedes wagon. With 50% better gas mileage, more power, a better sound system, and an interior with real leather to boot, Ill never go back to Mercedes! Oh, did I say at half the price? I have read several reviews of this car, and they are off base when discussing the V6 powerplant. This thing rocks on the highway with the 6 speed automatic. Beware however that this car is hard to equip for towing, despite what my dealer promised me.

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  Speedy Mazda 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lannette - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 4 1/2 mo. and had to have the front axel replaced and the front disc brakes replaced due to noises and defective product. Post Falls Mazda took care of me while fixing my car though. It ended up making me like my car more because I had to drive a Mazda protege5 and the Mazda 6i and they do not even compare to the engine/handling of my 6s! Im glad to have it back. zoom zoom!!

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  Junk - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Reese T. - May 16 - 2:00 am

  3 Recalls in 6 months. Automatic transmission hesitates to much.Snapping noise that comes from the driver side front door once in a while when I start to apply the brakes. Needs Alignment. Lousy and uncomfortable seats. What a mistake!!!!

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  3rd review--07 sedan 5 speed 4 cyl - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dick Tater - May 14 - 5:13 am

  Ive had my cherry red mazda6 for 2.5 years now, with 30,500 on odometer. Its been great; still fun to drive, no major mechanical or build issues (I did get the steering clunking noise fixed according to the factory service bulletin), and it still seems to be the best sedan in this price range for someone who likes to drive--not just get from point A to point B. My lease is up in September; Id buy it then, but Id rather have the hatchback version, so Im actively looking for a hatchback with a manual tranny, 6 or 4 cyl engine, and a few more options than my car has, like fog lights, mooonroof and spoiler. I just cant get real excited about any of the new cars on market now.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lilo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 8th Mazda Ive purchased, leased, or owned and is by far my favorite. This is the 4th Mazda sedan I have driven and I do not miss my old sports coupes one bit. My Mazda6 is the 4-cylinder i-model and the car is just as fun to drive as any of my 2door V6s. Now I see where the slogan comes from. I love that no matter what size or class, Mazda manages to keep the ZOOM-ZOOM in their vehicles!

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  Astonishing value - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By crookedroad - May 3 - 6:29 pm

  I nursed my 2000 Protege to the bitter end but spent the last year researching new cars. While I test drove other cars (the 2013 Accord was the best, nice and smooth but bland), I kept coming back to the 2014 6. I drive stick and tested the Touring and Sport trims. In the end the options on the Touring werent worth the extra $$$. The touchscreen was distracting, the 19" wheels looked good but didnt ride well on rough rural roads, etc. Of course Ive never had most modern options, so I dont look to my car for infotainment stuff. The 6 Sport is a dream to drive, and thats good enough for me. And after incentives the price was barely over $20k, which is crazy low for this much car.

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  Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason - May 3 - 1:30 am

  I have had the car 6 months and have been very pleased with my purchase. Its traction and control are excellent. I really enjoy the extra power when I need it, since I do a lot of Interstate travel. I have been getting consistently around 28 MPG. The large trunk is very nice, because I can put my golf bag in it and still have plenty of room. All in all I would highly recommend it.

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  one of the best in its class - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Henry Adams - May 2 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the beautiful car a month ago. Cannot say anything about the long term reliability, so it is purely a guess. Nothing breaks yet. Safety is paramount to us. Mazda6 has the best safety rating by NHTSA. This trim line also comes with a nifty blind spot motoring system. Plus a whole host of other safety features, which makes it stand out. Looks great inside and outside. Love the handling quality. In fact, eager to sit behind the wheel in this car! Ride is firm and supple. Wish it can absorb bumps little better though. The engine is a little hesitant when you really need to zoom zoom zoom on a highway entrance ramp.

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  Kennys Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howard K. Meeks - April 30 - 4:46 am

  I really like to drive this car. I have had sports sedans before, but this car takes the cake. The feel of the car on the road is tight and comfortable. The only thing I dont like is the short range gas mileage is quite a surprise. In city traffic the mileage goes down to about 17 mpg.

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  Just didnt work for me. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By herbww - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I found the seats very hard and the front seat positions limited. When on medium to long drives I would get out of the car limping. The GPS never worked probably, but even if it had I found it difficult to use and read. The mileage wasnt near the rating for highway driving. The car is also a little under powered. The electronics all seemed a little off. The base car is probably very good value. I wrote to Mazda and didnt get a response. I finally just dumped the car after about 8 months of driving.