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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  Ive loved it for the last 4 years. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sranco - March 6 - 10:23 pm

  Bought this car used in the summer of 09 with 129k on it. It now has 157k on it and I still love it. It has great handling and decent power for a 4 cylinder. These cars have a very good suspension IMO. It can handle tight turns at good speeds without offering too stiff of a ride. Mine has 17 inch tires, which probably makes a bit of a difference over the stock 16s. The interior is also well appointed and really comes alive at night with the interior lighting. If you like to play golf this car will also suit you well, there is easily enough room for 3 golf bags. The back seat can be a little tight though.

• 

  Slick Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Truck - March 5 - 10:20 am

  I purchased my Mazda6 5 door in April and I took the vehicle on several trips. The comfort of the vehicle and ride made the trip very good. The look of the vehicle is different from the Camry or Accord -- slick and low profile. This attracted me to the car. Stereo system package (Bose 200 Wt) -- I dont feel that I have to upgrade a thing with it. Overall I am extremely happy with the vehicle and cant wait to see what Mazda comes up with in the next 6 years or so to surpass the Mazda6.

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  Fun car to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By cognitive6 - March 2 - 12:36 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It handles well and has a sports-car feel, except its a sedan. The steering wheel blocks the view of the top of the gauges, and theres an annoying sloshing sound (from fuel tank) when stopping and starting when tank is full. The car feels solid and few vehicles can compete with it in styling. In fact, its sleek design makes appear smaller than others in its class, but its actually longer than most.

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  Fun to drive. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By RI - February 25 - 2:00 am

  V6 is one of the smoothest engines. The manually tranny is a perfect match and the shifts are nice and short.

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  Fun to drive! Great car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chris - February 23 - 2:20 am

  I bought the Mazda6i hatchback automatic in August and I am very satisfied. Actually it has exceeded my expectations in comfort and driving experience. Gas mileage is average. I expected better since it is a smaller sedan. Acceleration for a 4 cylinder is excellent and the auto-stick is fun to use.

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  No comfort at all - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By vvv - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Seat cannot be moved all the way back. I am 510" and even then I would need to move the seat at least 5" back to have my legs not too much bended. Ironically, they sell this car as sporty one. Next, I cannot reach the steering wheel when laying back even a little bit. Again, you dont drive any car completely upright like a tractor. Now, when I am upright, the steering wheel covers the view of instrument table. If I want to see the table, I must move the wheel all the way up and that really looks like driving a tractor. Overall, not being able to sit comfortably in this car makes me problems on long trips due to my sensitive back. 24mpg at 65mph without A/C. Thats ridiculous.

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  SO far so good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NDAL25 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  So far I love the car. I traded in a 2000 Jetta and it was the best decesion I have made. 10,000 miles today and no problems besides a few recalls. Could not say that about the VW. Great buy

• 

  Awesome Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Omar - February 19 - 7:00 pm

  This wagon has been reliable since day one. I have done the oil changes on a regular basis, the only big thing so far was a vacuum leak. Fun to drive, nice paint job. Surprised Ford and Mazda have done a good job on this car.

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  Next best thing to a BMW - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Laura Allred - February 11 - 4:33 pm

  I love my 2003 Mazda6s! And my previous car was a 1989 BMW 325is. Other than my getting used to front wheel drive in the Mazda, the 6s handles remarkably well compared to the BMW. I love a car with great road feel, and this car is glued to the road. I love the 5 speed manual transmission and the 17" wheels. Got the complete sport package. Such performance in an everyday car makes the commute to work in the morning my fun time! And what a value. Other than routine maintenance, I have had no problems. Its a sweet car if you believe that unless you use both hands and both feet, you arent really driving. If you want to float down the highway on a sofa, better get a Lexus.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By webmiller - February 11 - 11:43 am

  I put off buying a new mid-size sedan for a couple of months as I knew the 09 Mazda6 was coming in August. The wait was 100% worth it. Its the best looking car in its class without question. The interior is easily a full class ahead of the Camry, Accord, Altima, or Malibu. As with most Mazdas, the handling is excellent making it a pure joy to drive. I cant imagine anyone test driving all the mid-size sedans out there and not picking the 6. The features/fit/finish etc are closer to a Lexus ES350 than a Camry. This car is going to own the magazine mid-size comparison tests for at least 2-3 years.