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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  M6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DSS1000 - February 9 - 12:26 pm

  Great car: original & stylish, excellent & spirited handling, high revs, 4 yr/50K warranty. Ive owned a Mazda6s 5-door for about two months and so far find it exciting to drive, nice to look at, and very satisfying. Low end torque isnt best, but when engine runs up to 4K RPM, the thrust is invigorating, though may overwhelm some folks. OEM tires will be replaced: marginal in wet conditions, though not worn completely. I wasnt sure about an M6s initially, but owning it changed mind for better. Hatch storage is wagon-like. Great straight-line driving and car hugs road in all curves, no lean, great brakes, and taut ride make it a champ. Not class-leading power but does nice job!

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  Pure Joy - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 6 - 2:36 am

  Ive had my 6 for almost 3 years now and I love it. It has great power and very smooth, tight steering. A very smooth ride with good suspension and a great transition between gears, even while flooring it. Ive added on a few aftermarket features (performance exhaust and tires, along with street glow and window tint) and Im going to add more in the future (performance intake) but even without the add ons, the 6 had plenty of power and is a great ride.

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  the 6 is a great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By KD - February 2 - 5:13 am

  Well, I currently own a b-3000 truck and had owned a 3 in the early 90s and owned a 626 in the late 80s..lets just say, the 6 was top on my list. I read all the reviews here and didnt even bother wasting my time with accord, camry or legacy(which is what I really wanted).I ended up getting the convenience and moonroof package...great car to drive and have fun everytime..I am no speed demon but I think the car has enough power for around the town and highway..I may be biased here, but definitely do not have one regret buying the 6..and not too mention that the salesman wasnt trying to strongarm the deal...

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  fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Myslandi - January 31 - 11:30 am

  This little four banger really takes everything you can give it and wants more. I was going to buy a V6 but, the four was just as much fun and really flies up the hills and never talks back. used to have a dodge stratus ES V6 and this is way more fun to drive.

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  10 months and 11K miles - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By emeraldo - January 19 - 3:35 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Ive owned Acuras, VWs and Toyotas. This car is hands down the most comfortable and fun to drive of all these cars. Also gets the best mileage, a really remarkable event in a car this size. 29mpg 60% hwy, 40% cty. We are all aware that the 6 does not have the largest nor highest res nav screen. Those who need a large nav screen so they can pay less attention to the road have many choices. I prefer something simpler and have found the 6s easy to use, with excellent turn-by-turn in particular. If you want a car with two meaningless chrome rings in a loopy center stack, and a geriatric speedometer, Id certainly recommend an Accord.

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  cuisinart motor, rice krispies interior - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mtaylor - January 18 - 6:03 pm

  After only 10 months, Im ready to ditch this car. The engine is smooth enough but sounds like a blender. Transmission is beginning to hesitate between gears and is rough. The entire passenger side rattles (dash,under seat and on B-pillar). Impossible to find a comfy driving position (gauges too high for the wheel, lumbar support too hard, among other issues). Door handles are flimsy. Plastic trim on A- pillar is loose. HVAC fan rattles. Felt-like trim between dash and windshield is uneven. Bose system is mediocre. Very weak low beam headlights. Was sucked in by the looks, but have been let down by the quality. At least its mechanically reliable and gets good mpg.

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  The Drivers Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cory - January 17 - 6:36 am

  I bought this car after owning a 1995 Mazda MX-6 as my first car. I wanted a bigger and more efficient car without giving up ride fun. The Mazda6 sure exceeded my expectations. I love being able to take curves on the interstate without dropping don to 45mph. The acceleration and braking are 1000 times better than my moms Accord. It fits three others comfortably. I recently drove a friend to Atlanta and he was amazed about how much leg room he had. Hes 65" by the way... I have driven Hondas and Toyotas and they are fine for those who just need to get from A to B, but if you are one of those who enjoy the ride a Mazda is for you!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stevesteve - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda 6 Classic sedan i4 for over 9 months and couldnt be happier. Styling inside and out is superb, handling, ride and engine performance are all fantastic.

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  My review from Maryland - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marylander - January 13 - 3:03 pm

  Great car. Got some satisfaction from having more midrange pickup, better handling & trunk room than brothers more expensive Audi and!! unlike his, my Mazda (6 cyl) can run well on regular gas! Agree that the fake metal interior finishes - esp around the shifter scratch too easily. upgrade on this is neccesary for ownership & re-sale satisfaction. Driving & satifaction w/ appearance awesome. Didnt get sports exterior but had upgraded interior & sun roof - great. Needed good driving, good looking, not too expensive drive foir work w/ room for family. GOt it. Negative: my automatic doesnt seem to downshift quickly enough for city/non- hwy driving. Great on hwy. Manual override great too.

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  Great Car - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By reha - January 10 - 3:58 pm

  I bought my 2015 liquid silver Mazda 6 i grand touring with technology package the day before Christmas on December 23, 2014. I had to wait for it for over a month because they did not have it in stock and I wanted a brand spanking new Mazda which had not been test driven. So, as soon as the car arrived from Japan, I got a call from the dealer and I got my Baby! -:) Let me tell you: IT IS A FANTASTIC CAR!!! I got the top of the line model with all the bells and whistles. This car literally does everything (even the braking if you forget to hit the breaks!) except the driving part. I like all the safety feature and the cruise control with radar!