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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Mazda 6 S-Wagon is Awesome! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
By tmarsh - January 3 - 10:00 amI stopped by the Nelson Mazda to test drive the Mazda 3 5-door. I loved that car, but my wife was concerned about cargo space on trips. Our salesman, Rob heard our concerns and introduced us to the S-Wagon. I had no intention of getting a wagon, but this wagon changed my mind! This car has a beautiful, sleek profile that screams performance. The interior has plenty of space, plenty of headroom, and is very confortable. The performance is terrific! The handling is exceptional and exactly what you would expect from a much smaller sports car. The BOSE 6- disc in-dash sound system is the best I have ever heard in a factory supplied system!
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Still Crazy About 6 after 6K - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
By nomovdubya2 - January 3 - 10:00 amYes, still a winner.Bought end of January, Pebble Ash Metalic. Unlike VW, Mazda 6 has been trouble-free. Starting to see more on the road. Would still choose over the TSX, Accord, Altima or Camry. Great handling, just rotated and balanced the tires, helped; amazing how many new cars need this from day one.
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great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
By bob k - January 3 - 10:00 ami love the 6
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Love my ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By ymack - December 31 - 6:10 pmI did a lot of research before purchasing this car. I looked at the Accord, the Camry, the Altima and a few others but because of the features and the price I choose the Mazda6. I have no regrets about my purchase. I look forward to the drive each time I get into the car. I have always been a Honda girl but this time Mazda won me over!
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Mazda6 s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
By santosrph - December 31 - 4:20 pmOverall, very pleased so far - only have 11,000 miles on vehicle. No problems or issues yet. Very fun to drive. Ive had several 626s in the past and the "6" is much better. Better styling than the generic 4 door sedans in its class.
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Wise choice - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
By Greg - December 30 - 10:00 pmHandling and performance of the vehicle matches the body style as the car is very fast and handles very tight and responsive. I truly enjoy the ability to switch from automatic to manual in those times when an extra burst of acceleration is needed or just for fun. The all leather interior with heated seats is also much nicer than I first anticipated.
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2009 i touring, gray mica finish - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By richard - December 30 - 1:00 pmHave just bought the 09 i touring. Nothing but good things to say about the whole mazda buying experience. No pressure to buy no no hard sells.Let me have my way on the test drive. The 4cyl has great pickup, quiet acceleration, responsive steering, easy stopping. Ride quality smooth and tight, build quality tops. Test drove accord, camry, fusion. While all were good I felt the 6 was the most fun to drive. Also looks better than the competion.
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Nice Ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By Yamil Munoz - December 29 - 11:16 pmI really like this car, is very fun, to drive, the paddle shift are excellent, in my country a car in that range with xenon its really great
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well worth the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
By jim - December 29 - 3:50 amThe new 6 is a gentle reminder of Probe gone by. The 4 cylinder has ample performance. Great curb appeal.
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Go For It - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By Marc - December 27 - 12:03 amMazda got it right! My criteria were Xenon headlights, regular gas, and more than 20 MPG city. But you get a whole lot more! Great styling, comfort, lots of bells & whistles. Lots of safety features. Keyless entry and push-button start is great! There are several programmable features like auto door lock, how many doors unlock with remote, lighting delay, etc., and you can hit the "clock" button to view trip info without having to use "info button". Mazda hit a home run! The car is competition for Lexus ES350, not just Honda, Toyota & Nissan.
