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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  My Best Choice Yet - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By crzygosu87 - November 16 - 10:30 am

  Well, I was once stuck between a TSX and Mazda 6, however, I went with the Mazda6 considering its aggressive exterior and unique interior modeling, including its much lower price tag. Plus, it was a V6 as opposed to Acuras "weeny" I-4. Thats all I have to say. :=) Plus there were way too many TSXs on the streets. If it wasnt for this last detail, I might safely say my dad would have wanted me to get the TSX. Nevertheless, in general, I wanted a more manly car and here I am today.

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  Boxter to wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By C. Rooney - November 14 - 12:56 am

  Selling my Boxter was a very hard thing to do, but, I needed more room for my business. I hate SUVs and still wanted a sporty fast car. A wagon was the obvious choice. I drove them all. The only other car I considered was an Audi, but the A4 was too small and the A6 too much money and impossible to find without an automatic. The "Six" has a great smooth 5 speed, a strong v6 and comfortable interior. Mine is fully loaded and a great value for $28K! I love the cargo cover and standard pull-up cargo (dog) screen. The center console is also great, tons of storage and looks great at night. Kudos to Mazda for leaving out the "fake wood" and designing a classy original dash.

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  Wowwy Wowzer - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wowwy Wowwy - November 10 - 12:16 pm

  If you have never taking this car for a spin around the block, man are you missing out! We test drove one on the freeway and before i knew it i was over 100mph!!! Superior acceleration and handling over others and the proximity keys, memory seat, sunroof and Bose make a great combo. HUGE truck even with the seats up. Jet black leather with heated seats. Hands-free bluetooth is AWESOME!

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  Nice Car at a Fair Price - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By genetix - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife and I find myself "borrowing" it often. The car has great styling that are agressive but too agressive. You get a lot of nice things for the price, For example really look great and light up the road well. The interior and features are nice as well. The steering wheel Audio controls the "quasi-manual" transmission are great features. The rear seats can be folded down from inside the truck. Things that annoy me: Creaks from the suspension when you go over rough roads or speed bumps. Things that annoy me: Creaks from the suspension when you go over rough roads or speed bumps. The truck release is nowhere near the fuel door release. Engine is peppy, needs more HP!

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  Evaluation By VW Passat GLX Owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gaspereaux - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Really fun car! I would not be caught dead owning an SUV/wagon but, because of the nature of my projects, I need more than a sedan. I also want a car that has good performance. I bought it on Friday PM and we left Boston for Chester Nova Scotia Saturday AM. My wife and I found the controls and instruments to be well designed and the gas mileage to be reasonable (23.3 mpg at 79 mph) and (25.3 mpg at 75 mph). The car is very comfortable and I found that there was less road noise than in my Passat GLX. Its road handling is fantastic! I have a fairly aggressive driving style and I found that it took the corners of the Nova Scotia country roads effortlessly. Well done Mazda!

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  Luv my latest Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 3rd Mazda for me - November 10 - 6:43 am

  This is my third Mazda in a row. Ive had amazing reliability (obviously since this is my third and I put about 40,000 miles on the car per year) and Im so happy with this one too. Each Mazda gets better and better. Options on other cars are standard on the Mazda and the price remains comparable to other makes. Nice! My fuel economy on my other Mazdas has always been better than manufacturer estimates and so far its the same on this one so Im concerned about some of the comments Im reading about less than expected gas mileage. Ill wait and see on that.

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  cnt wait for summmmmer - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jenjen123 - November 8 - 7:17 pm

  I always loved my car but terrible terrible in the snow. Dont feel safe at all with even an inch on the ground. Slides all over n gets stuck constantly with barley nothing on the ground. Last winter spun out of control going barley 20mph almost totaling my car n this winter its been one aggravation after another. Any time i see even the slightest bit of snow fall i hope i have no where to go because i never felt so unsafe in any car. Think its time to trade in for a truck :(

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  Awesome!!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paulino - November 6 - 8:46 am

  I have to say Im blown away at how perfect this car is. You want interior space?? you got it. You want power? this car has a lot of muscle!!! you want safety?? 5 star rating all around!!! The mazda6 is elegant looking but handles like a sports car. Gas mileage is better than what the advertisement says. I get 21 in the city, 29 in the highway.

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  *Please Read* - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rman - November 3 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased the car a little over 5 months ago. Within the 5 months, 3 headlight bulbs burnt out, license plate light burnt out, needed to do tcm and pcm reprogram, replaced both front brake lines, replaced both front axle boots and cv joints, cigarette lighter blows every fuse you put in, both front and back brake pads were replaced, display clock flickers. I am being a truthful person here. Do not always rely on reviews. This one is getting sold or traded in.

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  This is a fun car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff Lewsader - October 25 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased this car based on its looks, performance and price. You get a great handling car with good gas mileage for a great price. I have owned the car for just over a year and have only had 1 minor warranty repair. I love the hatchback and the fact that I can lower the back seats from either the cabin or the hatch (trunk).