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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  awesome car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Purranha - October 24 - 6:00 am

  Ive had the car less than a week and am thrilled with it. Was not planning to replace my 01 Grand Am so soon, but was having weird electrical problems. Narrowed my choice to Acura, Mazda, or Honda. As soon as I test drove the 6, I knew I need not look any further. Its got more than the amount of toys I was expecting for the price. I love the way it handles, especially on the interstate. I have a long road trip coming up and cant wait to get out there and let my new baby show me its stuff! For once, Im looking forward to the drive...lol.

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  Zoom. Zoom. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacob - October 18 - 11:06 pm

  The car is awesome. Ive had it for about a month and have had no problems yet. I bought it used with about 8500 miles. It has good engine performance as well as pretty tight handling. The 6-disc cd changer is nice and the sound system is okay (its no bose, but not bad). Overall its a good, reliable car to get around town.

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  My BMWVOLVOCIVICMUSTANG 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Maz6i - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Here are the cars that remind me of my Mazda 6i and the reasons why. The steering and handling are the closest to that of the 1992 thru 98, BMW 3 series of any car on the market! The suspension tuning makes the car ride just like an S40 Volvo, (small penalty for the razor sharp handling!). The interior looks a lot like a Honda Civic Si after puberty and the outside possesses a subtle earthy Mustang GT quality. Handsome, fast, comfortable, with handling prowess that exceeds anything in its class and then some! The best of many cars in one!

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  Take the Long Way Home - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mz6i - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible to say the least. This car performs incredible with the 4-cylinder engine with 5sp manual. You’ll want take the long way home, I find every excuse to drive this car. This is the best handling car that can actually fit 5 full size adults for under $30k period. The handling is far better than the Acura TSX. I option forgot how big the car is when driving it, it feels like a subcompact most of the time. With a starting price under 20k, its a great value, with every option you’d expect from a car in this class. To sum it up, an inexpensive car, that’s comfortable, that hands down outperforms anything in its class, and looks great.

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  Driving has never been so much fun!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jamie Nabozny - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a better time driving then in my Mazda6. I also love the fact that the car turns heads. I looked at the Accord, Camry, and Altima and none were as fun to drive or as stylish as the Mazda6.

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Maurie12 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Hi! I had a 98 Mazda Protege and got rid of that at 140k. I just bought the Mazda 6 (i) last week so I am still in the "honeymoon" stages, but hope to be continue to be there! Handles good, very fast and look good. Very smooth on the road.

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  Perfect sports sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By eran - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The fun to drive factor in the price range. looks better than Honda Accord or Toyota camry.

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  Mazda 6 is definitely a Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dave H - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two weeks, but it is fantastic. Most fun car I have had to drive. Get the five speed.

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  70 international awards plus my review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TSA - October 9 - 10:00 am

  With the perfect blend between Japanese technology and european design, the Mazda 6 is one of the best buys around. Mazda does a great job of giving you a ton of car for the money. If you consider the fun to drive factor and ride and handling, Mazda is the clear cut winner.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Daniel - October 8 - 10:23 pm

  We were looking at different cars for about 2 months. started with the Camry, Altima, Maxima, Fusion, Malibu, Jetta - and none of these cars were as fun to drive as the Mazda6. Blind spot monitoring works great the Bose sound system is very good, great responsive 4 cylinder ride is smooth but not soft. We tried the car in the snow-wet-dry and it was great,on winter tires. My only complaint is the stock Michelin tires. Ill get the new Yokohama Avid Envigors in the spring. Other than the tires I cant find anything wrong with this car. The brakes are fantastic, the trunk space is more than enough. The interior is a lot nicer and friendlier than any other car in its class. Enjoy the ride!!!