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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  Disappointed in Ohio - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bigmama4 - September 13 - 5:26 pm

  When I first bought my brand new Mazda 6 in 2003 I kept getting a burning smell in the car. The Mazda mechanic told me the smell would go away after 3 -5 thousand miles. He said it was something to do with the exhaust pipes. I can not remember how many times my brakes had to be changed and also just a month before my warranty expired I had to get rust fixed around my back wheel well. Of course they gave me a hard time but they fixed it twice because the first time looked terrible , I could have done better. Needless to say the rust came back with a fury it looks terrible,at least it is only in that one spot (strangely). Also the light cover on my front passenger door never stays on .

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  Easy Decision - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lammy - September 5 - 1:06 pm

  I was planning to purchase a Subaru Legacy and just wanted a car to compare with. 10 minutes in the Mazda and the Subaru was history. Looks and drives great with the added versatility of a hatchback.

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  Love it Zoom! Zoom! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By funmazda - September 4 - 1:23 pm

  I test drove Accord, Camry and Altima before I settled down with Mazda 6. Camry is comfortable, but boring. Altima looks good buy but feels like a junk inside. Accord has the best interior but looks ugly. Plus, for a couple thousand bucks less, I can get more options with Mazda 6 than Accord. My Mazda 6 is so fun that I will take it out simply for a ride. The 17" alloy wheels make it look better - definitely a sport car!

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  Pretty Sweet Ride - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By rogerwa1 - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  I just picked mine up this week. I think the looks are awesome, it rides very well. Just the balance of firmness and softness. The cabin is very quiet and the features, especially with the Convenience and the Bose package are well worth it. I will say the Bose, while sufficient, is less than I expected. It is a very comfortable and roomy car. The roomy backseat makes this a great family sedan. I was very surprised that I was able to get rubber in second gear. I have the 6spd and it pulls pretty nicely in 3rd and fourth but would like a steeper 6th gear OD. I also am having a hard time find a smooth 1==>2 shift point without winding it up.

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  A Marvelous Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry - August 31 - 12:40 pm

  I took possession of the Mazda 6 gt August 15th have 2500km already and couldnt be happier. The price of the car with all the features is second to none. I drove an Acura 3.2TL and this car is certainly on par. It is true what many of the previous reviews have said it is a sporty luxuary car without the Lexus nameplate. The car handles well takes bumps without much thump, engine is very quiet. The upgraded stereo is music to the ears and I have had no problems with the GPS Nav system other than it seems to dislike guiding you the the nearest highway sometimes. Fit and Finish are above par and the engine is very quiet with lots of pep in the 6 Mazda has a winner here

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  Still going strong at 95,000 mi. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Richard D - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Dec.06 with 21,000 miles on it. After a few minor issues due to the previous owners neglect, it has provided me with years of trouble free, reliable transportation.I still love to drive the car even after all this time. I keep up with routine maintenance,(oil and filter change, tire rotation , etc. ).When the time comes to retire this one, Ill probably look to a newer model 6 , consider me a repeat buyer.

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  2010 Mazda 6i GT Sangria Red Mica - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrchuck - August 25 - 4:56 pm

  The new car smell of tan leather in a red car is a must! WOW! The tech features are outstanding. The Bose sound system is absolutely awesome. Comfort and quietness wherever you drive is just pure satisfaction. Acceleration is great, and the gas mileage on 87 octane is great. I have no complaints, and I test drove ALL of the mid-size luxury cars and this car wins. Period. It won. The trunk space with the back seats down will easily handle our Costco and Sams Club shopping trips. The quietness and super quality attention to details make this car a winner, no matter what luxury car you have been driving. I am extremely pleased. You will be too! Mazdas "Zoom Zoom" is infectious!!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Monkyc - August 24 - 1:03 pm

  Amazing family sedan that handles better than a BMW 3 series. Great acceleration from the 4 cyl 5 spd. Absolutely no problems in two and a half years over 36,000 miles.

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  Mazda6 5 doors beats Accord and Camry - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By martin - August 22 - 9:30 am

  The new 2006 Mazda 6 is lot better than 2005; the seats are better, lateral support is superior, interior is quieter, suspension has been tuned and bushings have been replaced, the front disk are bigger, less fade, electronic height adjustable xenon light is a plus, the front nose, the skirt and the rear lights look more serious. Sure it would use 30hp more, but 0-60 in 8.2 seconds is quite good for a car that does 40mpg. The subwoofer from the Bose system could be better. Overall, for $30g, what car offers you volume, super big trunk with the biggest opening and an interior comparable to BMW, Lexus. I had 18 cars in my life, for the money, this is the best. The road handling is marvelous.

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  Good but not Great... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By generalpipe - August 21 - 10:26 am

  When I bought this Mazda6 last November I did not intend to buy a Mazda. After driving it I liked it, but still reluctant. I read the reviews in the New York Times and went back to Carmax for another test drive...and brought it home. Fit and finish are above average; not too big and not too small, just right for me, 5- 10" at 160lbs. Lots of get-up and go from a powerful 4 banger, 160 horses in the higher revs. It will get you on the freeway and back off. In the stop and go traffic of Houston heat I worry about overheating, but have put Mobil 1 oil to help with heat dissipation. We have had 90 degree days and no problem yet - wait till August.