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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  2004 Mazda 6 - many problems - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By mike - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  I have had an 04 Mazda6 for approximately 18 months - was great for first few months and lived up to the hype and reviews. But after about 4 months it developed several problems that 2 dealers and national support have been unable or unwilling to fix. Power and gas mileage are WAY down, shifter mechanism is very rough and sloppy, brakes repeatedly develop a squeal, rough starting when cold, traction control is terrible in the snow, clutch often stammers. I have previously owned 2 other Mazdas (89 MX6 and 99 626); both were good combination of value and reliability, leading me to get the new 6. I was very happy at first but am now very disillusioned with reliability/quality and lack of support from Mazda

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  Wish I bought the Honda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Quite Unhappy - May 6 - 11:46 am

  When I first got this car over 3 years ago I was very happy with it. However, now with only 9 months left on the lease, I can say I really wish I got the Honda Accord instead. The reliability of this car stinks and in 3 short years Ive had problems including: dead battery, broken shift cable, blown fan module, broken starter, 2 broken stereos, etc. Every car has its issues but you shouldnt have to deal with so many as in the Mazda6 when the car is only 3 years old.

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  Unreliable - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeD - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  My first problem began around 5000 miles. My check engine light came on, I took it to the dealer and found out that it was a recall issue with the fan. I went through my first set of rotors around 10,000 miles. At 25,000 miles the transmission started to shift roughly between 2nd and 3rd gears. At 67,000 miles the engine blew. NO ENGINE LIGHT appeared. Mechanic said one of the rear spark plugs started to misfire and started to dump raw fuel into the cylinder; which then pushed into the exhaust system which blew both catalytic converters out. Replaced engine and catalytic converters. That engine then blew at 90,000 miles. I got rid of the useless car at that point !

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  Bad Transmission - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By saltguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this car almost four years and 54,000 miles ago. Just went out of warranty (50,000) and needs a new transmission. We took the car in a year ago, under warranty, and the mechanics couldnt find the problem we were having with the car slipping out of gear while accelerating. It started to get worse right after we went over 50,000 miles, so we took it back in. They isolated the issue, but said it wasnt covered by warranty anymore. No way a car with 54,000 highway miles should need a new transmission. And the fact that Mazda wouldnt stand behind the car tells me a lot about their confidence in their product. This was our first and last Mazda. Done!

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  Dont buy a Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rome - October 18 - 5:43 am

  I purchased my car 2 years ago. I bought it brand new. What I find so irritating is that I cannot go to my local auto parts store and purchase an oil filter nor can I go to lube place and get it changed. I have to drive 20 miles to get my oil changed at the dealership and I find that annoying. My clutch gave out on me at 40k. I ended up paying $1,400 in repairs. My first car was Saturn and the clutch has not given out as of yet. The mechanic did a horrible job, now it is leaking fluid. I feel that I was horribly ripped off on the quality and I cannot even go to my local auto shop and buy parts for preventative maintenance. I am FORCED to go to the dealership for parts and it stinks.

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  Quality Control not Mazdas top priority - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By New Mazda owner - August 21 - 1:13 am

  I custom ordered my Mazda6 Grand Sport and waited 3 months for it to arrive at the dealership. When I first saw it it didnt have the right 17" wheels I requested (even the Mazda Brochure shows the car can be ordered with 17" wheels), the paint on the hood had very noticeable streaks and overspray, and one of the tail pipe tips was totally mounted out of whack with the correctly mounted one.

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  Lots of fun but serious quality issues. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6driver - July 24 - 2:53 am

  This car is great fun to drive and well-appointed but the serious quality problems make it not worth the trouble. In one year, its been in the shop more than my last car was in four. The worst problem (there have been others) has been a rotten egg smell that took three trips to the dealer to fix. Its already coming back (another problem has come back almost immediately). From a driving dynamics standpoint, its great but not worth the headaches. Ill probably be replacing it long before I intended.

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  Poor Factory Workmanship, Fit & Finish - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6S Buyer - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Poor fit & finish, hood, bumper cover, fenders & front end accessories are out of alignment & a bent door. A loose windshield gasket and a rattle in the dash. I looked at Mazda6 cars on 3 dealer lots, each exhibiting similar poor exterior workmanship. I complained to both the dealer and Mazda corporate, all to no avail. Ignored for nearly 120 days, the Mazda factory rep finally told me that the poor workmanship "meets the factory standard." & that the bent door "may be" my fault. Examine your Mazda6, & note the hood & bumper cover alignment & the hoods over hang. I expected acknowledgement & timely service. I should have bought the Altima!

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  Horrible experience - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rbramble - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had a poor experience with the car for only owning it for not even 4 months. There is a strange noise in the front right wheel well, and the dealer cannot find anything wrong. I had to take the car back with only 3000 miles because the check engine light came on. They told me after fixing it that it is a recall and that I would have eventually received a notice in the mail. Today I noticed the dash illumination panel, does not display all the features it is suppose to. I was reading through the manual and noticed this. I will have to call the dealer again tomorrow and be inconvienced to take the car back once again.

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  Should have bought a camry - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Neva - December 23 - 4:06 am

  I was torn between buying a mazda 6 or a camry and went with the mazda. I enjoyed driving the car but at 7,320 mi. the car broke down (bad clutch). Yesterday at 33,000 mi. the car broke down again (bad clutch). I am a good driver and never had this problem with my previous cars. I am waiting for the wrecker to pick up the car and will be trading it asap.