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 Junk 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lisas 6 - September 27 - 12:10 am

  Well, my problems began at around 900 miles. First it was the brakes. Ended up they had to be replaced at 7000 miles. Next the paint began coming off of the black strips running up the doors. Then, my transmission was leaking. Next, the back passenger speaker works only when volume is turned way up. I tried numerous times to get these problems worked out where I purchased, they never could "duplicate the problem." Finally went to another dealership. Some problems have been fixed and some havent. Brakes are making a popping noise, car is surging, interior lights flicker, and car has been at dealer since Feb. 27. Theres always a problem. I have contacted a lemon lawyer and they took my case.

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  My Mazda experience. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By My Mazda6 - September 25 - 5:00 pm

  Fun to drive, love the way it looks. But.... all of the rotors were warped at 11,000 miles. Dealer turned them but now it squeals when the brakes are applied. (No, I dont beat on it!) Not happy with the auto climate control in the summer. You have to put it on 78 or else the fan runs on high speed all of the time! The automatic transmission sometimes seems to clunk into gear. Not always, so it wont be easy to find out why, as Im sure it wouldnt do it when its in for service. Transmission also has a gear whine. Great dealer experience.

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  Solid fun - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By drive56 - September 18 - 10:57 pm

  I have driven 3000 miles. Best highway mpg was 41! In slow big city traffic 27. This is a tight responsive, beautiful car. Good solid power, great handling, wonderful seats and a joy to drive. The manual is precise and engaging. The stereo is a little weak. The Sport is a real bargain. Way better mpg and improved handling over manual 2010 Accord coupe it replaced. I am very happy with this car and I like that I dont see them on every block. I got asked if it was a Tesla!

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  mazda hits a home run - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Larry - September 18 - 7:46 pm

  I did most of my research online and only test drove a Mazda 3 then a Mazda 6. I love Subarus also but wanted better mileage than all wheel drive delivers. With the incentives Mazda has right now and being a current Mazda Tribute owner I really couldnt resist getting a cool looking family sedan that gets good mileage and is very comfortable. The standard features on this model are great. I just have it one week and my first highway drive yielded over 32mpg. Seats are very comfortable and basic radio is fine if you adjust the bass down and treble up. (you can always throw two extra speakers below rear window, there are holes for it). The 4 cyl seems more than capable for most situations.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By AL Baljeu - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I looked at 12 diferent cars in the family sedan category and finally settled on the Mazda 6 with a 6 cylinder and the GFX package. Im glad I took the time to test drive all those cars because in the end I believe I got the best looking car and best value in a family sedan . Love the Bose sound system. The car handles like a sports car,with precise steering ,nice qwiet ride, loads of trunk space.Thanks Ford and Mazda.

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  Full circle - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2010 i touring Mazda 6 in Jan. 2010 and put 12,500 miles on it. Traded it in Oct. 2010 for another 2010 Mazda 6. Same color, same engine 2.5 4 cyl auto only difference was that I moved up to i touring plus and with added leather seating. Hows that for a 12,000 test drive. Love the car. You think.

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  Great car! Fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By xdatou - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I looked around all brand cars of same class before I found the Mazda 6 is the best of all. I already drove more than 3K miles in three weeks, so many funs and never have a problem. This is my first new car. I love it.

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  Lot of road noise - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - August 29 - 7:30 am

  There certainly is a lot of road noise. I even took my 06 in for a front-end alignment and tire rebalancing at less than 3000 miles. Unfortunately, it was to no avail. Perhaps the factory 18" Bridgestone tires are the cause. I dont know.

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  2004 Mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toubas - August 28 - 11:00 pm

  The Mazda6 is fun to drive. You may lose some tires because of the low clearance in some poorly maintained New York streets. The car does not like severe rain downpours either. I lost a fan blade that hit the radiator and pierced it during a rainstorm. The Mazda dealer said it was an "act of God." and the warrantee was not honored. I wrote mazda at no avail. Good car, poor service and a company that is not consumer oriented. I would not recommend it. A calm, careful driver.

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  Love my Mazda6! - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By joner800 - August 21 - 12:28 pm

  this is the third mazda i have owned (96 protege, 03 6s) and i have loved all three of them. the new 6 adds some beef under the hood, and some very nifty tech features. the car is truly fun to drive and beats any comp in the class handily. i previously didnt think much of the new 6 as i have always been a fan of the older body style. but when i got in and drove it, i fell in love! before i bought my 6, i looked at the g35, a4, c280, and some others, but you just cant beat the value in a mazda. i got more room, more features, more/same warranty; basically, a brand new luxury/sports car for the price of a used luxury car. mazda loyalty programs added to the bottom line, also.