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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  Safety Problem- Check! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By melindaw1 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a major safety defect and Id encourage everyone to check for this: No ignition lock system. I can leave the car in drive and remove the key. Mine rolled due to this and nearly took off the back driver-side door. Mazda manufacturing says they wont pay for the damages because its not a "known defect." Anyway- check for this, as its a VERY dangerous defect. Were all used to an ignition lock system that forces you to put the car in park before removing the key. My son could have been seriously injured.

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  THE 6 REALLY ROCKS - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JESUS TREVINO - July 27 - 10:00 am

  THE MAZDA 6S HANDLES VERY WELL. EVEN THOUGHT THE TORQUE IS LOW END IT STILL GETS UP AND MAKES DRIVING IT EXTREMELY FUN. THE LOOK AND THE INTERIOR DESIGN DEFINITELY GORGEOUS. THERE ISNT A BETTER CAR FOR UNDER 25000. IN MY OPINION.

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  Very good car with some flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - July 27 - 1:46 am

  Quick for an automatic, but the automatic makes the car a lot less fun. Beware of the bumpy and harsh ride, probably due to low profile tires. If you are 22, maybe it wont matter to you, but Im 42 and find it annoyingly harsh. I bought the 5 door S model with 6 speed auto stick. Its my first automatic in 20 years, so maybe thats why I find it lacking. The car seems solid, and handles great. I wish that I could have gotten the 5 door without the sport package. I also hate the orange gauges (maybe the age thing again). Even with Bose package, the stereo sounds tinny at lower volume even compared to my 98 Maxima SE. Heater never seems to blow hot air even when set at 75.

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  Mazda 6s 5M - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - July 25 - 9:53 am

  Only had this car for 1200 miles ... so far I love it! It could use another 50 HP ... but it moves fast enough to get me tickets. Plenty of leg room for me (60") ... comfortable seats. Overall, just a great car IMO.

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  eat that honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bpbrand84 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Im am a high school student who showed up a few months before graduation with a brand new mazda 6. What a mistake that was, I had to beat the people away from my car with a stick. This car was built for perfection and comes very closer and much closer than its competiors. I drove the Altima, Accord, and the Camry. The Altima was the only one from the bunch that was not as boring as the rest but it still also lacked something sportiness. Then came the Mazda 6 which hit on everything the other cars were doing and then kicked it up a not.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By willie makeit - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my fun to drive, eye appealing Mazda6 in early 2003,but Im very upset and disappointed with the mechanical build quality of my Mazda6. Ive owned this yellow "lemon" for 1 year and its been at the dealer several times. Let me enlighten everyone with a little history. Ive taken the lemon to the dealer on three diffrent occassions for coolant leaks (repairs made to diffrent areas in the cooling system), knock sensor (replaced) and not to mention the factory recalls within this past year.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr_mastick - July 11 - 5:23 am

  I purchased my Mazda6 two years ago with just under 60,000 miles on it. I now have 98,000 on the odometer and (knocking on wood) have not had a single issue with the vehicle. Not one. I leased a brand new 328i prior to owning this vehicle and had more problems under 15,000 miles. All in all, for what it is, it has been great. Manual transmission makes up for the lack of oomph provided by the I-4. Interior is comfortable, and well laid out. Steering feel is great. While not a sport sedan, I sure as he!! drive it like one and given the horrible 700 tread wear rated tires, the limit is not far off so it is great fun, really. I am actually surprised by all the negative ratings.

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  sport without the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By harleydclassic - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle two days ago. I have only put 80 miles on it. I took it to Snowbird (ski resort) yesterday and it was a blast. This car was priced below what I was loking at (2001 lexus is-300). The car was brand new with all options and had all of the features of the is plus more. From the driving I have done and what I have seen this car is one of the best deals for the price around. I dont know where else I could get a brand new four door sports car with leather, moonroof, 6 speaker bose stereo, 6 disc changer, 3.0 litre V6, 17 inch wheels and many others for 22,000! Oh yea....it also has another small feature...4 year 50,000 mile warranty.

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  Very impressive car even with its quirks - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By flounda - July 8 - 8:52 am

  Although my search didnt start with the Mazda6, it ended there. Very impressive vehicle especially at this price point. Loaded with features, drives VERY well, comfortable and especially in Soul Red, very good looking. I am a previous Mazda owner so I felt right in home in this car. The driving position and touch points make it feel like you are driving something other than a mid-priced sedan with a mere 4 cylinder engine.

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  Lexus?? - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Cookie - July 6 - 6:13 pm

  I totaled out my 07 Mazda CX-7 and fell in love with the 2009 6 after test driving one. I purchased an i touring and have no regrets with the 4 cyl. The styling of this car is amazing. The car has been mistaken for a Lexus three times. This is the best car I have ever driven. There is tons of room for the family and you never feel like you sacrificed style or performance. If you are looking for a great performing, look at me style vehicle for a great price, this is the car for you. Great job Mazda!!!