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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  Im lovin it.... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By mark - July 6 - 4:56 pm

  From the date of purchase I loved this car and the way it handles, it thrills me whenever I drive this car on the highway to find out how fast it can accelerate with little effort.

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  Just not that into you - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark - July 6 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car around a year ago. Before buying the car I did read a lot of reviews. Three things stick out in the Mazda 6 I have found to be true. 1) the road noise is very obvious 2) the car seats are not comfortable 3) the interior is nice, but is made of much lower quality than Toyota or Honda. I have had a lot of trouble with the rims. The low profile style, creates the perfect storm for bending or cracking a rim. Which I have already done twice. If I could do it all over again I would not buy Mazda at all. Instead (unfortunately) I would go with a Nissan, Honda or Toyota.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lynn K - July 5 - 9:53 am

  I bought the Mazda 6 after quickly falling out of love with my 2009 Hyundai Tucson. I owned the Tucson for only 9 months (that was long enough). I loved the styling of the Mazda 6 inside and out. I like my model (the Touring Plus) because it has the blind side monitoring and the underside of the door handles light up when you unlock the car at night. The interior is solid and designed nicely. The exterior is sleek and good looking. My only complaint would be the acceleration being somewhat sluggish when starting from a stopped position. If I had to do all over again, I would absolutely buy this car again. I highly recommend it.

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  Two weeks in a Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By olddriver1933 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Rented a Mazda 6 for two weeks and traveled mountains and plains in Montana, Yellowstone and Idaho.The automatic with manual shift option came in handy in the mountains. As a four cylinder it strained a bit on steeper inclines, but otherwise buzzed along at 80 mph with ease on Interstates and 75 on ordinary roads. But the car is quiet and quick and well worth considering although less refined than my Accord.

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  MAZDA6 i hatch - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By natural - July 3 - 10:53 pm

  Lots of features in an attractive package. Reliability unfortunately has declined just as Consumer Reports has indicated in the 6. Throttle problems and now a malfunction in the Bose stereo. A few rattles as well. My previous 90 MX-6 GT was a better car, actually the best car I ever owned. May trade it for a Toyota. I bought it due to the safety ratings.

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  Should have gone with a Honda! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By wjw9075 - June 30 - 2:10 pm

  I bought the Mazda6 as a replacement for a Mazda3. The mazda6 was my first brand new car. I love how it drives, and handles! Zoom Zoom... but at 11,500 miles I had the transmission replaced. At 13,000 I am having the transmission fixed, and the front suspension fixed. Sound strange to you? I live in a big city, no backwoods dirt roads, just city pavement. I am so upside down in this car, that I could never get out of it at this rate. I am about to bite the bullet and trade it in anyway, for a Honda. I hope no one else is having these problems.

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  Cant Beat a Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaFan - June 30 - 3:33 am

  Holds up to the roughest of treatments and keeps on going. I drive in incredibly difficult traffic situations when timing and skill are important. Hit the gas and it goes. Stops on a dime in all kinds of weather. Repair costs are minimal and the dealerships are impeccable. Cars are a necessary evil for me. Mazda is low cost and low maintenance kicks but when you hit the gas. Ive owned the Mazda Protege orginally and now the Mazda6 have never been disappointed. The Protege went 178,000 miles before I sold it and I expect this one to go as far! BTW, the only major repair on the Protege in 178k mi was the exhaust pipe. Wahoo!

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  Game Over - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By fenstersponge - June 28 - 3:11 pm

  Already put over 1000 miles on my new Mazda6 GT. I agree with an earlier post stating that this car is easily best in class. I drove everything multiple times and read tons of reviews. Drove Passat (gas and diesel), Accord, Fusion, Altima. It was down to the Passat and the Altima. The Passat was roomy and solid, the Altima had all the bells and whistles. Then I drove the Mazda. Game over. This car looks terrific both inside and out. Very classy interior. Lots of soft touch materials. Switchgear feels expensive. Take my advice and spring for the GT. The leather seats are AMAZING. I got the almond leather. Does not heat up in the July heat.

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  Mazda 6 - Fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lou - June 26 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had a Mazda6 for a little more than a year. Ive been pleased to say the least. I have the Bose sound system, the spoiler, the sun roof and all the extras and its the Sonic Blue colored vehicle. The car has the pick up and go youd expect from a sports car and had the comfort and reliability youd come to expect from any automobile. The car is quiet, drives well, has great pickup and a sleek look. Definitely a fun car to drive no matter how far your going!

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  Good car overall - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JustBoughtMazda - June 24 - 6:13 pm

  Bought a Mazda6 iTouring with Convenience package, includes Bluetooth, leather trimmed seats, power driver seat, Blind Spot Monitoring system, Dual climate control, steering mounted audio controls, HID headlights, tire pressure monitor, Information display which shows MPG, temperature, time, miles remaining, etc. Inspection not due for another 4 years. Build quality of the car is great. Instrumentation panel is sleek. Definitely has sporty appearance. Cant comment too much on the ride right now b/c I bought it today. Driver seat is not the most comfortable, but it might take some getting used to. I will post again after I have put some mileage on the car.