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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  Our fifth Mazda! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By anitajoe - April 3 - 9:26 am

  I agree with everyones comments on the new Mazda 6. Were already a "Mazda family" but this one is the best weve ever had. The ride is superb, and the electronics are awesome..especially the push-button start and the blind spot monitoring system. Were getting 27-29 MPG with the 2.5 4 and I know it will improve with age. If youre considering another vehicle, drive the Mazda 6. Youll end up buying it, just like I did!

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  Zoom Zoom with room - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By midnightmike - April 1 - 12:53 pm

  I had previously owned a Chevy Avalanche for my dj business. Even though I loved my truck, I felt it was time to downsize. I saw the Mazda wagon at the Chicago Auto Show. My wife and I liked the car very much. The next day, we bought one. She had a 2001 Protege so I knew about Mazdas reliability. This car handles all of my equipment without a problem. This car can really move and handle like a race car. I just love driving it. The color is Steel Gun Grey and it is fully loaded. Everyone I run into thinks its a Dodge Magnum. The Dodge is too expensive and really isnt that much roomier than the 6. You really cannot beat the price of the 6 and everything you get for the money.

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  Mazda 6 ROCKS! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - March 26 - 5:33 pm

  This was the first brand new car I or anyone in my family has ever owned and overall I have been extremely pleased with it. Good gas mileage, stunning looks, great safety features, and something a little different than what all the Toyota and Honda owners are driving that just blend in with the crowd, what more could you ask for.

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  The Non Mainstream Sedan - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By leo_miami - March 26 - 1:45 pm

  This is a beautiful affordable sedan. It has character and the ride quality is not bad even with the 19" wheels. It looks and feels upscale inside a out. I got it with the Sunroof and Bose package which is a must for this car. The Stereo sounds amazing. The car feels safe and stable.

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  Finally a GOOD car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By rbw - March 24 - 3:36 pm

  The car is excellent. The only complaint would be the low end acceleration with the 5 speed transmission. The top end is best. MPG is better than expected; highway/city combined driving averages 22-26. Now if Ford would follow its sister car maker! Or take notes.

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  Old mans last fling??? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda family. - March 23 - 1:20 pm

  Pure sports car in a compact(?)model. Corners on a dime and leaves change. Only problem Ive had is a non-working trunk light. Good size fuel tank but the mileage could be better. Brakes are impressive with little nose dive. Only slight torque steer on heavy throttle. Reminds me of the old muscle cars but with the handling of a sports model.

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  This car compelled me to write a review - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By cyberathlete - March 17 - 5:15 pm

  I hardly write reviews. Of all the opinions I have for everything I buy (good or bad), I never voice them. This car changed that. Tested many cars in this range new and used: VW CC, 2013 Accord, Camry, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 I chose this because of the combination of looks, performance, comfort, economy and tech features that it offers. My friends were extremely skeptical about this Mazda 6. No one I know owns a Mazda (family or friends). Theyd never seen the 2014 model but when I let them all take it for a test drive all their concerns and premature snarky remarks were laid to rest. They all commented on how amazing it looks (inside and out) and how smooth/quick the drive was.

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  Good looking car but bad quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By bad qulity - March 17 - 11:56 am

  Its a great looking car, but a lot of repairs. For the last 2 years Ive been around 30 times to dealerships, I changed the transmission twice, trunk shocks 4 times, battery, changed tires twice and so on. Now have problem with the engine and my warranty just expired. I am not recommending to buy this car - a lot of trouble. I am so tired to go every time to the dealership and wait for my car to be fixed, sometimes its more then a week I have to wait, its time consuming and a big headache. The car is shaking when you start this car. Slow switching from gears. Does not accelerate fast enough.

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  Good, but not that good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeremy - March 15 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased my Mazda in Jan of 2005 new. I was a great price and I could not resist it. However, the had problems within the first year of owning the it. I had to replace the tires after 20K of driving. In year 2 I had to replace the breaks. I also noticed that I was getting less than 300 miles to the tank, which was pretty sad considering I drive mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Now, I am by no means an aggressive driver these types of issues should not happen in such a short amount of time. In year 3 my battery died,but what got me was that I had to replace the shock. I traded this one in for a Honda, but I think I got a lemon on this one.

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  Three months in - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jmick1 - March 11 - 2:26 am

  Have a 2004 6i auto with 120K, and replaced a 2012 Golf 2.5 with the 2014 6. Very happy so far. No issues. Lots of good cars out there, so small things make big differences to us, like the shielded trunk hinges, covered cup holders in the console, and steering wheel controls. Controls are well designed and easy to use. Interior storage could be better: compared to the 04 6i, the dash pop up is gone, the door storage holds less, and the console loses the dual level storage. For us, the garage door opener sits in the dash cubbie, the book on CD goes in the passenger door cubbie, and the charging phone sits in the top of the console cubbie. That doesnt work in the 2014.