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:

• 

  Sporty meets Practicality - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By StarCrab - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The only thing that surpassed the exterior design was the handling and feel for the road while driving. You can literally be merging the freeway on a very curved onramp and floor it, and it grips the turn flawlessly. The center console is by far the coolest feature of the car. The automatic climate control is a little buggy; it always turns on the AC even to raise the temperature, and therefore is unsuccessful. The rpms really have to be 4,000+ in order to get the feeling like youre being thrown out of your seat, but it can be done. I should add that the car rides very well there and is perfectly happy being at 4,000 the entire trip.

• 

  great fun for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ron wichern - March 8 - 2:00 am

  great handling,good performance,good price,needs6th gear as 3300 rpm high at 75mph.only bad point is brake dust all over wheels every 400 miles.Gas milage not as good as previously owned Chysler Concorde3.3 on the highway.Great fun to drive quotion makes up for it though.

• 

  Not as good as I first thought - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Not happy - March 7 - 1:30 am

  Have had the car for over a month now. Pros: Excellent build quality, stylish interior and exterior, many cool features (Bluetooth, Blind spot monitoring, auxiliary jack, Info display, etc), smooth even at high speeds, fun to drive. Con: Biggest problem: Most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. If I drive longer than 20 minutes or so, my back and legs start hurting. I have tried every setting possible, without success. If comfort is important to you, stay away from the 6 (maybe GT model is better).

• 

  The perfect car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ivan Cruz - March 4 - 9:03 pm

  This is an awesome car. It is fast, handles well, and has way more features than Accord. Its the best all around car in its class. Plenty of interior space to fit myself, my wife, and 3 kids (two still in carseats).

• 

  Unbeatable - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sliver93 - March 3 - 7:36 am

  I drove 16 different cars in my quest for my next car. I came down to the 09 G35x, 09 Maxima and the Mazda6. The "fun to drive" factor really pushed the Mazda to the top of the list. The dated transmission on the m35 made it feel like a grandpa car, and the Maxima engine didnt feel as punchy as my old ones. I have always driven Nissans because I love to drive. Now I love my 6!

• 

  Love it - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Steve & Renea - March 1 - 7:36 pm

  We replaced a 2000 Honda Accord with the 2007 Mazda 6s grand touring. So far the car has been great. We love the style and comfort.The performance is decent but the Accords and Camrys have more horsepower. We have 9100 miles and the car hasnt had any problems. The only real complaint we have is the Pirelli 18" tires that came on the grand touring are noisy, but this is expected for performance tires.

• 

  How Do I hate thee? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By TCooke - February 28 - 10:00 pm

  Hate this car. With less than 3K on it the left front strut busted & now with 22k I am about to take it in for same strut #4! Dealer insists no issue causing this to happen, whatever! Have had oil pan seal replaced, rear interior lites repaired, exhaust mounts had to be lubed & needs again - rattling/squeak, steering shaft had to be lubed, squeaky seat fixed by removing a clip, passenger front window motor replaced. Most repairs before 15k! Not to mention that its 150 miles round trip to dealer, eating up time & warranty miles! Car has not held value at all, Im way upside down but I will trade before warranty is out, cant afford repeated repairs out of warranty. turning radius is terrible

• 

  nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dave - February 26 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this car (2004 S sedan) as a demo, Got it for my wife. great car. have driven it 66,000 miles and have had 0 problems.It needed a new driver seat, but they replaced it under warranty. It still has the factory brakes on it. The interior is a little cramped for bigger folks.

• 

  Mazda 6-cess! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By randy - February 25 - 12:13 pm

  I got my car to replace my totaled mazda b-2500. the only complaints i have is the notchy gearbox and various rattles but thats it. my mazda is rock bottom of the 04 mazda6 lineup- no moon roof, automatic trans, leather, multi disk player etc. but the interior design is very good and roomy. cars good for aggressive driving and sounds the part too. some say it doesnt get enough horse power and mileage but mine with a aftermarket intake has 30-40 extra hp and 2-3 more mpg, so dont change the car change the intake.

• 

  My Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By carlos delacruz - February 21 - 8:20 pm

  I am completly satisfied with my Mazda 6. The wehicle is a very fun car to drive and I would recommend that everyone that id looking for a fun and exciting car to purchase, buy a Mazda 6.