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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  All the U, much more S than SUVs - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By fredjanke - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up one of the first Mazda 6 Wagons available last week. About 800 miles into it, I am very pleased with my purchase. I understand the value of cargo room, but dont want to drive some boat that doesnt corner and gets crappy milage. Enter the 6 Wagon, with most of the cargo capacity of smaller SUVs, but with the ability to corner and accelerate without mpg numbers starting with a 1. The engine is a bit less torquey than I expected, but spin it past 3 grand and it gets fun in a hurry. The handling is stellar, as is the interior. Its a heck of a lot of sport, cargo room, features, etc. for the $. And I can still drive a manual!

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  The anti-SUV - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hyper-dog - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2dr extended cab Tacoma for Sport Wagon with 5 speed manual. Needed more interior room, but did not want gas guzzling, top heavy SUV or full size crew cab truck. This car is great! More fun to drive than my last sedan (98 VW Passat 1.8t/5spM), which had excellent driving dynamics too. The Mazda corners flatter and has better feel in the steering than the VW. Id like a slightly shorter throw on the shifter, but the feel is good. Dont look in the mirror and youd think your driving a sports coupe. Has as much cargo room as most of the 5 passenger SUVs but its a lot more fun to drive and gets better fuel economy.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian Maher - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, peppy, nice styling, Zoom Zoom!!!

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  Unbelievable Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Law128 - August 15 - 7:13 am

  I got a grand touring hatchback with the 6 speed auto and this car is simply amazing for the price; there is no other car in its class that can touch its options for this little money. Tons of storage space, AC outlets everywhere, comfortable heated seats, 6 cylinder can really go, auto climate control, high intensity discharge headlamps, awesome gauges. plus the 18 inch wheels look killer! And the hatch can swallow anything you throw into it. Amazing car for the price.

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  fun in my Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By soleil - August 13 - 9:20 am

  What a joy to drive. My husband bought me the car last year because of its sporty look with the hatch, the fact that it was a 4 door and came available in a 5 speed, and its overall safety rating. We got the blazing copper metallic and weve tinted the windows and put on Mazdaspeed wheels to make it look even sportier. For 20 years I drove Nissan 280z-300zxs and this car feels just like that but in a more practical size. What fun and a pleasure to drive; I have to keep an eye on my speed because I get to cruising real fast and dont even feel it. Great pick up, great handling; fantastic sound system and awesome look all make for a real enjoyable ride.

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  m6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By khollo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  mazda6-i version with the 5 speed manual transmission makes driving more fun. generous trunk room, ample front leg room,height adjustable drivers seat,cup holders,bottle holders in front doors,6 speaker sound system, plus very good gas mileage (we got 26 mpg on our first tank with mostly in town driving).a quick and responsive handling system that tames curves, zoom-zoom

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  I love mine! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robby - August 3 - 9:40 pm

  I just bought my wife a Mazda 6 and we love it! It is so much fun to drive. I am really considering trading my GMC Truck in on one, simply for the gas mileage, and the sport shifter! I highly recommend this car for any middle income families on the market for a new car. It is roomy, comfortable, awesome to drive, looks great, and is priced right for new, middle income families. I love mine!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomdln - July 28 - 12:36 am

  I have always owned Hondas, but this car blows away my 2003 Honda Accord. The Mazda has better style, performance, and standard features.

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  Simply an incredible car - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By suvsbob - July 20 - 8:41 pm

  Since January, Ive done a lot research for my next new car. Ive shifted my chosen car a few times, but finally locked down to Mazda6. To me, I want a car with character and fun to drive factor. Its pretty easy decision for me to cross out Accord, Camry, or any other popular but souless car. I read every review/test drive out there on 2014 Mazda6. I got excited with all the positive tones. I bought the car last week. God, what an incredible car.

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  The more I drive it, the less I like it - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeH - July 18 - 12:33 am

  There are way too many problems popping up with my Mazda6. So much so I am trading it in on something else. Headlight lenses that collect condensate. A/C that causes condensation on the dashboard. The car is 6 months old and its got problems that shouldnt be occurring in an auto.