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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  Win Some, Lose Some - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By suzieraesmom - January 8 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Mazda in 2003 when it first came out. I loved the feel, the sleek look, and the "zoom zoom" sound when I accelerated. Its now 6 years later, and I have enjoyed the car but will not buy another Mazda. There have been many recalls, and I went through the cooling/heating problems (i.e. fan kept running when engine was turned off, heater quit working once, etc.) I have never been satisfied with the heating/cooling. There is a huge kickback when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Throttle went out, oil pan replaced, new radiator, new water pump--you name it. I had a repair for $1,000 in January 2009.

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  No regrets - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob W. - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  After looking at many makes and models, we settled on the Mazda. The 300,000 + miles we got on our 1990,323 had some influence. So far, we have been pleased; no surprises. Controls, gauges, and comfort features were well thought out, and fit like a glove. Adequate power, but still good gas mileage. Seats four very comfortably. Glad we chose a model with steel wheels; not the custom wheels with thinner tires. If satellite radio not fully installed (only the control on dash installed) you might want to ask what it will cost to install the radio later. We didnt. Keep in mind this is a low profile car - watch speed bumps and high curbs. Overall, we have no regrets so far. Great car.

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  zoom zoom Mazda 6 zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By zum zum zum - January 6 - 11:06 pm

  One of the best cars Ive ever owned so far, think I might buy a second one so we can have twins in the driveway.

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  This is one great car. Better than expected. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By s100y - January 5 - 12:17 pm

  This is the best car buying decision I think I made. Stunning looks, solid build quality, good visibility, excellent handling and road feel, best steering feel I ever experienced. Have put on about 800 miles, getting 30 mpg (70% city). The ride and road feel is getting better every day as it is breaking in. Power and acceleration is quite good for 4 cyl, better than the Altima/Camry/Outback/Malibu I test drove. Hill start assist is a useful feature. I did not notice any significant road noise as some have mentioned. Gear shift is well tuned for optimum acceleration and fuel efficiency. Touch screen size is good enough, intutive and works well, no problem pairing BT phone.

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  Exceptional auto - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dario - January 1 - 5:46 pm

  I am most pleased with this car. This is the 4th Mazda product I have owned and they have only gotten better. I actually had a PR5 for two years until the 6 wagon became available. It never fails to get compliments from men and women and Ive been stopped many times to answer questions. The car is very fun to drive and although I opted for the automatic Tiptronic, I find I use the manual mode often. Comfortable, practical, attractive, and quick, makes this a sports car in wagons clothing. I highly recommend it.

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  Very good value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Happy _overall - December 31 - 12:50 am

  I bought the 4-cyl, 5-speed Value Edition after driving a 4-cyl Altima for 7 years. The value is unbeatable, it looks great, excellent handling, good gas mileage. The interior is good, with a number of features I did not expect at this price. Front seats are very supportive. The ride is stiff but not harsh. The engine is not as responsive as Altimas, and does not feel as strong. Another complaint is somewhat short gearing, the engine is close to 3k revs at 60 mph; it gets buzzy at higher speeds and MPG suffers. The stereo sounds great, but there is occasional static on FM stations; this did not happen in any other car.

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  Owned it for 5 years now - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By B Davis - December 29 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car new almost 5 years ago. Just turned 70000 miles. 4 cylinder 4 speed automatic. Have had no major problems. Transmission shifts a tad hard from 1st to 2nd when cold, but dealer found nothing wrong. Just learned to baby it for the first 1/4 mile. I find I use the manual shift mostly, especially on back roads when I want to keep it in 3rd gear, and not let it go to 4th gear. Overall very pleased.

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  My 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Happy 6 Owner - December 27 - 1:16 pm

  Since Ive only had my 6 two months, I cant say how well it will last or whether or not itll break down at the least opportune moment. I can say, however, that its been a blast to drive it. The handling is very nice, and the color is fantastic (I have blazing copper metallic - very cool). I love the leather seats, and my parents love the "wall of airbags" and steering wheel mounted controls. One negative thing Ive noticed is that it takes awhile for it to really accelerate (I think that its due to the automatic transmission - it has to be pushing the gears to the edge before it shifts). Everything else about the car I love - it is my first car, after all.

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  Expected a little more from the Zoom Zoom people - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By galesburgcoins - December 26 - 11:45 pm

  First new car I have ever owned...had 3 years now. I picked this car because everything else looked alike. A+ on that, I think its sexy hot and unique. My biggest complaints are that it doesnt have a lot of power (same engine as Mazda3 I believe - probably rocks in that model) and the gas mileage is horrible for a 4 cylinder. It gets like 20 mpg AND has a lack of power...hmmm. I always find lots of minor annoyances in a cars interior design and the 6 is no different. One think I really hate is that if you open the rear windows and not the front windows at 30 mph+ (for my dog) it totally pops your ears with negative air pressure...never seen anything like it! It actually hurts!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lee - December 24 - 5:00 pm

  For the money (and even for cars that are more expensive), this car is phenomenal. GREAT sound system, very fast, comfortable, sleek features, many options that you cannot get with other non-luxury cars. Cant beat the performance, style, and overall quality for under $30,000. I used to have a Mercedes coup before the kids came along and this even beats that