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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  Great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ihor - December 21 - 6:00 am

  I dont know why people complaining about MPG, mine gets 25 in average - superb for 3.0L. It was 3 years last months and Im reaching 81K mark soon. Nothing was broken and had to be replaced, no smell from oil change, etc.

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  Like the Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peter Riess - December 20 - 7:06 am

  Really fun to drive. Very roomy cargo area. Gets lots of compliments on its sporty looks. Must burn mid-grade fuel or performance is severely downgraded.

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  Good car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RHB - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had car now for three months. Nice car to drive. Had a manual 1988 626 previously for 23 years and that car, even old, gave much better mileage (27 city, 35 hwy) than this car; probably due to all the added built in features on 6. One cannot choose options as in old days. Performance ok now, cannot judge reliability after 3 months--maybe in 3 years. Appearance is good, trunk nice and big. Could only get black interior with manual and shows dirt quickly; Mazda should provide more interior options with this style. Seats are hard, lumbar feature not as useful for me as my old 626, wrong position. Good car with advanced features but old 626 was much sportier with better gas mileage

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  zoomzoom-enthusiast - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 2 rocha - December 14 - 2:00 am

  as a previous mazda owner i had no choice. own another stylish mazda

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  Mazda 6 after 2 months - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By chrisnolga - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It handles great- big fun on treacherous, windy roads. Also good for commute driving -easy to get around slower traffic and show them your tail lights for a change. Interior styling is best in class and rivals that of cars costing $10K more. Exterior styling is also very good- sporty yet not too extreme.

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  awesome car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By smarte - December 9 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle! A sport wagon that is fun to drive, sporty and thousands less than anything else like it! I love this car! Go drive one and see for yourself! Surprising cargo room.

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  Love My 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DAL - December 8 - 8:40 pm

  This has been a sweet car for me. The only down side to me is the turning radius. Wishing it got 30+ mpg too, but it makes up for it in "fun to drive" area. Id buy another one!

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  Great Job Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jan B. - December 3 - 10:00 am

  In the search for a new car, I was looking for something unique in the automitive world. I found that with my Mazda 6. Its surprisingly powerful for a 4-cylinder. The interior and exterior are both very attractive designs. I really love my new Mazda. It hugs the road, and in the rain I feel safe driving. If you want a car that will turn heads, and accelerate faster than every other 4-cylinder after the red light turns green, get this car.

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  Great value - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Byron Holt - December 2 - 6:16 pm

  I love my car. It has almost all of the options I wanted in a car. I like the appearance of the car far more than the new 09 Mazda 6, even thought it is a bit more powerful. I chose this car over the Camry, Altima, Accord and a few other midsize sedans.

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  Better than our Accord - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By dbinIA - November 30 - 9:50 am

  We just picked up the 09 6 GT to replace a leased Ford; all around, its better/more fun to drive than our 08 Accord. A quieter ride, more surefooted feel, nice build quality, great looks/lighting, etc. Love the Bluetooth and BMS, along with the advanced keyless system. Very satisfied.