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:

• 

  My Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - November 29 - 5:50 am

  Ive only owned my Mazda6 for about a month. Drove from San Diego to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving and sat in traffic and still got excellent gas mileage. Cant wait to put an aftermarket intake and exhaust on it once they start making them for the 06 models. My, my what fun thatll be. Also, I love the fact that I can switch from automatic to auto/manual to get some more power if need be. Thanks Mazda for a well engineered and affordable Sport Sedan.

• 

  My 1st Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 7C4 - November 28 - 2:16 pm

  We have mostly been Honda buyers (4 total). M6 iGT far exceeds Accord, Camry, Altima & Malibu. No contest. Replaced a 96 Audi A4Q. With the exception of the AWD this is as close as you can get to the Audi but with Japanese quality and reliability. I put this Mazda as best-in-class. The 4 cyl. has plenty of power as it goes through the gears and pull nicely in cruise at highway speeds. With just under 500 miles we are averaging 27.8 mpg city/highway. It is so quiet that when stopped at a light, have to check the tach to see if it is running. You must check this car out!

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vcourmier - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Love everything about this car, except the fabric seats. They used poor quality fabric that is frayed already, around the edges, and is extremely hard to get clean. Everything else is great about the car. We love it! Definitely worth a look if you want a sporty, fun, easy to handle car. We get compliments on it everywhere we go.

• 

  Fun, Smooth, and Loud - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By burgh412 - November 27 - 7:34 pm

  Ill cut right to the chase. This is arguably the best-looking car on the road right now, at least with the red paint job. The car feels extremely planted on the highway, and the g-force generated by turning is strangely addictive. Power steering is light for day-to-day driving, but tightens up a bit when you push it. You feel every bump on the road, but I like that, as it makes you feel connected to the road, and there is certainly no chassis wiggle after hitting bumps. Definitely wind noise above 45mph or so, and I have noticed the back window creaking for the first 10-15 minutes of driving on a very cold day. Headlights could be stronger, but are adequate, and base sound system is great.

• 

  Awesome style/comfort,/4Cyl Acceleration - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cec32372 - November 22 - 8:26 am

  What a car! Style-wise, Mazda hit a grand-slam: roomy 4-door practicality with unique sporty 2-door styling & so many features per $! Really nice 17" alloys. Stock audio system pretty good. Keyless start system rocks! Awesome dash layout & display at night. Super- smooth & quiet ride. Comfy seats. Perfect steering feel. Glides over curvy roads & corners with grace. SO fun-to-drive! Doors yield loud THUNK when shut! Greatest surprise: Even with 5spd auto trans, the 170hp 2.5 4cyl engine routinely leaves other cars in my rearview mirror from full stops with little effort. Even outperforms the 170hp v6 in my 98 626LX despite being much larger car. Generates refined, throaty growl. Superb!!!

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By bullrunlover - November 20 - 11:35 pm

  As this being my first vehicle, it was a good choice, especially with TCS (Traction Control System), Ive had it for almost a whole year and mine has 68,500 miles. The only problem Ive had with it was the A/C, which doesnt blow very well, and a terrible creaking noise coming from the engine area when I rev it or turn on the A/C. The brakes are amazing, they have to go through pretty bad situations in my area due to bad drivers. The build quality of the interior is pretty bad, the fuse door and some of the unnecessary bits and pieces have came off and Ive had to put them back on while driving, which can be dangerous. But overall, this car has been one that Id keep until its inherited.

• 

  A Great Five Months - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hippyhart - November 20 - 8:06 am

  I bought this car in September 2004, and after five months, I still smile when I see it. As my first new car, I was pleased with the price, options, and Mazdas warranty. Other reviews Ive read mention tight seating in the back, but Ive yet to hear a complaint. Coming from a hatchback, one of my top priorities was ample trunk space -- the Mazda 6 trunk is huge! The exterior styling is beautiful -- I think its the best looking car in its class.

• 

  Fantastic Performance, but... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart - November 16 - 8:50 am

  ...only fun for short hops. Im 65", and I found out within a few days that the hard plastic of the center console really irritates my lower right leg on trips longer than an hour. The test drive didnt reveal that because I was having to much fun zoom-zooming, which the car does very nicely. Acceleration, handling, braking are all top-notch, and the 6-speed AT is like butter, except when you kick it down around 30 MPH -- downshifts too abruptly. Interior build quality is kind of low-brow, with cheap plastic in abundance, and the cloth seating is already showing wear after only five months. Would not buy again, now that Ive lived with it, mainly because of driving position.

• 

  2009 Mazda MAZDA6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By denny - November 15 - 3:33 pm

  Bought the car about 2 weeks ago, and love it. The day after buying it went on a 2k mile trip. The looks are amazing and the power is awesome. Can you say 272 hp and 268 torque?

• 

  New Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Carl A. Carlson - November 14 - 6:20 pm

  We have just purchased this car and have driven it about 1500 mile, including a trip of 1100 miles and have loved every minute of it. So far it has performed to perfection. It has more bells and whistles than I knew existed but they all work and are quite useful. Would recommend this car to anyone and the dealer C & S Car Co. in Waterloo, Iowa. It far surpasses the 02 Altima we traded on it.