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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  Joy to Drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Love to Drive - October 18 - 1:53 pm

  Drives like a race car. Hugs corners at whatever speed. Very stable at high speeds.

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  Most fun ever for $19,000!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Redlinez - October 17 - 10:50 pm

  Well, this is like our 50th car so you wouldnt think Id be very excited, wrong!!!! I just found out about the 4000 rebate Thursday evening and bought one of only 2 remaining V6 5 speed wagons. We absolutely love it!! Its pebble ash metallic with beige leather. Weve never been much on gold colors but this color is really cool. No other car comes close until you spend around 30k which we dont have. Too early to rate reliability but with free loaners, I dont really care. This car is full of a lot of little neat things to discover. Lots of tie downs, especially love the rear fold down seat handles in the cargo area.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By yesterdayscruz - October 13 - 5:33 am

  I traded in my 02 Altima for the sport wagon. They gave me a great price on the trade. My sport wagon has all the toys. What a great car to drive for the money. The build quality is excellent, handling is above a 10. The car is quiet and road noise is minimal. The Bose sound system is great. 200 power amp is more than enough for this old hot rodder of 58. I will not spend more that 30 grand for a car. I’m not into status, so I don’t need a BMW or a Benz. This wagon has it all. He is a bad boy and will be with me for many years to come go buy the car. You won’t be sorry.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zak - October 12 - 9:40 pm

  Ive been a car man for decades. I love european and asian cars. However, There are some american cars that get my attention. I dont know how much Ford was involved with this car, but Ill say this. Look out Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. This car is quiet, smooth, feels solid, and well made. Did I mention a blast to drive? Ive always loved hondas and respected Toyotas. But these products by mazda is getting my attention. I have had some minor warrenty work after 20,000 miles. A damaged or defective exhaust shield. A bad sensor and a bad battery. Really little stuff. Things that can go wrong on the most high end vehicles. Not concerned. Plus, Im very abusive to cars, I drive hard!

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  Best Value in its class! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By R Bailey - October 5 - 4:33 am

  After looking at competitive and more upscale midsize sedans for my daily commuter car (Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 3, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord), I decided on the Mazda6 Sport with the V6 as the best value of the bunch. Fully loaded, with rebates of $2,000, it was $3,000 less than its nearest competitor (the YAWN Camry), and everything else was up to $15,000 more. The Mazda6 has a smooth drivetrain, deep content when optioned out, and is flat out fun to drive that leaves a smile on my face, and $400/month in my pocket compared to the similar BMW. (Yes, it feels exactly like a BMW3 to me, maybe not as fast, but we drive on city streets here 95% of the time, so look at the value equation).

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  Great CAR - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Holly - October 3 - 2:56 pm

  Great car. Drives very good. Handles nice and has good pick up. Seats are very nice and the red backlight is very nice. Over all great car.

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  One Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By tim - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is our first Mazda and it wont be our last. This car is great. Fit, finish, and quality are all exemplary. Though only a 4 cylinder it has ample power for merging and round town driving. Ease of maneuvering make this car fun to drive on the highway or in a parking lot. Very quiet interior and first rate materials abound. Hatchback model looks better than the sedan! Price versus features can not be beat by anyone and all the standard safety features make this a great family car.

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  Mazda 6 :) - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karla - September 26 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Mazda6, for the most part. The interior has a lot of rattles that they couldnt resolve. The cooling fan has already been repaired once and is running overtime again. It is fun to drive and is "cool" with the teenagers, even though it is a "Moms" car. Had planned to pass it down to my teenager, but not ready to let it go!

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  I love my Mazda 6... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Auto4thpeo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is quite cozy. The car is quick, and very easy to handle. It has great handling on slick roads as well as dry road. The interior is very roomy. The trunk space is great, plus the back seats go down for added room! I love my gadgets, unfortunely the Mazda does not have many of them. For example I would love to see Mazda add the following features, outside temp, MPG, Avg. MPG... Overall I love my Mazda 6, it was a great buy!!

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  This is THE best car I have ever driven. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gabrielle - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I do mostly highway driving and need a car to go 0-60 fast, and this by far is the best. The feel behind the wheel is excellent, turns on a dime. And as for comfort, we drove 18 hours with minimal stopage, and were very comfortable. It has everything you could ever want and be sporty as well. I previously owned a Pontiac Grand Prix, the Mazda 6 blows it away. And besides being a good riding and driving car, the gas mileage is beyond belief. I smile at the gas station looking at all the SUV owners sucking it up. And the stick on the fly makes it even more fun! Truck is very spacious too!