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:
Showing 661 through 670 of 1,498.00-
awsome car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By tex - September 26 - 10:00 amThe Mazda6 is a really fun car to drive !!!
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Its pretty good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By jf19540 - September 26 - 10:00 amConsidered the Passat and Altima. It my mind it was the best value of the three $ wise. Doesnt need the V6, the fours just fine. Handles well and corners nicely. Has 4speed auto-stick
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Fun car for the family - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By as - September 26 - 10:00 amWe are very pleased with our Mazda6. It is fun to drive and seats four comfortably. Although the fuel millage could be a little better, we average 24 for both highway and in town driving. The interior and controls are laid out very well, all within good reach of the driver. The trunk is large and with folding rear seats which gives us even more room.
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I Love my M6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By Xtine - September 26 - 10:00 amI love my car. It is fun and practical and luxrious.
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Love this car. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By awestley - September 26 - 10:00 amTime to change my car I wanted something a little sportier. This was it. I love this car. I feel like I am in my twenties again. It handles very smoothly and rides like a dream. It almost seems to hoover above the road, very good suspension and the five star rating for safety is a big plus. Comes with an excellent warranty which goes to show that the makers believe in this car. 10 stars in my book.
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Great, Fun Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By buck40 - September 26 - 10:00 amI have had my Mazda 6s for about a month, and I couldnt be happier. I looked at a wide variety of cars and decided this car won the "bang for the buck" contest. It is a blast to drive (I have the 5 speed MT, sport package, leather, Bose sound). My partners think this is my "midlife crisis" car - they have no idea how practical it is!
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MAZDA 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By Elmir - September 26 - 10:00 amI love this car, but dosnt have auto headlight which is important and only thing that is missing to this car, and everyting else is cool i love to drive everybody is looking when next to me on stop light its cool car. Thats all Thanks....
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Excellent - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By Jacqueline Brown - September 26 - 10:00 amAugust 14, 2003 I was in a serious car accident. I am grateful that I was driving my Mazda 6 which was totalled, but it saved my life. I am going to buy another Mazda 6, because this car lives up to the NTSB review in the crash test. Everyone that has seen my car after the accident cannot understand believe that I am alive and only had 2 broken legs. I have had 3 Mazdas and sware by them. I love my Mazda.
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playa hotcakes - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By chons - September 26 - 10:00 amsupurb. fun to drive. i put on too many miles driving it so fun and so much.
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My 2003 Mazda 6i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
By Nolesfan03 - September 26 - 10:00 amI would not trade my Mazda for any other car on the road. I LOVE MY MAZDA! I did have a problem with the paint, but Mazda repainted the car at no cost to me.I love having my stereo controls and cruise control on my steering wheel. That has got to be the best feature of the car!! Talk about spoiled! The car rides and handles great! I am now a MAZDA fan. It was well worth the asking price! The fuel economy is good, comfort is good,pickup is good and its roomy enough for 2 carseats in the back seat. I like the fact that MAZDA has such a great customer satisfaction attitude. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.
