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:

• 

  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Suaznne - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a fun car. It is sporty and fun to drive. If you have the apperance package it looks sweet. I will soon be getting a license place that reads "ZOOM"!!

• 

  Fun car to drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By flennie - September 25 - 3:30 am

  This car makes my 20 miles commute a joy -- really enjoy the handling. Steering is precise and the car stays flat around curves (my previous car, Corolla, and my husbands Prius made me less confident about going around bends and curves).

• 

  Good Car? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdafan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely loved this car from the moment I test drove it. Great handling, road feel and crisp shifting manual transmission. If you want a sporty alternative to toyota and honda this is the car, but wait till the 2004 model year.

• 

  LOVE this car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Laura G - September 15 - 10:56 am

  I bought a silver 2009 I-touring plus to replace my 2002 Mazda Protege. The car is wonderful - well-built, smooth riding, and good looking inside and out. The blue backlighting on the gauges is SO COOL! Ive received many compliments on the car. The dealership I bought from has a 14-acre test track on site, so I was able to put the car through its paces. I was thrilled with how the vehicle responded. The 6 is larger than the Protege, but still very agile and responsive. The car combines luxury and sportiness at an affordable price.

• 

  NOT BAD - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jairo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY THING THAT HAS TO GO IS THE ANTENNA IS TO LONG. GETTING OUT OF FIRST GEAR SOMETIMES IS NOT TO SMOOTH SO AM GIVING IT THE BREAK IN PEROID...

• 

  6 was it after lots of research - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6nWNY - September 8 - 6:40 pm

  Have Bose/moonroof package & convenience package. Car has handled extremely well in the snow and climate control has been great during the recent cold snap. Replaced my 00 Grand Am GT1 6 cyl. Felt comfortable from the first test drive. Tested Corolla, Civic, Camry, and others but settled on the 6 for its combination of style, handling, features, and safety. Great value. Can be a bit slow off the stop line, but the 4 cyl flies nicely on the highway once at speed. Convenience package is a must to get rid of the Buick like upholstered door trim. Xenon lights a huge plus. Bose sound is great. Like the aux jack in the armrest. Rural road and expressway commute - averaging 27-28 mpg at 2700 mi.

• 

  M6 wagon got it all - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By fjnand - September 4 - 2:46 pm

  When I first got the car I wanted to write a review to tell everyone how great this car was but it would not have been very accurate as I had not had much time to drive it. Well its been a year now and have put on 15K miles. What I would have said a year ago still applies today. This car has exceeded all of my expectations. It has served me well for commuting, hauling objects, and taking long trips with my family of 4. The best attributes this car has is its handling and power delivery. The transmission and engine work very well together. This car excels in the twisties which I enjoy very much; reminds of my old modified Toyota truck. If only I could afford another one. Satisfied customer.

• 

  Still makin me happy - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By AZ6 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 over a year ago and I can honestly say Im still real happy with it. I have had no problems thus far other than one recall early on which was taken care of. Its difficult to pinpoint one reason why, but I still look forward to driving my 6 everytime. Its few faults are far outweighed by the many positives. And it looks good to boot!

• 

  Fresh 2006 model is FUN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Buffalo Bob - August 25 - 8:33 pm

  Mazda did an excellent job with the freshening of the 2006 Mazda6s sports package. Last years model had a cheaper quality interior and a 6 speed auto transmission that didnt shift too well. Mazda has issued a TSB for 2005 models engine hesitation. We drove the 05 and 06 models back to back. The 06 is much more responsive with no more throttle lag. The fuel economy appears to be better too. We have been averaging 24mpg with the V6. The 6s is like Mazda improved on all of the minor complaints of earlier model owners. We compared it to all of the other cars in its class and it fit our style perfectly. My daughter was looking for a new coupe, but bought herself a new Mazda6s after driving ours!

• 

  Wonderful car for long commute. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By joemerchant1 - August 25 - 5:55 am

  I have now owned this car for a year now and added over 25K miles to the odometer. I bought this car for commuting and second car as I also own a 2012 Ford F-150 and my wife has 2010 Camary. The only bad thing I can say about this car is the leather is not very good and cracked under the front corner which does not get any wear from sitting. Other than that, it gets 29 MPG hand calculated at every fillup no matter what gas or the season. The little 4 banger is peppy and gets to speed well. The gearing of this car is terrific as I find many cars are not geared well with mismatched engines. Mazda did a wonderful job matching the transmission to the engine.