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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  So Thankful it WAS a Mazda! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robin - August 19 - 12:26 am

  WAS a beautiful car. Until.... the accident which I believe saved my daughters life! Rolled a couple of times and did not crush the roof to the seats!!! Was totally amazed! THANK YOU! I will buy another one!!

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  awesome mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cuda67 - August 16 - 1:48 pm

  I"ve had this car since 2008 it had 178,000 miles on it now it has 250,000 mileson it. The still drives like it was new. The hatch back is so awesome and gives the car a sporty profile. I still get 29mpg with a 4speed AT. The car has more then pad for its self in value.

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  I Love This Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By darkmanrob85 - August 9 - 9:00 am

  This car is very fast. The drive is comfortable and smooth. I love how it just hugs the turns. The combination of cloth and leather seats is the best. I cant say enough about this car. I just love!!

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  Great Car but dont buy one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dennis - August 8 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased a new 04 less than 2 years ago. Loved the car for the price until clutch started to judder so bad car was not drivable. Mazda TSB 05-003/05 describes defective clutch plates. Mazda will not cover repair because car is more than 1 year old. Dont be left holding a $1300 repair bill for a defective car. Buy a Honda.

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  Nothing too fancy but a great family car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jccables - August 8 - 8:33 am

  Bought the car very recently and have put about 200 miles on it and love the car so far. The handling on it for a front wheel drive wagon is superb for the price I paid for it ($9000) and the engine seems to have the power needed to haul the little bit of extra weight around all the time. Myself and my girlfriend have 3 kids between the two of us and we can all ride comfortable without a problem around town and still have enough room to pick up groceries if we need to. Traded my 02 xterra for better gas economy and a firmer ride. Didnt have a need for 2 SUVs

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  Its the small things... - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6 or 3 humm?... - August 8 - 3:23 am

  Overall, my Mazda has done everything and more. The long trips and are comfortable and short trips are quick! I enjoy the tight and quick response handling. As for quick comparison, my last car was a Ford SHO and I would have to say that the 4-cylinder in the Mazda really moves when you go from point A to point B safely.

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  What a fun car!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By shahidm - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2003 s trim during the year- end sales. The car is very comfortable and easily seats 4 adults. Almost perfect combination of practicality (I have three kids) and fun - and very reasonably priced. The auto/manual transmission is great and one can switch from one to the other on the fly while driving - you can even keep your foot pressed on the accelerator. Dash is nicely laid out with the controls laid out cleanly - and they are intuitive to use. Overall, very pleased with the car.

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  love it so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By clout_15 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Have the Stee Gray Metallic with cloth interior. Also got the appearance package with abs/traction control. Really fun to drive. Much sportier than the Honda Accord I use to drive. Much more than I expected as far as ride and handling

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  Wowow... Sleek Curves & brute... power & efficiency - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By caloyski - August 5 - 3:11 pm

  I was really impressed with the driving dynamics and fuel economy of my 2012 mazda3 skyactiv. I was planning to get the cx5, but when i test drove the 6, I left the dealership with it. This time I am getting the 2.5 skyactiv, more power and torque. The car looks fantastic in pictures but when I saw my actual car, white pearl, wow wow wow. So much better even. Its a combination of sleek, sexy and macho upfront. I am getting so much for the price. Interior is high end, classy not over. This is a head turner. Friend said it has the presence of the big BMW 5 series.

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  AWFUL GAS MILEAGE - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bono - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  This car would be OK with a GM engine