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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  Very nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By joe - April 20 - 10:33 pm

  I drive quite a bit a year, I reviewed the 2007 Altima, and the Subaru Legacy. Altogether I found that the Mazda 6 had way more to offer for the money.

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  Early days, but seems a great car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ian - April 15 - 8:23 am

  Ive only had this car for 3 days, so early days. But first impressions rarely let me down. 2 features I prefer over the S Touring V6 model mine replaced. Wheels/tires are now 215/55/17s, instead of 45/18s. This makes more sense, as Missouris potholes will be much more tolerant with the 17 inch wheels. The handling/roadholding/ride is tremendous. Ive looked at Camrys, Accords, Fusions, Malibus and Sonatas. The Mazda, overall offers the best value. I got about $4250 off the retails price, including an above average trade in for my last car, plus a discount on the extended warranty (6 years/100,000 miles). I love the cloth seats, cant stand leather!

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  wow, what a car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By BohoChic - April 12 - 11:36 pm

  This car is simply amazing, especially considering the rebates that are offered right now. I was originally looking at the Mazda 3, but I actually bought the 6 for less money and got more options. Value-wise, I dont know any other sedan that can even touch this, and I test drove them all. Its comfortable, quiet, has excellent handling and braking, and its sexy! I love the sleek lines, both inside and out. This may be marketed as a family sedan, but I can see many singles loving this car, especially in the sportier versions. I have the automatic transmission, and love the option of being able to use manual when I need it. I cant say enough good things about this car!

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  Just LOVE this car! 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rudy_w - April 8 - 6:56 pm

  Just a tremendous car if you appreciate handling and enjoy driving. Has me looking forward to highway on-ramps and off-ramps. So stable and planted in corners! Good power, nice 6-speed Auto Transmission (love the paddle shifters on the Grand Touring), mileage is excellent -- easy to get between 35-40 on the highway at normal speeds, and even in-town, it usually gets around 30. It rides firm, no question: if you want a cushy ride, this isnt your car. But it rewards you every time the road starts to curve, and always delivers really good mileage. Good interior space, nice flat trunk, nice back seat. This is absolutely a must-see if youre considering any of the other family sedans.

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  my 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason Busbee - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Love the car, only paid $16,100 with $2500 rebate. lots of power and extras best looking car, under $25,000, out there

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  Mazda 6 drinks + than I do, big problem - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stanstill30 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a brand new mazda 6 2004. Performance exceptional. Only two things... first it drink more than I do. Also cant get warmed when temperature exceed -20 c°. Beside that I cant ask for more from a sport sedan.

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  Wonderful wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mb - March 23 - 6:36 am

  I purchased this car last October and have loved every minute of driving it so far. Its fun and practical, what a combination! Holds lots of gear and is terrific to drive. Ive even been pleasantly surprised at how well its handled in the snow so far. Great value -- I got leather, moonroof, Bose stereo, all for much less than I expected.

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  Excellent Car, cant be beat for the $$ - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jay - March 18 - 9:10 am

  This is my 4th Mazda; out of those four this is my second Mazda 6. I opted out of my 2006 sedan and into a 2007 hatchback because I like the look of the hatchback better. After shopping other brands (from Nissan and Toyota, to Mercedes and BMW) I decided to stick with Mazda. Its simply a sporty looking car at a great price, loaded with options you would get nickel and dimed for on other brands. I couldnt be happier with Mazda #4. The Volcanic red looks great on the road. :-)

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Garrett - March 12 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this car used at about 23k miles; now at 72k. I like the 2003 options because you can get a moonroof unbundled with other options. Reliable; only issue was a throttle body sensor I replaced out-of-warranty with a salvaged part for $120. Only drawbacks are dash and trim rattles and buzzes; I stuffed some wood pieces under the dash align pins which really helped but the center console (all plastic) makes noise and theres some kind of buzz in the B-pillar area occasionally (hence build quality = 4). Sun visors will weaken if you clip a garage opener on them.

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  Really Like It!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Go Mazda Go! - March 11 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a Mazda6, went from a Acura TL 2004 to this but gas prices were killing me, I do miss the power of the TLs V6 but this Mazda6 is really good looking and gives me a very decent mileage. I love the black on black combination. I was surprised at the quality of the cloth material used in the seats. I compared to the Camry and even though the Camry its bigger with a more powerful engine and better gas mileage the pricing factor makes the Mazda a better deal, I bought mine for 16,200 and it comes with 6 discs cd changer, 17 inches rims with michelin tires, dual exhaust system, well it is pretty loaded and for 16,200 WOW!!