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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  2014 mazda 6 touring - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By tycodyzach - March 9 - 5:45 pm

  went to dealership really wanted a manual touring with blue reflex test drove the car and it kept popping out of 3rd gear on the test drive so i went with the automatic test drove it and decided to get it after signing papers the salesman came out to show me how to set up blue tooth and it wouldnt work then it wouldnt read my ipod so i had to bring it in next day to have them reset the computer and they ordered me a new module for it!! other than that i love it so far only 300 miles into it and still have half tank of gas i commute 20% city 80% highway

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  Former Camry Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karen - March 6 - 5:46 am

  I love my new Mazda6! Ive only had the car a week, so I cant actually attest to its reliability, but, from my limited experience with this car, I cant think of many things to complain about. It handles great, is quiet, the Bose system is very nice, not necessarily exceptional, but very nice nonetheless. Fit and finish seems exceptionally nice. The doors give that solid "thunk" sound when closed. There are many soft touch surfaces inside, and very few cheap plastics. Nice amenities abound, with lights galore. The trunk is huge, with nifty little side hooks to hang grocery sacks or whatever. The car looks good both inside and out. Great job Mazda!! You won this former Camry owner over....

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  Great daily driver - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob McCarver - March 4 - 7:23 am

  Over all the car is great. Im averaging 28 to 30 MPG mostly all city driving starting and stopping I usually cut the car and restart it about 15 times a day.

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  Not what I thought a Mazda would be - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By christy22 - February 28 - 11:49 am

  I bought my 2008 Mazda 6 with 36,000 miles on it. Right away, I had A/C issues. With 90,000 miles on it, I had to have the transmission rebuilt and change out the valve body. As I now understand it (reading consumer reviews on the issues of this car), the valve bodies are made overseas and built with a poor grade metal so these cars have transmission issues. I finally sold the car 1 month ago having rebuilt the transmission and fixed the A/C 3 times. I had only heard good things about Mazdas, but I wont buy another one.

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  Great Car For The Money! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By David - February 26 - 11:00 am

  This car is a fantastic deal with all the incentives they were and are still offering due to the popularity of the Mazda 3. Unlike the 3 this car comes standard with ABS, T&S Control & EBD which are real safety musts recommended by most car experts; we also added the side curtain airbags. She chose titanium grey with and A/T and A/C as additional options. The net cost with everything was $500 more than this sites similarly equipped Mazda 3 "What others are paying" price. She loves the car, finds it easy to handle/park, plenty of power (previous car Acura Integra) and fun to drive, while averaging only 2 MPG less than the 3 model ratings but with 10 more HP and a lot more room.

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  good looks, many problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By raslov - February 24 - 9:30 pm

  I was drawn to the Mazda 6s because of the exterior styling and price, but after only a few months of owning noticed really bad front wheel brake dust followed by a bad sulfur smell coming of the engine; then noticed the colling fan was really loud. Most recently my right front speaker blew out and just this week my check engine light came on. Needless to say Ive been spending a lot of time at the dealership and theyre starting to be less sympathetic. I stuck with Mazda after owning a Mazda Protege for the last 7 years without any problems but this will be my last!

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  mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nickel - February 18 - 2:00 am

  interior design user friendly and looks great.

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  Mazdas plan worked! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By musicman5 - February 15 - 5:23 am

  I have been a Honda owner for the last 20 years. When it came time to trade in my CR-V, I was ready for a sedan. The Accord was nice, drove perfectly fine, and looked very elegant, but wasnt as exciting as the Mazda. The Accord just didnt have the "Zoom, Zoom." I had forgotten how much fun driving can be. Mazdas plan to compete with Honda for market share worked on this Honda owner. Ive only had it for 1 week, but I love it more each day I drive it.

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  best looking sedan on the road - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ddm1 - February 14 - 9:46 am

  Just reached the 5000 mile mark and not one defect noticed. Car is very quiet even with 17 inch wheels and 50 series tires, Gas mileage last week on 500 mile trip with 4 adults, four sets of golf clubs and luggage that all fit in the trunk was 29 mpg U.S. gallon or 35 mpg. CDN Imperial gallon. Cruise was set at 70 mph, air on and strong headwind both ways on trip. The manual shift mode on the auto transmission is perfect for highway passing and great fun around town. My car has no rattles or squeaks and makes Camrys and Accords look boring. Handling is excellent.

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  Mazda 6 s Sport Wagon/5-spd - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 351W SVO - February 8 - 10:00 am

  After two months of research, Im pleased with my choice. The 5-spd was hard to find, but definitely the way to go - as long as you dont sit in traffic. Engine is smooth and features are abundant. Only complaints are a bolt, or something, rolling around in the console when I turn and a loose hook for the cargo barrier. Overall great value and would recommend to anyone looking for something practical yet sporty.