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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  Fun on wheels - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Steveo983 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  It is easy to go car shopping at just about any dealership and find a nice car that will provide you with everything you need...4 wheels, a seat and a few other parts, but I feel mazda did pretty above average on my mazda 6 5-door. It is excellent to drive, and I find any reason to just go out and drive it and I dont think that I will ever come close to the 21/26 mileage rating with how nice the 5-speed revs up Being a college student, the 5-door helps me move in and out all my gear easily and the stylish interior with leather makes the women melt. I havent found any problems or flaws with design to this car and I would recomend it to any lead foot person

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christy T. - December 19 - 4:40 am

  I have just bought this car a few days ago but I have already figured out that I made a good choice. I was looking for a car to keep and not keep trading every few years. I think I have found it in the Mazda6. I like the handling, equipment, styling, roominess. I have the 2.3l 5speed.

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  Saved our lives - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Seal - December 17 - 12:46 am

  The only thing I want to say in this review is that I was traveling 75mph Eastbound on I-10 out of Texas and had an incident in which I sideswiped a guard rail and it sent me into a skid into the guardrail on the opposite side of the road on an overpass. The car was totaled and the car was demolished. The engine and transmission was ripped from the car as we rolled onto the roof. My wife and I walked away with bumps and scratches, and dirty drawers, but the vehicle saved our lives. The cabin remained intact, and we walked away. Kudos on crash impact for this vehicle. We just purchased the exact same car ;)

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  Zoom Zoom and thensome - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Blackjack09 - December 16 - 10:46 am

  After looking at other cars (Altima, Accord, TSX), I knew this was the car for me. Stylish design inside and out, awesome features that you cant find in several other mid-sized cars in this category, and an unmistakable zoom-zoom sports car attitude that no other car, cheaper or more expensive, can come close to touching. The 3.7 is the way to go with this car! For a little less fuel economy than that smaller engine, and a little more money, its worth every penny to get the more powerful engine.

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  Luvit but Hatit - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Noah Hansell - December 15 - 2:43 pm

  This car looks and feels like a million dollars from the inside out. The lines on the trim to the outstanding handling put you on the top. I recommend buying this car for yourself not the wife; it is no minivan! This car to me compares to having a Mustang station wagon but still rides well on the highway, especially at high speeds.

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  great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Borenstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  this cardrives nice and has comfortable seats, but i would like the car to have a power passenger seat.

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  09 MAZDA6-S grand touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ike - December 6 - 9:30 am

  This is my second mazda6, I bought the four cyl one last December. I love this car sooo much I had to have the v6 model. Now I have 2. Fantastic vehicle. Hands down blows away the Nissan altima/Honda accord/and Camry. For the money this is the best car around. The competition dollar for dollar is blown away. You gotta test drive this car. Dealers eager to negotiate price. Great handling characteristics, so fun to drive!

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  Permanent Fan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By neamazdalover - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. 6iSport with 5-speed manual. Cloth seats, sunroof, spoiler, 6 disc CD, power windows and seats, airbags all around, and all for $20,000 brand new. This thing eats up the road like nothing Ive ever driven before. I drive about 200 miles of rural, s-curves everyday and love every minute of it. Zoom, zoom is right on, but watch tire choices when you have to buy new. Suspension is so tight, tires sometimes cant keep up. Value X 10 for the cost. Stops on a dime! Half the price (and great financing options) of a BMW 3 series, but not nearly half the experience. This from someone who was driving a different car every two years, but I think Ive found THE ONE!

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  Mazda 6 is a lemon - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By aleigh - November 20 - 5:27 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever purchased. I never knew when the engine would turn over. Countless times I had to call road service, and the service dept. said everything was fine. You want your car to be reliable, and this was a piece of - - - -. I wanted to return it, but of course the dealership, Ralph Thayer of Livonia Michigan, would not allow it. In addtion, a minor detail is that the cup holder was not deep enough to hold a mug of coffee, so I always has to hold it while driving. I doubt this car even got 19 MPH. It cost me a small fortune filling up with gas every other day. My lease is up in 2 months, and I can hardly wait. Do yourself the biggest favor in the world and consider

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  Its getting boring, talking to all the people who ask about it - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By troythiel - November 20 - 10:51 am

  have had the car a little over a week, 15 GT in Reflex Blue with the almond leather package...and people on the street ask about it everyday...the car is just so dang beautiful that people want to know more about it....I dont have time to tell people about how great the car is...its great in every way so far!