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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  Best Value in Class - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fun to Drive - October 18 - 8:50 pm

  I have owned the Mazda6 for almost a year now. I have over 11,000 miles and have not had any problems with the Mazda6. The acceleration is amazing. I have clocked my Mazda6 from 0-60 in 6.0 Seconds. I have raced an Acura TL, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and beat them all. You must buy the 3.7 liter though, because its more fun to drive. I test drove both engines and the 2.5 liter is not as fun. The gas mileage is great for a V6 at 272 horse power and 269 pound feet of torque. I am getting 22 city/29 highway. The Mazda6 still drives as good as the day I bought it. I love the quality of the Mazda6. I would recommend the Mazda6 to anyone.

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  Slowly Decaying Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anti-Zoom-Zoom - October 17 - 2:43 pm

  Where do I begin.... Well at first I loved the car. I bought it with 5500 mile on it, now I have 18550. In this 10 months I have been to the dealership numerous times for maintenance. The headlights kept burning out, I had problems with my catalytic converter, air mass flow sensor, and now the transmission is bogging. If you want to change your cd player you have to buy a $300 dash kit because Mazda designed it that way. Also Mazda is one of the few companies that has no iPod integration kits. Also theyre resale value is horrible. All in all I feel I was misrepresented when I bought this car. "Soul of a Sportscar"... Hah...more like "Soul of a Hoopty". This was my first and last Mazda ever.

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  Fun To Drive Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased my mazda becuase it had great reviews from the auto magazines and as well as consumer reports. Then when I actually test drove the car I fell in love with it. It had a great design and i dont think of it as a sedan even though it has 4 doors. it feels like a coupe some days when im driving it. But then when I need to haul more people then i have the seating capacity.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Coloradochick - October 15 - 4:33 am

  I have now had my Mazda 6i for 7 years. This car really has been good to me. I have never had a flat, and never have had any mechanical problems. As a matter of fact, the front headlight just went out about six months ago. I bought this car brand new, and really would like to buy another Mazda 6. No complaints.

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  2006 Mazda 6 i 4dr Sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Colby - October 14 - 5:53 am

  I like the car I have only 1,500 miles on it so far its a nice car and the interior is very neat. Lots of places too put your items. And great gas mileage, although I was surprised that it has such a big gas tank.

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  One of Many - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobbydmears - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Mazdas since 1974. I have yet to be disappointed. The Mazda 6 is even more than I expected. Next....RX8!

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  Protege ES replacement - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By badger_mazdaman - October 8 - 2:10 am

  Had owned a 2002 Mazda Protege ES. That car was such a well controlled handler, but was starting to get too punishing on midwestern roads hammered by a hard winter. The 08 Mazda6 is almost as fun to whip around as the Protege, but a much easier car to live with - better balance between fun and comfort. But of course handling still beats the pants off an Accord or (yawn) Camry! Size was just-right for me, and comfy enough in back that I dont feel guilty putting passengers back there like I used to.

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  So many problems.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By NoL - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda6 for 10 months and have had numerous problems with it. The first week I had it my drivers side tire went flat from a faulty valve. Later that week my headlight blew out. I had to have my front speakers replaced because they blew out. I am currently experiencing a sqealing noise when I turn left at low speeds or turning into a parking spot. I am also experiencing my transmission slipping in 3rd gear and I only have 12,000 miles on my car! This will be the fifth time I am bringing my car back to the dealership. Buyers beware!

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  I Love this car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lost in Utah - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I went from a SUV to the Mazda. Living in Utah I have come to rely on the SUV during winter months. I really liked the look of the 6 and decided to test drive one just for fun. Well that was all it took. I love this car !!! It is sporty and reliable. And has enough room for 2 car seats and one passanger in the back. The features in this car are very comfortable. This week we got a large snow storm (24 inches) and it handled like a dream. I love the option of the standard transmission for slick roads. I havent regreated my decision to let the SUV go. In fact I talked one of my friends into buying the same car. And she loves it just as much.

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  My 6 - Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ogreen32 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 7 months and I have loved every minute of it. It was a true head turner. Outstide of the looks, the performance is top notch. I have the 4-cylinder manual transmission and it is just a fun car to drive. The cornering is tremendous, the kick at 3000 rpms is a true crowd pleaser, and the overall responsiveness of the car is great. Anybody that wants to know about this car should check that out and most of youre questions will be answered. Well Ive gone on long enough about the car, but there is just so much to say. If you have any further quesitons feel free to go to the forum (www.mazda6club.com).