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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  Zooming along in Lefthandland - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lefthandman - August 3 - 11:36 am

  I bought my 2004 glacier silver metallic 5-door (V6, 5-speed manual) in December 04 and have put nearly 3,000 miles on it. This is my first Mazda (previous VW Golf owner) and Im really happy with the car so far - excellent handling and performance. Test drove several other Japanese makes and the Mazda drove and handled closest to a German or European automobile. Unlike some other reviewers who reported poor mileage, Ive been averaging a very decent 27.5 mpg (70 percent highway, 30 percent city driving). Major options on my car: side impact air bags, sunroof, Bose sound system. There is very little I dont like about it. This car is a sleeper! Zoom, zoom! :-)

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  Bad Transmission - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michelle - July 27 - 1:40 pm

  I had only 50,000 miles on this car when the transmission started slamming into gear. They definitely have an internal problem with their transmissions. They cannot be rebuilt. You have to purchase another one from Mazda. $4000.00 later with only a year warranty it runs better. After I picked up my car from the shop another one came in with the same problem, same year. This should be a recall..........

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  The one to have! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mkilgore1968 - July 19 - 1:00 am

  I love this car. If your going to buy a 2010 Mazda 6 spring for the Grand Touring Package. you will love it.

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  Terrific machine - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By jiml - July 18 - 12:36 pm

  After carefully shopping all midsized autos, there was no contest - the others just didnt match up. Now after over 8,000 mi and traveling from Cal to Ala. and back Im still impressed. Its a combination of capabilities - on curvy mountain roads its a sports car; when passing up hill on a two lane road its a hot rod; when hauling people its a roomy, comfortable, relaxing ride. What was most surprising was the gas mileage - better than advertised. I get 21 and a half doing 50-50 town and country, and driving cross country with hours at 75 and 80 mph I averaged just over 27 mpg.

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  Cool Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bluetiger121 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My only problem is the tranmission is very rough when switching gears especially in the mornings. I ahve the automatic. Other than that LOVE the car!

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  Mom with a sports car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By G Law - July 11 - 9:16 pm

  I love my Mazda 6, I am usually one to trade a car after a year or two. This is the longest Ive ever owned a vehicle and I plan to keep it as long as I can. I love the way people think because its sedan, it has no get up and go, Im proud to say my 6 keeps up with the big dogs. My husbands Nissan is luxury filled but I love the sportiness of the 6 and prefer it any day of the week. Before my 6 I always wanted to drive his car and now he always wants to drive mine. The bold style turns heads and you can be a cool mom with four doors. Mazda hit the mark on this one. Routine maintenance is all its ever needed and with that Im grateful. My husband says its deceptively fast!

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  Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kalimotxo - July 11 - 6:50 pm

  Although I just got this car I love it so far. Its exactly what I wanted except I could not get a 2005 model with a sun roof. Otherwise, the sport model looks amazing. A nice blend of sporty and refinement. Given its rather taught suspension it rides very well, is quiet at highway speeds and offers respectable interior room. Acceleration is very good and braking seems to be decent.

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By disapointed owner - July 11 - 3:56 am

  Indicated oil consumption of 1 qt /1000 miles, leaves an engine vulnerable when the car design doesnt have an oil light that will illuminate when oil is low. This spells disaster for a car owner. Low end torque minimal, must wind the engine up all a time when starting from a dead stop. This is probably not good for an engine either, especially one constantly consuming oil.

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  Sweet SIX - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By zeppelin - July 10 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car for just over a year. It is a great overall car. It is built very solid and looks great with the Black exterior and black interior. Performs pretty well for a 4 cylinder, especially at higher rpms. The gas mileage could be tad better. Averaging in 50/50 mixed driving around 24mpg. No mechanical issues with over 9k.

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  Fun little car to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Padre52 - July 10 - 4:23 pm

  Love the mileage & performance of my new mazda 6 with the 2.3 4cyl. Very comfortable to drive, I drive nearly 200 miles per day. My one complaint is the red lighting and location of clock, radio station info, if the sun is shining through the windshield you cant see any of the information. Miss the automatic door-locks and headlights from my previous vehicle.