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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  NOT Disappointed - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gammaworks - June 27 - 11:16 pm

  Chose Mazda6 over Honda Accord for its 5-star crash test rating, and for its sporty handling quality. It is a big car, bigger than our Subaru Forester SUV, so still trying to get used to that. Dont know anything about its reliability, but we have been extremely happy with the purchase so far.

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  Better than Accord, maybe even Acura - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JMike - June 27 - 2:06 am

  Have now owned the 6 for 3 months and like it more every day. Have had several sports cars (S-2000, 350Z)and had to go with a more sensible car this time. No withdrawal symptoms, the 6 is possibly taking Nissans title of 4 dr Sports Car. Also looked at the new Accord; have owned Hondas and Nissans in the past, and know both to be excellent cars and great values. I could not get past the ugliness of the new Accord or the price tag for the new Maxima. Getting 20mpg avg, think the 6 is comparable to Lexus and Acura

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  Pleased in NC - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Pleased in NC - June 19 - 8:13 pm

  We made a decision to sell a 2007 Chev Suburban and a 2006 Cad CTS to cut payments and insurance and improve fuel economy. I traded my CTS for a 2009 Mazda6 - what a pleasant surprise. The crash test ratings were higher (surprise) and while the CTS was a great car - I like this one better. Very comfortable - more than enough power (despite having 100HP and 2 cylinders less). Extremely comfortable in the front and VERY roomy backseat. I like the fold down seat backs. Everyone who sees the car says it is beautiful. I had read some complaints about road noise, but Im struggling to find that - could be different tires. Overall I am rating this one a "ten" and for less than % 25,000.

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  Mazda, not as advertised - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda, Disapointed - June 19 - 2:50 pm

  I am original owner with 56K miles on it and mostly commuting/hwy miles. Loaded up 6cyl. Great car when I first got it. Handled great, but after that have had problems the entire ownership experience. Have had to try multiple dealerships as their knowledge, service and work quality is terrible. Mazda Customer service not helpful. Build quality and design is not good. 15 visits a year to a dealership not unusual for bad brake system, clutch, trany, engine, interior reattles, power steering, A/C, suspension, exhaust/CAT converters, etc. Mazda doesnt appear to be quality / customer focused. Engine (Ford Duratec) needed replacement at 46K with oil changes every 3K. Same engine as Ford Fusion

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  6 is one of the best! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kiucool in MN - June 18 - 11:30 am

  I literally test drove 10 different cars before I decided on either buying the 6 or the Subaru Outback. I finally went for the 6 because it is 1000s less than the Outback. I live in MN. Winter driving is part of out lives here. I found that the 6 handles the snowy days very very well, thanks to its all speed traction control. My wagon has the luxury and sport pack; makes the car looks really sporty and its amazingly comfortable! The auxiliary heater is great for winter. Handling on dry pavement is solid and inspires confidence around corners. Headlights with intergrated fog lights makes driving in the dark a lot more visible and safer. The sport shift is a lot of fun. But downshifting to gear #1 is a little rough!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stephf - June 15 - 12:56 pm

  I bought the car brand new. It has 90K miles on it now. I havent had one problem with it so far. It has plenty of power. The rear spoiler really dresses up the car nice. Its an all round great sporty car to drive! I love it!

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  Happy First Time Mazda Owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sarah - June 6 - 1:56 pm

  Bought the car about two weeks ago. Its the first car weve bought since we were SUV owners. So far the Fuel Economy is great compared to an SUV. I like how it looks inside and out. It has a lot of interior space compared to other sedans we looked at. You also seem to get a lot more features at a lower price. Love the blue tooth feature. So far I am a happy first time Mazda owner and would recommend this car.

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  beautiful car piss poor reliability - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By blaznazn22 - June 6 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago for $3000 at an auction with 196000km on it, or about 129k miles. There oil kept disappearing quickly and I didnt know where it was going. After about $2000 in repairs and getting some tires and rims, I find out that the cars engine is through. It was burning oil rapidly, the reason for that was the piston rings being worn out, and the reason for piston rings being worn out was the catalytic converter melting and blocking the exhaust creating excessive back pressure. Not to mention the EGR valve recirulating exhaust gases as well as other particles into the engine which also screwed the engine over. Very piss poor design by mazda.

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  Good Bang For The Buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By herb - June 2 - 12:53 pm

  Before I buy I always look at the field of cars in the class. When I came across the 6 I had to knock out the Accord, Camry and all the like. What comes on the car as standard are for the most part options or not even available on competitors (Xenon head lights). Once you pop on a few options youve got a car equipped more like a premium class car. This car really is a lot of value for the money. Ive only had mine for a short while and Im not sorry one bit I bought it. As far as Im concerned Toyota and Honda have some catch to do to match the new 6. This is one heck of a value for well under 30 G.

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  Beautiful car and what a bargain! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobabooty - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 6 w/ the V-6 is an absolute joy to drive! Great performance, handling and sexy looks all for a little over $20,000! The red glow from the performance oriented gauges and the high mounted digital display for the radio and climate control readings help you keep your eyes on the road while wringing the MAZDA 6 through the twisties. This car is a BMW 325 with more room for passengers at half the price! Take a look and build one for fun at www.MazdaUSA.com like I did!