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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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Beezer - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s for 4 months and have loved every minute of it. For reference, I have the 6s with AT, sport package, moonroof, heated seats/mirrors,leather, Bose audio, and rearview mirror w/homelink. As others have said, slow off the line but very smooth and quick performance past 20 m.p.h

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  Mazda6 - from a teenage perspective. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By new driver - May 28 - 3:43 am

  The lesson car I learned to drive in was a Toyota Corolla, with extra brakes that the instructor could use. Nothing too special. The first time I got behind the wheel of my new Mazda6, I was in awe. Its fun to drive, with an enthusiastic acceleration. The maneuverability is great too. This car has a lot of personality; its eager to please, and craves speed.

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  SUPER RELIABLE & FUN TO DRIVE!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By jmart805 - May 27 - 5:21 pm

  I bought my 2008 Mazda 6 from a tow yard - kinda sketchy I know. But I test drove it, had it inspected by a Mazda dealership (highly recommended) and I fell in love with it! It had ~104k miles and was being sold for $7,500. 1.5 years and 24k miles later and Ive had absolutely no issues with it! Ive driven it for ride share companies, through the crazy hills of Berkeley & San Francisco, taken my girlfriend to the Grand Canyon, driven in snow - its always been there for me! Sadly, my car was taken from me when a 65-year old lady ran off the road and totaled my parked Mazda 6 with her Mercedes-Benz :( Now Im back on the market for another used car that will satisfy me the way my car did

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  great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zapo - May 26 - 2:00 am

  great Tell automotive consumers about your experience with this vehicle. (Your review should be less 700 characters. Plain text only. No html or links to other websites. Reviews less than 15 words will not be accepted.) Helpful Hints for writing an informative review. df

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  I think we bought a bad one. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bacardifrog - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  i have a 2003 mazda 6. I have had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. the dealership had to replace the radiator, the transmission, and all my wiring harnesses and now i have a strange burning smell coming from my engine. the car is fun to drive and i love it minus all the mechanical problems.i just recently had to replace some ignition coils. if it wasnt paid off, i would trade it in right now. i just wonder if the problems come from it being the first models??

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  follow up from november 2014 - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - May 16 - 7:55 am

  have had a chance to drive this for some time now. only been about 1300 miles but i can better review it now vs. 5 hours. overall the car is alot of fun, again i have the base model. this IS a sport sedan with the sport sedan feel so i will caution you up front the ride is stiff and the suspension will NOT be like driving an El dorado. now that does not mean you feel every bump and pebble in the road either. get it on a smooth highway and you hear almost nothing at all. the motor idles near flawlessly at stop. and the OEM tires seem to hold the sharp turns on a nice mountain very well. the info center is good for MPG. but the 6 spd manual. also helps achieve well over the listed 28 mpg. city

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  Forget the 3, get a year-old 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By tjlst15 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new Mazda3. The car was way too small, so I wanted something bigger with enough power to compensate. I was lucky enough to come across a 2003 6s with 9000 miles for under $18000. What an improvement from the 3. This car is everything you need. Plenty of room inside, plenty of power, sporty looking, lots of extras on the dash and its a Mazda. My perfect car. If you can find one for the price I got, buy it!!

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  2004 Mazda 6 - many problems - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By mike - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  I have had an 04 Mazda6 for approximately 18 months - was great for first few months and lived up to the hype and reviews. But after about 4 months it developed several problems that 2 dealers and national support have been unable or unwilling to fix. Power and gas mileage are WAY down, shifter mechanism is very rough and sloppy, brakes repeatedly develop a squeal, rough starting when cold, traction control is terrible in the snow, clutch often stammers. I have previously owned 2 other Mazdas (89 MX6 and 99 626); both were good combination of value and reliability, leading me to get the new 6. I was very happy at first but am now very disillusioned with reliability/quality and lack of support from Mazda

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  Great - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stark - May 11 - 10:43 am

  I got my car in June and i love it. I would rather not have any other car. My experience with the Mazda6 has been incredible and I expect it to get even better. So if you want a magnificent ride then get a Mazda6.

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  Style & Zoom-Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By zimboy - May 10 - 1:56 am

  Looked at Honda Accord and Nissan Altima but Mazda6 beat them for style, fun and value. With the S plan and rebates the price i paid was unbeatable. The Mazda6 combines RX8 style and sportiness with refined drive and amazing space. Just too much all-round appeal for me and this in now my 4th Mazda.