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 car I have owned - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mr. S - May 7 - 10:20 pm

  I have looked at these cars since 2003 when the new model line came out. I am glad I waited this 2006 model is great. Plenty of power for what I need. Plenty of room and what can I say about the looks - wow! I got about everything that can come with it, except leather. Also it has a very comfortable ride for a car of its size.

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  Wish I bought the Honda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Quite Unhappy - May 6 - 11:46 am

  When I first got this car over 3 years ago I was very happy with it. However, now with only 9 months left on the lease, I can say I really wish I got the Honda Accord instead. The reliability of this car stinks and in 3 short years Ive had problems including: dead battery, broken shift cable, blown fan module, broken starter, 2 broken stereos, etc. Every car has its issues but you shouldnt have to deal with so many as in the Mazda6 when the car is only 3 years old.

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  ZooM FuN - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By milan - May 3 - 10:06 pm

  I have two Mazdas 6; one automatic V6 and my favorite V6 with manual transmission. To have every day fun on the road you really need manual. It jumps over the any car you name it. The automatic has that "manual" feature but it isnt same feeling like real manual it has delay. With manual you press less gas pedal and have immediate respond. Automatic you press half of the way and still nothing happens. The automatic is for nice and smooth ride. Have fun drive manual. No any problems with car -- 34000 miles.

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  A fun disappointment - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andy - May 3 - 5:46 am

  There were several cars I was looking at when I bought my 6. The Lexis is 300, Acura tsx, Volvo s240, to name a few. I only stopped and looked at the 6 because my friend wanted to look at one. After I drove it I looked at Edmunds.com for reviews and really did not see anything to turn me away so I bought a fully loaded one. Its comfortable; It runs good, not to small/big. Its just right. However these people on here that rate the 6 a 10 when it comes to gas are nuts!! My Sticker said 22/29 MPG. Seeing how all I do is highway driving I figured 29 would be ok. Well, I check my mileage every time I fill up and the most I ever get it 22MPG. I have a 2001 Ford F150 crew cab 4x4 that gets 21MPGHW

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  Unreliable - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeD - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  My first problem began around 5000 miles. My check engine light came on, I took it to the dealer and found out that it was a recall issue with the fan. I went through my first set of rotors around 10,000 miles. At 25,000 miles the transmission started to shift roughly between 2nd and 3rd gears. At 67,000 miles the engine blew. NO ENGINE LIGHT appeared. Mechanic said one of the rear spark plugs started to misfire and started to dump raw fuel into the cylinder; which then pushed into the exhaust system which blew both catalytic converters out. Replaced engine and catalytic converters. That engine then blew at 90,000 miles. I got rid of the useless car at that point !

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Richard - April 28 - 8:46 pm

  I never thought that a 4 door sedan could be this fun to drive. I have the 4 cyl. with 5 speed and it has plenty of power, handles excellent in corners and highway speeds. I bought this Mazda6 with the intention of giving it to my son when he turned 16 and now that the day has arrived, I hate to give it up. The a/c works great, shifting is smooth and quick with its short throw design and it comes with some special features not expected in this cars price range, like dimming lights after entering the car, auto shut off headlights, if you forgot, great bose stereo system, electronic trunk release and many other features you would not expect for the price. All and all a great car to drive

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  Love my Mazda 6 (5-Door Hatchback) - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sdanthny - April 26 - 1:51 pm

  I bought my 2005 in early 2006 and still own it. Its paid off, has been without warranty for 2 years and I have not had any problems with the car warranting me to shell out money to get it fixed (besides regular maintenance of course). Luckily for me, any of the problems I have had with the car were rectified when I still had a warranty. Needless to say, I have 60k miles, 80% life on my brakes left (changed in 08 due to a caliper flaw) and the car purrs like it did brand new. I must say the car does NOT sound like a 6 yr old car. It still is flashy on the road (bright red) and is a blast to drive on the freeway flying by everyone else in their mundane vehicles. Hell yeah to Mazda!

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  Great Value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 19 - 6:30 pm

  Bought this car new November 07. Love the way the car handles and rides. Have had no mechanical issues; just oil changes and tire rotations. These cars are very under rated and the Camry/Accord crowd will not consider this ride due to the perception that Toyota and Honda make a superior product. In my opinion that is their lost. This is not a car for people who want interior room. It is smaller than my sons 5 Altima; but I knew that when I made the purchase. I actually like this model more than the new 6. My gas mileage is around 30 in the summer and srops to about 27/28 when it gets cold and we get the winter gas formulation.

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  Puts a smile on my face every drive! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By sdoublelatte - April 14 - 3:17 am

  I test drove the 2012 camry xle and honda accord ex-l the same day as test driving this mazda 6 gt. The mazda 6 was the only one that totally put a grin on my face! Its been a month and it still does! 1. I just the simple math for calculating mpg and I got 38mpg! Thats with about 70/30 highway/city. 2. The interior is so sharp! Subdued, classy. The accord was obnoxious with the 2 huge screens! 3. The bose 11 speaker sound system blows the other 2 cars away. I played metallic yesterday, drums, cymbals were crystal:-). 4. Rigid chassis, but not at all uncomfortable. It helps it turn on a dime. 5. Trunk is shaped like rectangle. you could actually fit large items in there.

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  True Grand Touring - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rick - April 12 - 4:26 am

  This is my primary business vehicle as a traveling sales manager with a long commute. I purchase a new or almost new car every three years and because of the high mileage and business use I prefer mid-size sedans that dont kill me on depreciation. My 6S satisfies my desire for performance and handling. I opted for the five-speed which I am glad I did because the engine is a bit weak until 2500 rpm then revs smoothly and quickly. Great cruiser, reliable, fun and 23-27 mpg