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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  Nice, but quality??? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By quality6? - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Love the car! However, Im actually quite annoyed by the lack of quality. The dash rattles, my fan broke and was replaced by Mazda, there is a rotten egg smell, and my front sunshade is loose. In all honesty, Mazda has a potential winner here, but how can they succeed without the quality? I really like the car, but one should not have to deal with these problems associated with a new car. My fault for buying the first year...

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  Cool Ride - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alballon - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Handles great!!!

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  Impressed - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - November 16 - 1:13 pm

  OK, first I need to provide a little background on my previous vehicles; my last 6 vehicles have all been V8s, they have also all been GMs. That being said, a 4 cyl. motor is going to feel down on TQ and HP, no matter who builds it. And, I was fully prepared for that before I bought the 6. I love this car, period. I am a sales rep and I drive a lot for work. I wanted a taut, well mannered car that had a sporty feel and was good on gas. The 6 fits the bill. I bought my 08 used with only 8300 miles. For the price this car cant be beat. Long road trips are a breeze. I can drive 250+ miles nonstop, and get out feeling very little signs of discomfort or fatigue. I am 63".

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  Little Disappointed, transmission? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rbader - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car brand new. Everything went very well for first 3 and half years. Just oil changes and gas. At around 58k miles we started noticing a cut off or disconnect in the transmission shifting between 3rd and 4th gear. We finally took it to the dealer and we were advised that we need a new transmission. Did that, luckily we had purchased the extended Mazda warranty till 100k, which covered us 100%. Otherwise, the car so far is great.

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  Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dan O - November 10 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It is sleek and fun to drive. I have enjoyed it for the 2 years that I have owned it. If you are looking for a nice ride that is functional, than the Mazda6 is for you.

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  Mazda 6 at 12k miles - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By btuthill - November 2 - 3:45 am

  Overall this is a great car. Its fun to drive, and it has a lot of features that come with a low price tag. I bought the package that gave me the 6-speed manual with leather, and the entertainment package. While it has a lot of great things to it, the entertainment system still seems to be a major point where Mazda saved money. There is a decent amount of lag between the use of the center console or steering wheel controls to the actual response on the unit. The leather also feels very thin. I dont think its real leather, and I worry Ill puncture it. It still looks good though and a lot of people comment on how nice looking the car is. Transmission is superb.. shifting is smooth.

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  My6... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By seba1 - October 28 - 2:59 am

  Bought it brand new in Sept. 2010. I drive this car on daily basis to work and around town. Made 35K and no issues so far. Oil changes on time and just keeping it clean. Brakes still in great condition as well as tires.Nothing to complain about.I wish I bought a 6 cylinder version to get more kick from it , but 4 cylinder motor still will get the job done.Im getting 25.3 mpg driving in both conditions ( highway and streets). At some points ,on a highway driving at 65 mph , it gives me close to 40mpg.Car still loks great. I wash it myself , trying to avoid car washes , first , too expensive , secondly , hand washing doest destroy your paint.

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  After 3,000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mario - October 14 - 4:50 pm

  I was in the market for over 9 months and I was deciding between the Mazda 6 and Lexus IS 250. Yes these two vehicles are very different and both had their pros and cons. I settled on the Mazda because of a larger size, more horsepower, larger trunk, more options for the price and fold down seats. In return, I gave up rear wheel drive and a better warranty. I am very happy with the purchase, so don’t get turned off by my review. This car is fast and fun to drive. The controls are easy to operate and intuitive. The leather seats are not as comfortable and my 2001 Maxima, but they are softening up with time.

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  A really fun-to-drive family sedan. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By denali856 - September 25 - 9:26 am

  I REALLY enjoy driving this car. The handling is really tight and the car LOVES twisty roads and high revs. Pluses: Driveability, seating comfort, performance (at high revs). Minuses: Base-level stereo is only OK, turning radius is wide, fuel economy is mediocre (~24). The interior is nice if a bit bland, but the seats are quite comfy. The controls and gauges are well-designed and easy to reach/read. Coming up on 17k miles and everything is still tight, no rattles, so reliability so far has been good. I marked down the performance because of a slight lack in low-end torque, but with the 5-speed sport-auto transmission its easy to keep the revs where you want them when you want to really drive.

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  Mazda beats out Volvo S60 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ian_engineer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a mazda 3, Volvo S60 and the Mazda 6 (6-cyl)version. Volvo was surely a car with tons of creature comforts, but the Mazda kept up in performance, stability, and accessories as well as safety features. Poor turn radius--my mustang fares better, however, the engine power is actually more responsive than the S60 and the price truly speaks volumes for those not needing the Volvo label on the front and those ever so useless headlight wipers!