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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  Would Buy Another Tomorrow If I Had To - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By slickride - March 19 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 6 in August of 2004. Has a 5 speed manual with sport package and Bose stereo. I have had zero problems with this car. Regular oil changes, new wipers every year (live in snow belt, CNY) and had to buy snow tires and new performance radials (Im a sales man). I just rolled over 63,500 on the car and have had no major repairs with the exception of the front wheel bearing. Performance is excellent and gas mileage is great. Cant complain with 400 miles on a tank. Why anyone would buy anything else boggles the mind. Great quality and reliability for the money. The car was rear ended by an F150 at a red light, was fixed and no-one got hurt. Thats reliability to me!

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  Very Happy with our 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shawn C - March 19 - 12:16 pm

  We looked at a lot of family fuel savers. Coming out of a 2004 Trailblazer ext. getting 12 mpg, fuel was the number one issue. Second, needed room for 3 kids plus luggage."Jackpot" All around value, interior space,16.6 trunk. If your looking for a sport sedan the 2009 Mazda6 is hands down the best in its class. Dont know about fuel just yet, but Im sure it will double my old Chevy, or was it a V6 Hummer:) Thanks Mazda

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  Good performer but has some terrible usability features - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmukhopa - March 16 - 1:40 am

  I have a 2009 Mazda 6 sport and have owned it since 2010. The car has good performance and is comfortable. Overall I have not had major quality issues, but I do have some complaints centering around customer usability ease. First of all, the Key FOB is terribly difficult to open when you need to replace the battery, both to open and to replace the battery are quite hard to do. I have had problems with it not working at all lately, even when I replace the battery, and I will have to take it in. Second, the headlamps are almost impossible to get to so you can replace the bulbs. You have to go underneath the wheels, take out grommets, etc. Mazda needs to work on that.

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  Our 2nd 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By La Otra 6 - March 12 - 11:53 pm

  This is our 2nd Mazda6 purchase in 9 months. We purchased a Mazda6 hatch last March (see 5-doors of fun review). The wagon is everything that our hatch is and more. The wagon handles the same, accelerates the same and brakes the same, with a little extra room. At 65" tall, the ride is comfortable, there is room for our 2 German Shepherds and two sets of golf clubs and for both of our golf storage accessories. I added the Mazdaspeed 18 wheels and tires for an even sportier look and better handling. By far this is the best looking and handling wagon, on the road today for the money!

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kimm - March 12 - 1:56 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 6i SVE about 15 months and I love it, mostly. Ive gotten as high as 31.25 mpg on the highway, 23 city. The car is not exceptionally quick but is roomy, comfortable, reliable, and handles phenomenally. Its quiet at freeway speed with good visibility and a lot of nice standard features like ABS, EBD, and traction control. Mines a redfire metallic and its an attractive car with the black interior. The only complaint I have at all with the car is the interior quality. The seats are nice and soft but the fabric roughs up and shows wear very quickly. Go for the touring model with the leather seats and door panels if you can. Doors sometimes dont shut well without a retry.

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  Im thrilled! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kevin - March 10 - 3:53 am

  Bought my Mazda 6 last weekend. Six cylinder Grand Touring - loaded except nav system. The tech features are so great - blue tooth, Bose stereo, Sirius radio, hi tech key fob, fantastic seats. I remember driving my friends 8 cylinder Mustang GT when I was in college and this car feels exactly like that. Feels very "American" to drive. I absolutely love the way the car handles and after owning a Miata in the past, I hope the maintenance and reliability hold up like that car did.

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  Gorgeous - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By skyactivity - March 9 - 11:36 am

  For the same price as a boring old camry, you can have the Mazda6, an extremely good looking, road-hugging, fuel sipping beast of a car. It looks like an infiniti with more character, it drives like a low and light bimmer, and costs half of either. While not perfect on the inside (the seats leave me a little sore; maybe its just cause Im 64") its definitely a no brainer to get.

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  The i Sport Value Edition is Value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark D - March 9 - 8:13 am

  I was driving a 2002 Mazda Tribute and when gas prices shot up to $3 per gallon I decided to trade it in for something with better gas mileage. The Mazda 6 i Sport Value Edition is the perfect car for buyers who want 4-cylinder gas mileage but dont want to sacrifice good looks, performance and comfortability. I am averaging 25MPG on the highway after 4k miles, I usually speed in the left lane. This car is very comfortable to drive.

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  AWESOME - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By idiotboxer - March 8 - 2:00 am

  THE BEST DRIVE POWER COMFORT

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  The best! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By andyady - March 7 - 11:45 pm

  I just got myself a 2014 Mazda GT with all the options available and I could not be happier. This car got style, a bold look, a great quality interior, the leather is great, sunroof is great, the acceleration and the manual mode are really fun. I love all the sensors including the backup, blind sports, night and rain sensors. The cruise radar is a must have. Can I also say that I love the 19" rims? Interior room is enough for what I need and I am 6.4. This car is great to drive and I love how it easily adapts to driving conditions. As far as gas mileage I think the authors estimates are not accurate however it does depend on how you drive it. I am close to 30 MPG combined, first tank.