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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  7000 miles and four times back to the dealership - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greekguy9999 - February 9 - 12:56 am

  First, 1500 miles, check engine light went on. It needed a software upgrade. Second, 3000 miles, GPS was frozen. needed a battery change. Third, 7000 miles, blind spot monitoring will not turn on. Dealership has no idea why and I need to come back when the Japanese builders are awake wherever they live so they can figure it out. So next time will be the fourth time. For a car that costs 30k, and is the top of their line, you would think I wouldnt need to come back four times within 8000 miles.

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  Great value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Great value! - January 30 - 4:06 pm

  Just purchased the 2007 Mazda6i sports value edition. Love the look of the car inside and out. Great looking 17" wheels and love the feel behind the wheel. I purchased the Smokestone exterior color with black fabic interior. Love the way the dashboard lights up at night in red. Good gas mileage and I like the 2.3L 4cyl automatic. Good value for the money spent.

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  M6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By r4ski - January 30 - 1:40 pm

  This car has lived up to all my expectations. Super smooth on the highway and crisp on the back roads. The space with the hatchback is phenomenal. I have carried three kids, our 75lb dog, and luggage with no problems. This car actually replaced a minivan. I thought it would be difficult to give up the space I had with the van.The Mazda6 Hatchback can hold lots of stuff and still look sporty. The only drawback I have encountered has been the tires that came with the car. They are below average on snow and ice. Everywhere else they are good performers. Next winter I will invest in a set of good snow tires. The winters are long and stormy up here in Northern New England.

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  Exquisite!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By vkr - January 25 - 7:16 pm

  This car has state-of-the-art features seen only in luxury cars. And its not cheap/unreliable, everything has worked flawless (rainsense wipers with sensitivity setting, keyless entry, bluetooth, blind-spotmonitor, driver+passenger side temp ctrl, driver seat that memorizes each drivers setting based on key, ability to roll windows using remote fob, ability to close windows/sunroof from outside, awesome bose speakers, audio with DVR like rew/fwd to a previously played track (it has memory!), ability to fold rear seat with 60/40 split, fuel consumption monitor. mpg: The consumption monitor is great driving aid. Without it I avg 21, but after using it I avg 23 (becoming a better mpg driver!)

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  Happy New Owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By kmaurer - January 23 - 9:40 pm

  Just purchased a Mazda6 i AT. There is plenty of power with the 4 cylinder (dont believe all the reviews), the engine is willing to "rev." Like the smaller size of the car (not as big as a CamCord). The new fabric in 06 is definitely much better than previous models, the 5-speed auto works well with the engine. Buying experience was OK, Mazdas are in hot demand in my area (UT). Overall, a satisfied Mazda owner!

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  Reminds me of the older more fun accords - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Murse - January 19 - 10:40 am

  The handling, interior design, and decent fuel economy closed the deal for me. A recent drive from San Diego to Vegas at definite extra-legal speeds still gave me 30+ MPG up and over the mountain ranges. If I was inclined to drive at posted limits Im certain this car will get 32-34 on the highway with a range over 510 miles.

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  04 Mazda 6i auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rblessed - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great everyday driver for work. If you can opt of the V6 it is worth it. However, I do a lot of driving in Home Health and miles per gallon is important to me so the 4 cyl benefited me. I like to do my own shifting, but in todays traffic pay the extra for an automatic. I looked into everything in this price range 22K and the Mazda offered more spunk than other manufacturers. If you reside in San Antonio, Texas go to the IPAC dealership and speak with John B. (Manager), Reggie A, or Eddie G. They were AWESOME!! I have only had the car a day so I cannot comment on reliability at this time. The car is great.. it sells itself.

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  Mazda 6 is fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nast2073 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My Mazda6 is a beautiful piece of machinary. This car has a lot of style and class. Very fun to drive! It feels like its worth over 30G`s. I had the Mazda MX3 and now with the 6...I am a huge Mazda fan.

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wally - January 17 - 6:33 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Before making the purchase I did a lot of research and drove almost all of the comparable sedans. I compare the Mazda 6 to the VW Passat, and I really feel they are quite comparable in ride and handling. I just really feel for the money there is not a better deal out there. I have averaged 27 MPG in mixed driving situations, which is quite an improvement since I almost always am a Mopar/Chrysler/Dodge guy. I like the fact the car is assembled in the USA by UAW workers. That was really the tipping point in my decision to purchase this over a Mazda 3, or some other sedan.

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  great car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gary R. - January 16 - 10:10 am

  Nice car for the money. A REAL performer in town and on the road. I get 28mpg @ 65mph with cruise on. A fast car off the line/stoplights.(get the V-6) Roomy, comfortable interior, trunk has ample room. Handling is comparable to my Mazda Miata Convertible and is great in the twisties. I drove Camry, Accord and Altima and they are 4 cylinder plus more expensive. Mazda gives you more car for less money.