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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  Jims Mazda 6 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greek - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Very impressed with the exterior and interior style. Smooth ride. Handles well except not as good on tight turns.

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  Mazda ZOOM! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ManGO - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall, its a great vehicle. Given the price/performance/features when compared to Acura, Nisssan and others in the $30K range, at $24 fully-loaded, the Mazda6 cannot be beat! However, the torque output is a bit low at 192. A 3L engine should output at least >200 ft. lbs. Additionally, the torque curve needs to be flatter with all torque available at 3000 RPM. With that, this car would be unmatched.

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  Great choice - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By montrealer2095 - November 30 - 9:52 am

  This is my second Mazda 6 and have been very happy with both. The 4 cyl engine is a bit wheezy, but I commute a long way each day and was a worthwhile tradeoff vs. the V6 to get the extra mileage, which is good but not great. My quibbles are a phantom squeak and the a/c isnt strong enough for those of us who live in the South. I was rear ended by a Camry a few weeks ago and the 6 lived up to its excellent crash ratings. Car was in decent shape and the Camry was a writeoff. No doubt this is the best value in its class.

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  A smooth ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Giovanni - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been complimented on the stabiliry and comfort fels on the passengers seat. As well, I enjoy the drive every single time I ride this very stylish car with a powerful engine. I am thrilled with the Mazda 6.

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  Way to go Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By John Q - November 24 - 6:03 am

  My last five cars have been from the Nissan line. But I decided to try something different this time. Im glad I did. The Mazda6i Is a superior car to the Altima, Camry and Accord. The options I got on my Mazda6 would have cost me a couple of thousands extra on the other cars.

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  Best thing going... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mdavidm - November 22 - 7:23 am

  After seven straight new Honda purchases, I bought my son an 04 Mazda3s a few months ago and was very impressed. So when it came time to purchase a new car for myself I researched all of the potential options with Honda, Nissan, Acura, and Mazda. For my needs, the Mazda6 quickly became the leading contender, and after comparing new and used car options, I decided an 04 or 05 loaded Mazda6s was the way to go. After a few weeks of searching, I found one with every conceivable option, and in a color I like, so I bought it. This car is a blast to drive. Excellent road manners, comfortable interior, sporty. It is great!

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  M6 Good Car for Cheap Price - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By crzygosu - November 18 - 11:20 am

  I spent some time between the two and the three reasons why I went with the M6 was that (1) there were too many TSXs on the streets, (2) the M6 fully loaded was cheaper than the TSX I had in mind and finally (3) I wanted a V6 under hood instead of a wimpy I4. I know that TSX is a very good car, but the final deciding factor for me was the fact that too many of my friends already had that car. I wanted to go with something no one else had at my school, and so here I am with my M6 happier than ever.

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  Mazda 6i blue - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By leelee - November 14 - 2:26 pm

  Love my car.... The car drives smooth and it is fuel economic. I get over 400 miles per tank. Comfortable driver seat. Very driver friendly. All the needed buttons are easy to access including the radio on the steering wheel. Drives well in the pouring rain. Great ABS system. Tested that feature out unfortunately.

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  Vast improvement over 2nd generation 6 - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By twistiesmc - November 14 - 5:16 am

  My 2015 Mazda6 is one of the finest cars I have ever owned. First things first; the car is stunningly beautiful and is unlike the plain vanilla and overly conservative, "front-runners" in this segment. That means you Toyota, Honda, etc. Mazda has done a superb job in bringing this car to market, especially after becoming independent again. Its light, fuel-efficient and a joy to drive. Sure it wont win many drag races or handle like a Porsche, but thats the point; its a family sedan with real personality, and soul for that matter - how many Japanese sedans can you say that about? Its design and powertrain are innovative and make up a whole, greater than the sum of its parts.

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  2004 Mazda 6 Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - November 12 - 11:06 pm

  Ive had the car for two years now. Lots of fun to drive and mechanically dependable. Paint finish quality leaves something to be desired. Ive had to bring it back to the dealer 3 times to fix paint problems. Now the clear coat is peeling from the front bumper. To their credit, the dealership has been very easy to deal with and all of the problems got fixed. They have agreed to fix the latest problem as well.