Mazda MAZDA6 Review

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. However, the handsome Mazda 6 has something most competitors don't: charisma.

While just about any car in this segment will get the job done, the 6 manages to engage the driver in the process. This was particularly true of the first-generation 6, whose relatively compact European footprint and sporty suspension tuning gave it a remarkably nimble feel. For the new second-generation 6, Mazda has enlarged the car's dimensions while still retaining much of the original model's handling panache. Depending on your needs, either generation could make for a solid midsize sedan choice.

Current Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 is powered by one of two engines -- a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 170 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque or a 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 272 hp and 269 lb-ft. The four is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic, while the V6 is only available with a six-speed automatic.

The 6 is available in seven trim levels: i SV, i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Models with the "i" prefix come with the four-cylinder engine, while models with the "s" prefix come with the V6. Base models are respectably equipped, while higher trim levels come with such niceties as alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control and an audible blind-spot monitoring system. Major options include a sunroof, an in-dash six-CD changer, satellite radio and a navigation system.

Visually, the current 6 is no wallflower, with a distinctive face and front fender flares that recall Mazda's RX-8 sports car. But the previous-generation 6 looked pretty good, too. The trouble with that car, in the eyes of American consumers, was its relatively diminutive size and lack of an authoritative V6. Mazda clearly took these criticisms to heart, as the 6 now stacks up well against perennial class leaders such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry with regard to passenger space, cargo volume and optional V6 vigor. Moreover, neither the Accord nor the Camry can match the Mazda's entertaining character on twisty back roads, yet the 6 still manages to offer a satisfactorily compliant ride.

There are a few downsides to the new Mazda 6. First, the V6 may be powerful, but its fuel economy brings up the rear in this segment. Second, interior materials quality is hit-or-miss, as the rich soft-touch material on the right side of the dashboard contrasts with cheap-feeling plastic elsewhere. And third, the current 6 doesn't feel as nimble during spirited cornering as its predecessor, an inevitable consequence of its considerable gains in size and weight.

Nonetheless, the Mazda 6 is one of our top choices in the midsize sedan segment. It's now competitive with the best in terms of spaciousness, and only Nissan's Altima can match its combination of style and handling prowess.

Used Mazda 6 Models

The current, second-generation Mazda 6 debuted for the 2009 model year. For 2010, it received a new "Touring Plus" trim and a reworked Bluetooth and audio display.

Launched for the 2003 model year, the first-generation Mazda 6 was initially available only as a sedan, while a four-door hatchback and a wagon joined the lineup for 2004. There were two basic trim levels: i and s. The Mazda 6 i was powered by a reasonably gutsy 160-hp four-cylinder engine mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission. The s model upped the performance ante with its 3.0-liter V6 -- also available with either a manual transmission or an automatic -- though this engine lagged behind the bigger V6s in competing models.

With power accessories, cruise control and pleasant cloth upholstery, even base models were reasonably well equipped. Moving up through the trims added features such as a rear spoiler, foglights, leather seating, a power sunroof and an upgraded audio system with a CD changer.

In reviews, we praised the original Mazda 6 for its edgy, handsome design and stylish if somewhat low-budget interior. Even more impressive were its communicative steering and tight suspension. We also liked its three available body styles -- while most competitors offered only a sedan body, the 6 was additionally available as a versatile (and remarkably well-disguised) four-door hatchback or a stylish wagon. Combining the Mazda 6's inherent goodness with cavernous cargo areas, both the hatchback and wagon were fun-to-drive and sensible alternatives to other sedans and even SUVs.

Our enthusiast editors particularly enjoyed the Mazdaspeed 6, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive variant of the Mazda 6 sedan that was only offered in 2006 and 2007. Boasting 278 hp, a mandatory six-speed manual transmission and sports-car-like handling, this steroidal sedan never caught on with American consumers. As a used car, though, it's a compelling package for families with a need for speed -- and traction.

On the downside, the first-generation 6 was relatively short on passenger space, and its interior quality was also lacking. Moreover, the V6 lacked the punch of rival uplevel motors. However, we think it remains a good match for used car shoppers in search of something a bit zestier -- and, in the case of the hatchback and wagon models, more practical -- than your run-of-the-mill family sedan.

There were a handful of 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 '06 models as well as '07s also benefited from additional safety features being made standard. Not much changed for this generation's final year, though Mazda discontinued the wagon body style.

The Mazda 6 replaced the forgettable 626. This model, particularly in its last two generations, 1993-'97 and 1998-2002, failed to stand out from the family-sedan crowd. Early 626 models were celebrated for their European styling and emphasis on performance, but in later years, they slipped into midsize sedan oblivion as Mazda took the car mainstream.

For more on Past Mazda MAZDA6 models, view our Mazda MAZDA6 History page