Mazda6 2002-2008 used car review

The Mazda6 is a practical yet sporty family station wagon. Try to buy models built from 2005 as they offer a lot more than earlier cars.

The Mazda6 is a mid-sized family car with a sporty look and impressive handling. It replaced the brand’s long-running 626 in 2002. Sedan, hatchback and station wagon versions were available. The Japanese import version is badged as Atenza.

The interior is also quite different from other “family cars”, with round air vents, sporty red lighting and chrome rings around the instrument dials. The centre console features a silver finish and the controls for the CD player stereo and climate control system. 

They do not have their own screen or indicator lights - this detail appears on a narrow red screen at the top of the panel. The plastics feel and look a little light and cheap but seem to have lasted well over the car’s 12-year life.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, though some passengers might not like the firm padding. The driver’s seat is manually adjustable for height. There is plenty of head and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Three adults will find it a struggle to get comfortable as the rear seat is narrow – that’s unusual considering the size of the car.

The boot of the Mazda6 wagon is impressive. At 503 litres, it is bigger than a Subaru Impreza’s boot and a special rear suspension design means there is little intrusion at the sides. That makes it wide and flat and ideal for large items like suitcases. We think you could fit five or six large cases, great for a family trip. If you need more space, the back seat folds down at the push of a button on the side of the load area, which increases capacity to more than 1,700 litres.

The Mazda6 was one of the nicest cars of its size in the market to drive, even compared to expensive European models. The steering feels responsive and precise, with plenty of grip – it is fun to push hard through corners. The ride is firm yet comfortable and road noise is reasonably low. There is plenty of power for overtaking or powering up hills. The engine in our review car felt like it had lost some responsiveness, but our experience with this model suggests that’s a problem specific to the review car.

Visibility to the rear is okay in the sedans and restricted in the hatchback and wagon, particularly if you are carrying a load. Parking sensors are standard on the TS and Ghia models. A camera became standard on the Ghia in 2005 and optional on the TS. It’s such a large vehicle that we recommend fitting a camera for extra safety when reversing. You can buy one to fit yourself from $50 or have one professionally fitted for $200.

The car’s tow rating is good for its size. It can pull up to 750kg unbraked, a medium-size garden trailer, and up to 1,500kg braked, a medium-size trailer boat.

Look for a harsh “thump” when you shift to drive or reverse. A replacement transmission will cost from $2,000 used. The five-speed automatic from 2005 and onwards is considered very reliable. A knock or harsh feel to the steering, especially at low speeds or when stationary, is likely to be a dried-out steering column joint. A visit to a mechanic is needed to have this removed and repacked with a Mazda-approved lubricant.

Check the electric windows work correctly on any car you consider. The car features a system that stops the window closing if an obstruction – such as a child’s hand – is in the way. With time the system can develop an issue where the window will go up and then come down slightly without hitting anything. A system reset will fix it but a new regulator or sensor is often required. Expect to spend from $200 a door to correct the problem.

The digital air-conditioning and data panel above the dashboard can develop pixelation issues with portions of the display going blank. That makes it hard to read. The higher-grade suede cloth seating trim found in the GSX models looks great but tends not to age well and becomes “shiny” on the seat squabs.

The seat compression material is prone to losing its spring. Mazdas have a poor reputation for underbody protection and corrosion. Get down on the ground and look underneath the car for discoloration or bubbling, especially where the rear suspension connects to the body. 

The bottom of the doors can also be affected – open them and check along the seams on the inside edge. Repairs can be costly so have the car professionally inspected if you see anything concerning.

Headlamp units are prone to fading over time – this can often be polished out, but total replacement might be necessary in very badly sun-damaged examples.

This review covers the Mazda6 for model years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.

*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.