Mazda 6

Name: 2012 Mazda 6
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Mazda6 is among the sportiest family sedans. In addition to being fun to drive, it is roomy, quiet, and quick. It also has a high-quality interior. Road noise is a bit pronounced. Fuel economy is not a strong suit with the powerful V6.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda 6

vs. Similar Cars

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Ford Fusion

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Acceptable

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Midsized cars Ratings

2012 Mazda 6

$5,425 - $6,450

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

$4,425 - $5,150

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chrysler 200

$4,050 - $5,500

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Avenger

$4,275 - $4,725

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fusion

$5,350 - $6,275

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Accord

$7,300 - $8,400

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Genesis

$6,325 - $7,125

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Sonata

$4,825 - $5,850

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$4,825 - $5,850

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Kia Optima

$5,150 - $5,750

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Galant

$4,275 - $4,775

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Nissan Altima

$4,425 - $5,825

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Subaru Legacy

$5,575 - $8,400

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Suzuki Kizashi

$2,850 - $4,750

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry

$7,250 - $8,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$7,250 - $8,500

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen CC

$4,525 - $5,475

EPA MPG NA

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Reliability

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2012 Volkswagen Passat

$4,875 - $5,725

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 (170 hp)
3.7-liter V6 (272 hp)

6-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2014-2021

2014 Redesign Year

This edition of the Mazda6 arrived as a 2014 model on a new platform. We got an excellent 32 mpg overall from the smooth four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Acceleration doesn't suffer for fuel economy, with the Mazda6 returning slightly above average performance. The car is also agile and capable in corners, with a taut but firm ride. However, the cabin is loud, particularly on the highway; updates for 2016 helped some. The well-finished cabin has supportive seats, although the rear seats are relatively tight for this class. The infotainment system uses a console-mounted knob; figuring out how to use the system takes some time. Among the optional active safety features are blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Mazda6 underwent a major refresh with the 2018 model, improving ride comfort and noise isolation. An uplevel turbo engine for top versions is new. 2021 is the final year for the current generation of the 6.

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

An improved version of the Mazda6 debuted for 2009, proving to be among the sportiest of family sedans. In addition to being fun to drive, it is roomy, quiet, and quick. It also has a high-quality interior -- though road noise is a bit pronounced and we noted a few misaligned trim pieces. Similarly, while the rear seat is roomier than the one in the previous version of the car, the Mazda's stylishly low roofline inhibits access compared to its forebear.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The Mazda6 debuted in 2003 with a firm, yet compliant ride. The car also boasts excellent handling, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior. The trunk is sized nicely and the split rear seatbacks are spring-loaded, so they fold down with the pull of a lever. Nicely detailed, the interior is also readily accessible. However, the four-cylinder engine doesn't feel refined and while the V6 is quick, it's also thirsty. Tight maneuvering is somewhat hampered by a 41-foot turning circle. Wagon and hatchback versions became available in 2004. The car scored Poor in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags, but these became standard equipment for 2007.