DecodedCars2006 Mazda 6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 89 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Mazda 6 is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.3L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl and 2.3L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 17% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2006
- Engine added: 2.3L 4-cyl turbo
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 6 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| 6 | 2.3L 4-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| 6 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -2% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 6 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -2% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 6 Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -1% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 6 Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -1% | $3,350 | 444 |
| 6 | 2.3L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -7% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Mazda 6 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda 6 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda 6.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Mazda 6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda 6 in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2006 Mazda 6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Mazda 6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 6 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →