DecodedCars2006 Mazda MX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 170 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 22 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2006 two seaters (18.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Mazda MX-5 is a two seaters offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (22 city / 28 highway), 29% better than the 2006 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2006 MX-5 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +29% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +29% | $3,400 | 370 |
| MX-5 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +24% | $3,550 | 386 |
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 MX-5 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Honda Insight | 52 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Pontiac Solstice | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Chrysler Crossfire | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Nissan 350z | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Honda S2000 | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda MX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Mazda MX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Mazda MX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 177,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 MX-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2023 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2020 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 11 |
| 2018 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2017 MX-5 | 29 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2016 MX-5 | 30 | 153.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2015 MX-5 | 24 | 157.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →