In this comprehensive dive, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about the Mazda 6 – from its best years to the ones you should steer clear of. Why? Because picking the right model year can make or break your driving experience.
I’ve done the substantial lifting, combing through data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and VehicleHistory to give you the complete picture.
We’re talking owner feedback, professional reviews, and official recalls – all the vital details you need to make an educated choice.
Ready to explore which Mazda 6 years shine and which ones fall flat?
Let’s hit the trail and find out.
Table of ContentsShow
Mazda 6 Generations
Back in 2003, Mazda decided to shake things up in the family sedan market. Enter the Mazda 6 – a car that dared to be different. It wasn’t just another dull four-door; it was a sporty, snug, and safe ride all rolled into one stylish package.
What set it apart? A peppy engine, stylish looks, and a cabin that put the driver first. It wasn’t just raising the bar for midsize sedans; it was setting a whole new benchmark.
Here’s a succinct overview of the Mazda 6 generations from 2003 to 2021:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (GG1) | 2003-2008 |
| 2nd generation (GH1/GH2) | 2009-2013 |
| 3rd generation (GJ1/GL) | 2014-2021 |
Why does this matter? Because each generation brought something unique to the table. Whether it was a design tweak, a tech upgrade, or a performance boost, understanding these differences is vital to finding your perfect Mazda 6.
Mazda 6 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking Mazda 6 models, we don’t just pull numbers out of thin air. We delve comprehensively, looking at:
- What owners are saying (surveys don’t lie)
- How much you’ll shell out for maintenance each year
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to feel secure?)
- Consumer Reports’ take on reliability and owner satisfaction
- NHTSA’s rap sheet (recalls, investigations, and complaints)
- Ratings from the big names: Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Ready for a graphic? Check out this graph that pulls all this data together:
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| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (GG1) | 2008 | 2006 2007 | 2003 2004 2005 |
| 2nd generation (GH1/GH2) | 2013 | 2011 2012 | 2009 2010 |
| 3rd generation (GJ1/GL) | 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 | 2016 | 2014 2015 |
Now, about those “Neutral Years” – they’re not bad, but they’re not winning any honors either. Think of them as the reliable Eddies of the Mazda 6 world.
One thing to keep in mind: more NHTSA recalls and complaints typically mean reduced reliability. It’s not rocket science, but it’s worth noting.
Alright, let’s delve into the details of the finest, neutral, and worst Mazda 6 years.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 6 1st Generation (2003-2008)
The 2003 Mazda 6
When Mazda rolled out the 6 in 2002, it was like they’d thrown down the gauntlet in the midsize sedan arena. Sleek looks? Check. Pleasurable to drive? Double-check. But not all years are created equal.
The cream of the crop? That’d be 2008. The years to shun? 2003-2005. Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2008
Why does 2008 take the crown? It scored a solid 81 from J.D. Power and didn’t ruffle too many feathers with NHTSA. But it wasn’t just a superficial change – Mazda went all in.
Under the hood, you had options:
- A 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 156 horses
- For the speed demons, a 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 212 hp
Fuel economy? Not too subpar:
- Four-cylinder: 21 city / 29 highway mpg
- V6: 18 city / 25 highway mpg
If you snagged the s Grand Touring trim, you hit the jackpot. Leather seats, Bose audio, and safety features galore – traction control, stability control, airbags everywhere. It was like driving a luxurious, sophisticated cocoon.
The Neutral Years: 2006, 2007
The 2006 and 2007 models? They’re the middle children of the Mazda 6 family. Better than their older siblings, but not quite as polished as the 2008.
Engine options? Same as 2008. Fuel efficiency? Ditto.
These years kept the same trim levels, each one more lavish than the last. Want navigation? Top-tier trims had you covered.
But they weren’t flawless. Some folks still grumbled about transmission hiccups and engine troubles. And let’s not forget the Takata airbag recall – that was a headache for everyone.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005
Now, for the years you want to avoid like last week’s leftovers: 2003, 2004, and 2005.
The 2003 model? It had an irritating habit of losing power thanks to a faulty throttle position sensor. Not cool when you’re cruising down the freeway.
2004 and 2005 weren’t much better. Transmission problems, oil-leaking timing chains – it was like these cars were trying to make your life intricate. And that oil leak? It wasn’t just messy; it was a fire hazard waiting to happen.
Oh, and remember that Takata airbag recall? These models were right in the center of it.
To cap it off, there was a design flaw that had brake pads wearing down rotors quicker than you could say “stop.” Not exactly comforting, right?
Want the down-and-dirty?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for 2003, 2004, and 2005 Mazda 6 models.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 6 2nd Generation (2009-2013)
The 2009 Mazda 6
In 2009, Mazda decided to go big or go home with the second-gen 6. Larger size, bolder style, higher ambitions. But not all years hit the mark.
Steer clear of: 2009 and 2010
Ideal bet: 2013
Let’s dive in.
The Best Years: 2013
Why does 2013 take the cake? It scored well with VehicleHistory and didn’t cause much commotion with NHTSA. But that’s just the beginning.
Under the bonnet:
- A fancy 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine
- 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque
- Fuel efficiency? Up to 21 city / 30 highway mpg. Not too shabby for a non-hybrid.
Transmission options? Take your pick:
- Six-speed manual for the purists
- Smooth six-speed automatic for everyone else
The 2013 model also introduced i-ELOOP – a regenerative braking system that was a pioneering for the segment. Innovative, right?
Trim levels ranged from the well-equipped Sport to the luxurious Grand Touring. High-end trims came packed with goodies like a TomTom navigation system, Bose sound, and safety tech like blind-spot monitoring.
The Neutral Years: 2011, 2012
The 2011 and 2012 models? They’re the “meh” years. Not terrible, but not breaking any records either.
Same engines as 2013, but without all the frills and bells. Some folks complained about headlights burning out too soon and electrical gremlins, but nothing significant.
One peculiar issue? Spiders. Yes, you read that right. There was a recall because these eight-legged critters were setting up shop in the fuel system. Talk about an unusual problem.
The Worst Years: 2009, 2010
Now, for the years you want to avoid: 2009 and 2010. These models racked up NHTSA recalls faster than a kid in a candy store.
What went awry?
- Excessive rusting on the rear subframe and suspension (thanks, road salt)
- Door latches with a mind of their own
- Headlight harnesses playing up
Recalls? Oh, they had numerous:
- Fuel leaks (not good)
- Door latch mounting screws deciding to peace out
Engine and transmission? Identical as subsequent years, but without the kinks worked out.
And let’s not forget our eight-legged companions – these models were part of the spider-related recall too.
Want all the gruesome details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Mazda 6 models.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda 6 3rd Generation (2014-2021)
The 2014 Mazda 6
In 2014, Mazda decided to pull out all the stops with the third-gen 6. We’re talking complete KODO design language and Skyactiv tech. But not every year was a success.
Best bets: 2017-2021
Years to avoid like the plague: 2014 and 2015
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Want the finest of the crop? Look no further than 2017 onwards. These babies scored top marks from VehicleHistory, J.D. Power, Cars.Com, and Consumer Reports.
Engine options? You’ve got choices:
- From 2018: A turbocharged 2.5-liter beast pushing out 250 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel)
- The trusty naturally aspirated 2.5-liter with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque
Both paired with a seamless six-speed auto transmission with manual mode and G-Vectoring Control.
Fuel economy? Still extraordinary:
- Standard engine: Up to 27 city / 35 highway mpg
- Turbo: Up to 23 city / 31 highway mpg
The Signature trim from 2018? It’s like driving a plush car without the luxury price tag. Nappa leather, genuine wood, and enough tech to make a Silicon Valley startup jealous.
The Neutral Years: 2016
The 2016 model? It’s the transition year. Superior to the early models, but not quite reaching the heights of later years.
You get the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, choice of manual or automatic transmission, and sufficient performance and reasonable fuel efficiency.
Plus points:
- Refreshed looks inside and out
- Better sound insulation
- Updated infotainment
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was a recall for the Occupant Classification System, and some folks had complaints about the suspension and brakes.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015
Now, for the years you should avoid at all costs: 2014 and 2015. Why? Let me list the reasons:
- Electrical gremlins galore (ignition switch issues, anyone?)
- Infotainment systems with a mind of their own
- Recalls for tire pressure monitoring systems playing dead
- Parking brake actuators taking an unwanted swim
- Some transmission hiccups
Want the complete horror story?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for 2014 and 2015 Mazda 6 models.
Mazda 6 Average Resale Values
Interested about how much your Mazda 6 might be worth down the road? Check out this graph:
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict?
If you’re in the market for a Mazda 6, your primary options are the 2013 and 2017-2021 models. They give you the optimal mixture of reliability, features, and value.
But hey, don’t just accept my mere word for it.
Have you had experience with a particular year of the Mazda 6? Was it a dream or a nightmare?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Your experience could be the vital element for someone else’s acquisition!
