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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $19,357–$22,555 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Mazda Mazda6 at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $19,357–$22,555, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda6 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Mazda Mazda6 ranks #272 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 79% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $19,357 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 30%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Mazda6 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.4/10 | $25,630 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $23,177 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $22,413 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $21,649 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $20,885 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $20,121 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $19,357 | |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $18,593 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Steering / Electric power assist system 31/08/2017 · 17V546000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 Mazda6 vehicles. Debris from the welding process during manufacturing of the front passenger seat frame may damage the occupant classification system (OCS) wiring. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.