2017 Mazda Mazda6
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $20,121–$27,023 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Mazda Mazda6 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10, 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. Reliability stands out at 8.5/10. The Mazda6 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. 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 $20,121–$27,023, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda6 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.0/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2017 Mazda Mazda6 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
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 2017 Mazda Mazda6 ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $20,121 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 27%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$11,930 ($2,386/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Across the Mazda6 model years we've scored, the 2017 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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $20,121 | |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $19,357 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $18,593 | Read review → |
We rate the 2017 Mazda Mazda6's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #347 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 74% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2017 Mazda Mazda6 starts at $20,121 and ranges up to $27,023 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mazda6 years we've rated are 2015 (7.7/10), 2017 (7.8/10), 2019 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
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Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.