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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $20,885–$25,235 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. 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. We rate the Mazda Mazda6's reliability at 8.7/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. 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 $20,885–$25,235, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda Mazda6 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Mazda Mazda6 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2018 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 $20,885 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 25%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Mazda Mazda6 scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.9 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $20,885 | |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $20,121 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $19,357 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $18,593 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have 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.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 12/11/2021 · 21V875000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump… |
|---|---|
| Engine 27/06/2019 · 19V497000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall. |
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.