2012 Mazda MAZDA6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,480 to $29,810

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(6 reviews)
2012 Mazda MAZDA6 Preview summaryImage

You know what they say: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Apparently it wasn’t broken, so the 2012 MAZDA6 will enter the market with no major changes. However, that doesn’t mean this sporty sedan isn’t a great choice for a family car. It is generally agreed that Mazda concentrates on making sure drivers have the best experience behind the wheel. The MAZDA6 has great sightlines and seating placement, and the interior is roomy with a modern design. Families will really appreciate the trunk’s 16.6-cubic-foot capacity, which is enhanced by hidden hinges that make it one of the largest in its class.

The MAZDA6's handling is top rate, and acceleration is spunky, reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds in V6 versions and a not-so-spunky 9.1 seconds in 4-cylinder trims. The 2012 version comes in six trims: i Sport, i Touring, i Touring Plus, i Grand Touring, s Touring Plus and s Grand Touring. Trims with the "i" prefix come with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while trims with the "s" prefix get a 3.7-liter V6 engine. The car's smooth looks, especially when upgraded, will make you the envy of the carpool. Its ride, however, is reported as firm in all models, especially with the 16-inch wheels, which are standard on the Sport versions. The 18-inch wheels on Grand Touring trims help this a bit, but add to the noise level with some road hum. The MAZDA6 is comparable to the Nissan Ultima for sporty handling.

Instrumentation and controls are large and easy to read, and the dashboard even comes with a two-setting light control for day and night that some have found too bright and too dim. The blind-spot warning system is easy to disengage, as it seems to be a bit sensitive. Be not afraid, commuters, the i Touring sedan comes with cruise control, an in-dash multi-CD changer, Bluetooth phone and audio hookups, and a leather steering wheel and shift knob.

The technology package that is available for the Grand Touring and Touring Plus models will be a huge selling point for a lot of buyers and offers a handy blind-spot alert and a voice-activated navigation system. Other features include wireless cell-phone links, a 7-inch touchscreen display with real-time traffic updates, rear-view cameras, keyless access/ignition, remote start and rain-sensing wipers.

Some of the items that probably detract from the 2012 MAZDA6 are the same as previous model years. Mileage is not great at 21 mpg city/30 highway for 4-cylinder versions and a paltry 18/27 for 6-cylinder versions. At least it uses regular unleaded! The interior, while sporting some new bells and whistles, is still appointed in some tacky plastic. Interior storage is average, but despite all the room in the rear seats, ironically, the car has no door-pocket storage. The noise level inside the cabin is problematic and may even interfere with the Bose upgraded sound system, particularly with the 18-inch wheels on the Grand Touring trims.

Standard safety features for all models include antilock disk brakes, front seat and full-length side curtain airbags, and stability and traction control. The MAZDA6 is rated Good for frontal impacts and Acceptable for roof strength.

Overall, the MAZDA6 is priced competitively in its class and certainly a good value. This is a family car that is just fun to drive. If you have to commute, drop off the kids, and get the groceries, the MAZDA6 will feed your need for speed and not embarrass you in a minivan.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Mazda MAZDA6

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User rating:
by Angie R
Jan 12, 2025
The part that “was” in an accident looked good. Something was up with the back side panel and it was not done properly weather it was in accident or to cover up rust (salesmen guess). The tires were excellent and the interior good. Just wasn’t sure about the actual quality or car fax as the salesmen went thru it really quickly so we couldn’t see it. Jan 12, 2025
by Larrise L
Feb 10, 2022
Best economical vehicle I ever had. Wish I never sold it.Feb 10, 2022
by Devarjae T
Mar 31, 2021
It is an amazing car. It is perfect for begginers like me.Mar 31, 2021

2012 Mazda MAZDA6 Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,480 to $29,810
Price range
$6,095 to $7,035
Average price on CG
$6,370
YoY price change
$6,662 to $6,370

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.65

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with split-level storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.65

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.65

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.65

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.20

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: front · Tinted: windshield

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: urethane · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.20

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: 590 CCA

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in. · Video monitor location: front · Video monitor size: 7

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: sliding sunshade

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Tinted: windshield

See all trims (6)