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Mazda 6

Zoom-Zoom's opening act: 23 awards in 16 countries and regions in its first year.1

Researched October 26, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • MaliuChinese shorthand for the first generation: 马六, or Horse 6.2

At a glance

0150300
120–274 hpPower
0510
6–7 s0–60 mph
0125250
212–240 km/hTop speed
0250500
207–434 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,494–1,665 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.25910111213

Engine
Gas: 1.8–2.5 L I4s (NA/turbo), 3.0/3.7 L V6s; diesel: 2.0–2.2 L I4s29
Layout
Front-engine; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals, 4–6-speed autos; N. America: V6 6AT 2005, I4 5AT 20062
Built at
Hofu Plant, Japan; Flat Rock Assembly Plant, USA (G1/G2)2

The story

The Capella/626 replacement launched Mazda's Zoom-Zoom era in 2002. Called Atenza in Japan until 2019, its name draws on Italian attenzione for attention to detail. The third generation brought KODO design and SKYACTIV technology.123

2001: Atenza/Mazda6 preview for Tokyo20012002: Atenza launches; 23 first-year awards20022006: 274 hp, AWD and a manual: Mazdaspeed620062008: Second generation, two regional recipes20082012: KODO, SKYACTIV and capacitor recovery20122013: 2014 Grand Touring beats the Accord20132016: G-Vectoring Control joins the range20162023: 20th Anniversary in Artisan Red20232025: Australia's farewell after 22 years2025 Mazda Capella / 626: 1970–2002Mazda Capella / 626Mazda6 (first generation) (GG1 / GY): 2002–2008; China to 2016GG1 / GYMazda6 (second generation) (GH1 / GH2 / GZ): 2007–2012; China to 2016Mazda6 (third generation) (GJ1 / GL): 2012–2024GJ1 / GLMazda EZ-6 / 6e: 2024– 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2421
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1970–2002Mazda Capella / 626
2002–2008; China to 2016Mazda6 (first generation) (GG1 / GY)
2007–2012; China to 2016Mazda6 (second generation) (GH1 / GH2 / GZ)
2012–2024Mazda6 (third generation) (GJ1 / GL)
2024–Mazda EZ-6 / 6e
2001Atenza/Mazda6 preview for Tokyo
2002Atenza launches; 23 first-year awards
2006274 hp, AWD and a manual: Mazdaspeed6
2008Second generation, two regional recipes
2012KODO, SKYACTIV and capacitor recovery
20132014 Grand Touring beats the Accord
2016G-Vectoring Control joins the range
202320th Anniversary in Artisan Red
2025Australia's farewell after 22 years
  1. 2001

    Atenza/Mazda6 preview for Tokyo

    Mazda's new midsize preview promised double-wishbone front suspension and a karakuri-inspired rear-seat folding system.3

  2. 2002

    Atenza launches; 23 first-year awards

    The first generation launched in Japan in May. By the end of its first year, it had earned 23 awards across 16 countries and regions.12

  3. 2006

    274 hp, AWD and a manual: Mazdaspeed6

    The North American Mazdaspeed6 paired a 274 hp turbo 2.3 L four with AWD and a six-speed manual; its torque-split system could send half the drive rearward.2

  4. 2008

    Second generation, two regional recipes

    Australia gained a sedan, hatch and wagon in February. North America's larger 2009 sedan offered a 2.5 L four-cylinder or 3.7 L V6.12

  5. 2012

    KODO, SKYACTIV and capacitor recovery

    The third-generation Atenza brought KODO and SKYACTIV, i-stop and i-ACTIVSENSE. Its i-ELOOP recovered braking energy into a capacitor.24

  6. 2013

    2014 Grand Touring beats the Accord

    The 2014 Grand Touring beat the Honda Accord EX-L: its 184 hp 2.5 L four and six-speed automatic reached 60 mph in 7.0 seconds.5

  7. 2016

    G-Vectoring Control joins the range

    GVC briefly trimmed engine torque on corner entry to load the front tires, sharpening turn-in while reducing small steering corrections and passenger sway.6

  8. 2023

    20th Anniversary in Artisan Red

    Australia's edition offered Artisan Red, a silver grille and silver 19-inch wheels, tan trim and anniversary badges. Its 2.5T delivered 232 hp.17

  9. 2025

    Australia's farewell after 22 years

    Production ended in December 2024. Australia announced its farewell in January 2025 after almost 150,000 local sales; 2005 had peaked near 15,000.28

Every generation

  • Mazda Capella / 626
    Mazda Capella / 6261970–2002
  • Mazda6 (first generation)
    GG1 / GY2002–2008; China to 2016
  • Mazda6 (second generation)
    GH1 / GH2 / GZ2007–2012; China to 2016
  • Mazda6 (third generation)
    GJ1 / GL2012–2024
  • Mazda EZ-6 / 6e
    Mazda EZ-6 / 6e2024–

Power over the years

From 160 hp to 274 hp in 3 years.

0100200300 2005201020152020 hp 2003 · 160 hp · US 6 i, 2.3 L2003 · 220 hp · US 6 s, 3.0 L V62005 · 164 hp · Australian 2.3 L MZR, 6MT/5AT2006 · 274 hp · North American Mazdaspeed62007 · 270 hp · North American Mazdaspeed62009 · 272 hp · 6 s Grand Touring, 3.7 L V62014 · 184 hp · Grand Touring, 2.5 L2021 · 187 hp · North American Sport 2.5 NA2021 · 191 hp · UK GT Sport, 2.5 L2021 · 227 hp · North American 2.5T, 87 octane2021 · 250 hp · North American 2.5T, 93 octane2023 · 232 hp · Australia 20th Anniversary 2.5T 274 hp North American Mazdaspeed6 160 hp US 6 i, 2.3 L
1257910121415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2003160US 6 i, 2.3 L
2003220US 6 s, 3.0 L V6
2005164Australian 2.3 L MZR, 6MT/5AT
2006274North American Mazdaspeed6
2007270North American Mazdaspeed6
20092726 s Grand Touring, 3.7 L V6
2014184Grand Touring, 2.5 L
2021187North American Sport 2.5 NA
2021191UK GT Sport, 2.5 L
2021227North American 2.5T, 87 octane
2021250North American 2.5T, 93 octane
2023232Australia 20th Anniversary 2.5T

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • i / s (US, first generation)

    Standard

    i / s (US, first generation)

    2003–2008

  • Standard

    Limited / Classic / Luxury / Luxury Sports (Australia)

  • Sedan / Sport / Sport Wagon (second generation)

    Standard

    Sedan / Sport / Sport Wagon (second generation)

    2007–2012

  • Standard

    s Grand Touring (North America)

    2009

    272 hp

  • Standard

    Sport / Touring (North America)

    2021

    187 hp

  • Standard

    Grand Touring / Reserve / Signature (North America)

    2021

  • Standard

    SE / SE Nav / SE-L / SE-L Nav / Sport Nav (UK)

    2015

  • Mazda6 MPS / Mazdaspeed6 Sport / Grand Touring

    Performance

    Mazda6 MPS / Mazdaspeed6 Sport / Grand Touring

    2005–2007

  • Special

    Carbon Edition (North America)

    2021

  • Special

    20th Anniversary Edition (Australia)

    2023

    232 hp

  • Limited

    Kuro Edition (UK)

    2021

    163 hp

  • Limited

    100th Anniversary (UK)

    2020

How to spot one

Look for

  • Second generation: larger five-point grille, broad lower intakes and upright foglights.216
  • From 2018: grille wings and headlights incorporating the foglights.20

Year by year

  1. 2005 facelift

    Honeycomb replaces diamond grille mesh; flatter, more recessed grille, dark headlight bezels, tinted taillights and revised bumpers.210

  2. 2005 facelift

    New wheel designs: Classic 16-inch, Luxury and Luxury Sports 17-inch multi-spokes. A dark, chrome-edged center panel replaces the silver look.210

  3. 2015 UK: SE / SE-L

    Reworked instrument panel and center console, 7-inch touchscreen and electronic parking brake mark the updated cabin.18

  4. 2015 UK: Sport Nav

    New grille and signature wing, LED headlights and foglights, revised LED taillights and bright 19-inch wheels.18

  5. Autumn 2016 (UK)

    New leather steering wheel; Sport Nav gains a color head-up display and TFT dial, while SE-L Nav upward gets power-folding mirrors.6

  6. 2018 refresh

    New grille and wing trim; foglights move into the headlights, lower black body trim disappears, and taillights and tailpipe are revised.20

Against its rivals

  • 6 vs Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec D

    Basic price lower is better

    623,950 £
    Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec D28,540 £
    13
  • Honda Accord EX-L (2013)

    6 vs Honda Accord EX-L (2013)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    67 s
    Honda Accord EX-L (2013)7.4 s
    5

Prices

Value today $4.5K–$14.0K214

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $4,500–$14,000 2003 · $21,620 · US base, 6 s2003 · $25,445 · US as tested, 6 s2009 · $24,800 · US base, 6 s2009 · $32,790 · US as tested, s Grand Touring2021 · $24,325 · US Sport, excl. $945 dest.2021 · $32,800 · US Carbon Edition, excl. $945 dest.2021 · $35,750 · US Signature, excl. $945 dest.2021 · $24,475 · US Sport midyear, excl. $995 dest. 2003 · $21,620 · US 6 s base price, 2003 model year 2022 · $18,500 · 2006 Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring, BaT2024 · $15,000 · 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6, 45k miles, BaT2025 · $12,250 · 2006 Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring, 75k miles, BaT2025 · $9,400 · 2004 Mazda 6 Wagon, 37k miles, BaT $18.5K BaT, 2022
291228323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2003Launch price$21,620US 6 s base price, 2003 model year
2003Price when new$21,620US base, 6 s
2003Price when new$25,445US as tested, 6 s
2009Price when new$24,800US base, 6 s
2009Price when new$32,790US as tested, s Grand Touring
2021Price when new$24,325US Sport, excl. $945 dest.
2021Price when new$32,800US Carbon Edition, excl. $945 dest.
2021Price when new$35,750US Signature, excl. $945 dest.
2021Price when new$24,475US Sport midyear, excl. $995 dest.
2022Auction sale$18,5002006 Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring, BaT
2024Auction sale$15,0002006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6, 45k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$12,2502006 Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring, 75k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$9,4002004 Mazda 6 Wagon, 37k miles, BaT
2026Value today$4,500–$14,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “A claimed 20 records in 24 hours”
    • “Altenburg's title with every finish in the top 10”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Mazda6 Celebrates 20 Years mazda.com.au
  2. Mazda6 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases newsroom.mazda.com
  4. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Launches All-New Atenza｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  5. 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring vs. 2013 Honda Accord EX-L caranddriver.com
  6. Mazda6 models benefit from a host of updates this autumn uk.mazda-press.com
  7. 20 YEARS OF MAZDA6 mazda.com.au
  8. Mazda6 Bids Farewell | Mazda News Australia mazda.com.au
  9. Mazda USA Newsroom - Vehicles | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  10. Mazda 6: A Great Car Gets Even Better - Next Car Pty Ltd - 11th August, 2005 nextcar.com.au
  11. Used Mazda 6 MPS review - ReDriven redriven.com
  12. Tested: 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring caranddriver.com
  13. Mazda 6 MPS v Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec D – stealth fighters | evo evo.co.uk
  14. 2003-08 Mazda 6 | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  15. Mazda6 Kuro Edition joins the 2021 Mazda6 range uk.mazda-press.com
  16. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Launches Fully Redesigned Atenza｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  17. Used Mazda6 buying guide: 2008-2012 (Mk2) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  18. 2015 Mazda6 - Refreshed Styling, Enhanced Standard Equipment uk.mazda-press.com
  19. First Mazda 100th Anniversary Special Edition Series cars arrive in the UK uk.mazda-press.com
  20. 2018 Mazda6 Signature 2.5T First Drive: Champagne Living on a Working-Class Budget motortrend.com
  21. Mazda Capella - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜SPEECHES｜2002 North American International Auto Show: Mazda Press Briefing newsroom.mazda.com
  23. SPEED World Challenge Championships Celebrated in Monterey - Sports Car Club of America scca.com
  24. Mit Kodo zum neuen Mazda 6 - automobile.at automobile.at
  25. From Road Cars to Prototype Race Cars: 'Gran Turismo Sport' Car List Is Revealed - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  26. Mazda6 diesels chase speed records uk.mazda-press.com
  27. Mazda Atenza Gr.3 in GT7 — Price, Specs & How to Get | GTDB gtdb.io
  28. 2003 Mazda 6 s Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  29. Used Mazda 6 (GJ) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  30. 2003 MAZDA MAZDA6 Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  31. 2021 MAZDA MAZDA6 Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  32. No Reserve: 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 Grand Touring for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,250 on October 31, 2025 (Lot #217,553) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 37k-Mile 2004 Mazda 6 Wagon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,400 on January 16, 2025 (Lot #177,338) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2006 Mazda MazdaSpeed6 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on October 24, 2024 (Lot #167,907) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • mazda.com.au
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • newsroom.mazda.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • uk.mazda-press.com
  • news.mazdausa.com
  • nextcar.com.au
  • redriven.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • consumerguide.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • scca.com
  • automobile.at

Photo credits

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