Mazda 6 — RossDrives

Verdict

B

Years

2002-2024

Generations

3

Segment

Saloon

Mazda's mid-size family / executive saloon - the Mondeo's Japanese rival. GG (2002-2007) replaced the 626 and won European Car of the Year 2003. GH (2007-2012) more grown-up. GJ (2012-2024) on Skyactiv platform was the design watershed - sharp KODO styling, Skyactiv drivetrains. UK got 2.0/2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol and 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel - no hybrid in UK, no AWD. Saloon and Tourer (estate). 2018 facelift refreshed cabin to genuinely premium feel. Discontinued from UK in 2024 with no direct successor - Mazda's 6 nameplate carries on as Chinese-market only. The GJ Tourer is the bargain executive estate that nobody bought - genuinely good and now ridiculously underpriced used.

What changed

Era-to-era deltas

GG 2002-2007 → GH 2007-2012

BHP +10 bhp

MPG +5 mpg

GH 2007-2012 → GJ 2012-2024

MPG +15 mpg

Cabin Step-change Skyactiv era

Styling KODO design

Generations

Click any generation for the full deep dive

press photo

GG

2.3 - 165 bhp, 0-62 in 8.5s.

+ ECOTY 2003
+ MPS variant 256 bhp turbo AWD
− Rust kills them on UK roads
− Cabin plastics dated

press photo

GH

2.5 - 168 bhp, 0-62 in 8.4s.

+ Saloon, hatch and Estate carry over
+ Bigger cabin than GG
− Rust still
− Cabin plastics

press photo

GJ

2.5 Skyactiv-G - 192 bhp, 0-62 in 7.8s.

+ KODO styling - genuinely beautiful saloon
+ 2018 facelift cabin is legitimately premium
− Discontinued from UK 2024
− Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up

Known issues by generation

Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.

2002-2007 - GG

Rust on rear arches and sills (UK cars)
Subframe corrosion
Coil pack failures

2007-2012 - GH

Rust still a story
2.0/2.2 MZR-CD diesel injectors
Rear suspension bushes

2012-2024 - GJ

Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up (regen failure)
Skyactiv-G 2.0/2.5 oil consumption
i-stop battery weak

Rivals

Ford Mondeo · Volkswagen Passat · Skoda Superb · Toyota Avensis