2003 Mazda 6: Road Test
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2003 Mazda 6 ▼
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- MSRP: $18,650 -$21,220
- Invoice: $17,205 -$19,569
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Our road test for the 2003 Mazda 6 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mazda 6 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mazda 6, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mazda 6 help you decide if a 2003 Mazda 6 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6 | 5.2 |
Pleasantly peppy with 4-cyl engine and manual transmission. Acceptable with 4 cyl and automatic, where manual-shift feature can be used to restore some lost sparkle. V6 versions don't spring off the line and need higher rpm to really feel brisk, but lively enough with either transmission. Test manual-transmission s did 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Automatics smooth, responsive. Manual has coarse shift action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test manual-transmission V6 versions averaged 20.9 mpg in mixed city/highway use, 18.2 with gas-eating performance runs. No chance to measure other models yet, but expect mid-20-mpg range with 4 cyl. Mazda recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Taut, with some sharp reaction to pavement breaks at highway speed. But generally absorbent and comfortably controlled, even with Sport Package and its lower-profile tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Mazda aims for sports-sedan moves, and the 6 does feel agile, composed. Modest body lean in turns, responsive steering, great straight-line tracking, but V6s pull mildly to side during rapid acceleration. Wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuverability. Sport Package hones cornering grip, though 17-inch tires prone to slight wandering along grooved roads. Brakes strong, progressive.
QUIETNESS
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Both engines relaxed at cruise, emit pleasant pedal-to-metal growls, but neither is super-quiet. Rough-surface tire noise prominent, especially with 17-inch treads. Modest wind rush.
CONTROLS
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Mostly user-friendly. Unobstructed gauges, but not all testers like their red lighting. Main climate controls are simple knobs, but silvery finish makes their markings tough to read by day. Same goes for audio controls, which are also a bit busy in presentation. Climate, audio settings display near dashtop, remote from controls themselves. Test cars felt solid. Interior has nicely padded surfaces above door-handle level, disappoints with thin-feeling plastic below.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Firm seats generally comfortable, but some drivers may want a longer cushion. Six-footers have ample leg room, adequate head room. Standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel a welcome plus, but may not tilt high enough for tall drivers. Optional rear spoiler bisects rearward view.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Seat support nothing special, but toe space good, and leg room exceeds compact-class norm unless front seats are moved well back. Adequate adult head room. Entry/exit easy enough despite narrowish thresholds and doors that could open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Flat-floor trunk nicely finished, roomy. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space or threaten cargo, but opening not shaped to accept bulky objects. Spring-loaded rear seatbacks with in-trunk releases flop forward without assistance, but don't lie flat. Lidded dashtop bin contributes to above-average interior storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Tepid 4-cyl/automatic acceleration aside, Mazda 6 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise, yet it's as practical as any compact sedan--and even some midsize cars. Pricing and equipment levels also are competitive. It merits a look, especially if you're a "zoom-zoom" sort of driver.
Total Score
| i w/Sport Pkg., man. | i, auto. | s, w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 57 | 58 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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