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2003 Mazda 6
Date Published: 4/30/08

2003 Mazda 6
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MSRP:
$18,650 - 21,220

Invoice:
$17,205 - 19,569

Class:
Midsize Car
2003 Mazda 6
Expert Rating Summary
Category i w/Sport Pkg., man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Car Average Rating
Acceleration 5 5.2
Fuel Economy 6 5.3
Ride Quality 6 6.3
Steering/Handling/Braking 7 6.1
Quietness 5 5.5
Controls 7 6.5
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 6 5.9
Room/Comfort (rear) 5 4.4
Cargo Room 4 4.7
Value within Class 6 6.2
Total Score: 57 56.1
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2003 Mazda 6 Review
Replacing the 626 for 2003, the Mazda 6 is a slightly larger compact sedan with fresh styling and more power. The base "i" model uses a 160-hp 4-cyl engine vs. a 125-hp 4 cyl in the 626. The uplevel "s" has a 220-hp V6 vs. the 626's 165-hp V6. Manual transmission is standard. The optional automatic is a 4-speed unit on 4-cyl models, a 5 speed on V6s; both have a separate gate for manual shifting. All 6s have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS with traction control is standard on V6s, optional for 4-cyl models. Front side airbags with head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional. So is a Sport Package with 17-inch wheels vs. 16s, plus a rear spoiler and other aero add-ons. All models come with a single-disc CD player, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and split/fold rear seatback. Optional are a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and in-dash CD changer. Mazda says the 6 will add wagon and 4-dr hatchback body styles for model-year 2004.
Competition
Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.
News
Mazda6 is just getting started, but word is that initial sales are somewhat lower than expected. We're not sure why that is, but Mazda has already cranked up its marketing machine with hopes of juicing up demand.

Meantime, Mazda confirms the addition of 4-dr hatchback and wagon models for 2004, likely in the same two trim levels as the sedan. Not yet verified, but possible at some point fairly soon, is a tuned MazdaSpeed sedan and perhaps a wagon too. These would follow the extra-sporty youth-oriented formula of the 2003 MazdaSpeed Protege. Ford's Japanese partner is eyeing a stable of such products as an enthusiast-oriented sub-series. Still another prospect is a 6-based "sport wagon" patterned on the recent Sport Tourer concept, with raised suspension and all-wheel drive. No word yet on name or timing, but the new crossover would be a price rival for the likes of Subaru's Outback wagons. We hear it may arrive for model-year 2005.
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