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2003-2007 Mazda 6
Date Published: 2/20/08

2003-2007 Mazda 6
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Price Range:
$8,600 - 22,500

Class:
Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2003-2007 Mazda 6
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Mazda 6i w/automatic Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 58
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2003-2007 Mazda 6 Review
Replacing the 626 sedan, the new front-drive Mazda 6 (actually badged "Mazda6") was a slightly wider, taller, and heavier sedan with fresh styling and more power. The base "i" model used a new 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The uplevel "s" sedan held a 220-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6, versus the 165-hp 2.5-liter V6 in the departed 626. Both engines teamed with a manual or automatic transmission. The automatic was a four-speed unit on four-cylinder models, but a five-speed with V6s; both had a separate gate for manual shifting. All models had four-wheel disc brakes. ABS with integrated traction control was standard on V6 models, and optional for four-cylinder sedans. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags were available for all models. So was a Sport Package that included 17-inch alloy wheels instead of steel or 16-inch alloys, plus a rear spoiler and other aero body add-ons. Standard equipment included a single-disc CD player, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a split-folding rear seatback. V6s added automatic climate control. Options included a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, in-dash CD changer, and Bose audio. V6s came with a power driver's seat. The Mazda 6 competed against both compact and midsize cars, in power as well as marketing focus. Rivals included the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry; and later, the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu.
Year to Year Changes
2004 Mazda 6: Wagon and hatchback body styles joined the original Mazda 6 sedan in the spring of 2004. Seventeen-inch wheels were standard on "s" models, and optional for "i" versions. The available Sport Package included special interior trim.
2005 Mazda 6: Antilock braking and traction control were standard on all 2005 models, and a six-speed automatic transmission replaced the five-speed unit for "s" versions. Mazda's three body styles came in base, Sport, and Grand Touring trim levels.
2006 Mazda 6: An available 6-speed automatic transmission and a new MazdaSpeed performance model highlight Mazda's 2006 midsize car lineup. MazdaSpeeds are sedans with all-wheel drive and a 274-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. MazdaSpeeds come only with a 6-speed manual and include a sport suspension and specific trim.
2007 Mazda 6: Curtain side airbags are standard for 2007 on all versions of Mazda's midsize cars.
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