2003-2008 Mazda 6: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2003-2008 Mazda 6 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
Cons
- Radio controls
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2003-2008 Mazda 6. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2003-2008 Mazda 6.
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 highlighted Mazda's 2006 midsize car lineup. MazdaSpeeds were sedans with all-wheel drive and a 274-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. MazdaSpeeds came only with a 6-speed manual and included a sport suspension and specific trim.
2007 Mazda 6:
Curtain side airbags were standard for 2007 on all versions of Mazda's midsize cars.
2008 Mazda 6:
The 2008 Mazda 6 was little changed, but the wagon and MazdaSpeed models were discontinued this year.
Our road test for the 2003-2008 Mazda 6 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2003-2008 Mazda 6 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2003-2008 Mazda 6 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Pleasantly peppy with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, a Mazda 6 is dull but acceptable with four-cylinder/automatic. The automatic's manual-shift feature can be used to restore some lost sparkle. V6 versions don't exactly spring off the line, and need high rpm to really feel brisk. But they're lively enough with either transmission. A test manual-shift "s" sedan reached 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. The automatic is smoothly responsive, whereas the manual gearbox has coarse shift action. Manual-shift V6 sedans have averaged 20.9 mpg in mixed city/highway use, and 18.2 mpg with gas-guzzling performance runs. A four-cylinder/manual-shift sedan managed 22.3 mpg. Mazda recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines. The Mazda 6 suspension is taut, but generally absorbent and comfortably controlled, even with 17-inch tires. Some sharp reaction to pavement seams occurs at highway speeds. Mazda aims for sport-sedan moves, and the "6" does feel agile and composed. Suspension settings are essentially the same for each trim level, though 17-inch tires deliver greater grip in fast turns. Modest body lean is evident in curves, but steering is responsive. Great straight-line tracking is a bonus, but the V6 model pulls mildly to the side during rapid acceleration. A wide turning circle impairs close-quarters maneuverability. Brakes are strong, with progressive action. Both engines are relaxed while cruising, and emit hard-acceleration growls. Neither is super-quiet. Rough-surface tire noise is moderate but prominent with 17-inch treads, but sedans are slightly better than hatchbacks or wagons at muffling road sounds. Wind rush is modest. Unobstructed gauges are pleasing, but not everyone likes the red Grand Touring lighting. Main climate controls are simple knobs, but a silvery finish makes their markings tough to read in daylight. Audio controls have the same problem, and are also too "busy." Climate and audio settings display near the center dashtop, remote from the controls themselves. The interior has nicely padded surfaces above door-handle level, but it disappoints with hard, thin-feeling plastic panels below. Firm front seats are quite comfortable, but some drivers might prefer a longer cushion. Others may desire better lateral support in swift turns. Six-footers have ample leg room and adequate head room. The standard tilt/telescopic steering wheel is a welcome plus, but might not tilt high enough for tall drivers. The optional rear spoiler bisects the rearward view. Wagons provide easy all-around visibility. Seat support in back is nothing special, on slightly soft cushions. Toe space is good, and leg room exceeds the norm unless front seats are moved well back. Head room is adequate. Entry/exit is easy enough, despite narrow thresholds and doors that could open wider. Center shoulder belts in wagons and hatchbacks are awkward to find and fasten. The sedan's flat-floor trunk is nicely finished and roomy. Strut-type lid hinges don't steal space or threaten cargo, but the opening is not shaped to accept bulky objects. Spring-loaded rear seatbacks with in-trunk or cargo-area releases flop forward without assistance, but don't quite lie flat. The lidded dashtop bin contributes to above-average interior storage space. Hatchbacks and wagons have spacious, nicely trimmed cargo bays, plus rear under-floor storage.
Value for the Money
In total refinement, the Mazda 6 ranks a shade behind the pace set by Accord and Camry. Acceleration is tepid in four-cylinder models with automatic; yet overall, the Mazda 6 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise. It's also as practical as any compact sedan--and even some midsize models. As a result, the Mazda 6 earns a Recommended rating.
In total refinement, the Mazda 6 ranks a shade behind the pace set by Accord and Camry. Acceleration is tepid in four-cylinder models with automatic; yet overall, the Mazda 6 delivers on its fun-to-drive promise. It's also as practical as any compact sedan--and even some midsize models. As a result, the Mazda 6 earns a Recommended rating.
Expert Ratings 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 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mazda 6 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mazda 6 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
The front brakes may chatter or oscillate and make a groaning sound in low-speed turns requiring the rotors to be machined and revised brake pads installed. (2003-04)
Climate control:
The heating and ventilation system may not go into recirculation mode due to electrical problem in the climate control unit. (2003-06)
Engine misfire:
Engine may run rough or fail to start if cam timing shifts due to lack of key on crankshaft sprocket. (2003)
Engine noise:
A ticking noise from the 3.0L engine, often described as a lifter tick, requires the removal and reinstallation of the camshaft caps. (2003-05)
Engine stalling:
Engine stumbles and may die and not restart at altitudes above 5,000 ft. when climbing hills in summer due to fuel pump cavitation. (2003-06)
Headlights:
The fog light socket falls out (and usually into the bumper) due to excessive heat which can also burn the bumper and were being recalled to install springs to hold the socket in place. (2003)
Oil leak:
If the wrong type of oil filter wrench is used, the oil filter cartridge housing can get distorted causing a leak. (2003-05)
Seat:
The lumbar adjustment fails. (2006-07)
Steering noise:
A popping noise may come from the front end whenever the steering wheel is turned due to a problem with the spring insulators which have to be replaced. (2003-04)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $55 |
| Alternator | $340 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,195 |
| Brakes | $710 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $790 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $2,110 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $3,670 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,575 |
Our price chart for this generation Mazda 6 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Mazda 6i sedan | $15,300-18,000 | $13,900-16,400 | $9,800-11,500 |
| Mazda 6s sedan | $17,000-19,500 | $15,600-17,900 | $10,900-12,500 |
| 2007 | |||
| Mazda 6i | $13,200-15,700 | $12,000-14,300 | $7,700-9,100 |
| Mazda 6s | $14,800-17,000 | $13,500-15,500 | $9,300-10,700 |
| MazdaSpeed 6 | $19,000-20,800 | $17,500-19,100 | $12,400-13,500 |
| 2006 | |||
| Mazda 6i | $11,600-13,400 | $10,400-12,100 | $6,400-7,400 |
| Mazda 6s | $13,000-14,700 | $11,800-13,400 | $7,500-8,500 |
| MazdaSpeed 6 | $16,700-18,200 | $15,200-16,600 | $10,700-11,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| Mazda 6i | $10,300-11,700 | $9,300-10,500 | $5,500-6,200 |
| Mazda 6s | $11,500-12,800 | $10,400-11,500 | $6,300-7,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Mazda 6i | $9,300-10,200 | $8,400-9,200 | $4,800-5,300 |
| Mazda 6s | $10,300-11,300 | $9,300-10,200 | $5,500-6,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| Mazda 6i | $8,500-9,300 | $7,700-8,400 | $4,400-4,800 |
| Mazda 6s | $9,500-10,300 | $8,600-9,300 | $4,900-5,400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mazda 6 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door hatchback | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 105.3 | 105.3 | 105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 186.8 | 186.8 | 187.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | 70.1 | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.7 | 56.7 | 57.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3172 | 3042 | 34.4 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 58.7 | 15.2 | 60.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.3 | 42.3 | 42.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 37.1 | 38.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Mazda 6 models have come with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 220 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission has been standard. The optional automatic transmission is a four-speed for four-cylinder models or a five-speed for V6 versions. A six-speed automatic replaced the five-speed in 2005, for "s" sedans. For 2006, the MazdaSpeed6 performance model gets a 274-hp turbocharged 4-cyl engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 220 | 192 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 5-speed automatic: 19/27 6-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: 20.9 5-speed automatic: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 160 | 155 | 5-speed manual: 25/32 4-speed automatic: 23/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 274 | 280 | 6-speed manual: 19/25 | 6-speed manual: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mazda 6 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2003 6 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2003-2008 Mazda 6 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2003 Mazda6:
An improper fuel sender unit may cause a break in the seal and result in a fuel leak. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004 Mazda6:
Right and/or left rear seat belts may not lock properly, due to missing retaining pins.
2007-08 6 with California emission specifications:
The PVC protective coating on the outside of the fuel tank may have been damaged during the assembly process which may result in reduced corrosion resistance, perforation of the fuel tank, and fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the bottom surface of the fuel tank for damage to the protective coating and, if necessary, repair the coating or replace the fuel tank.
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