2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 24 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Tired of the dull, sensible, vanilla-flavored family sedan? If you're willing to give up some passenger room, the Mazda 6 should add a dash of zing to your daily commute.
Pros
Excellent handling and ride, automanual transmission, nicely appointed interior.
Cons
Tight rear-seat accommodations, engine doesn't live up to the power of its competitors.
What's New for 2003
Mazda introduces the successor to its 626 and Millenia midsize sedans, known as the 6. Touted for its sporty characteristics, the 6 hopes to make a splash in the congested family sedan marketplace.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Bad Transmission
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 s 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I had only 50,000 miles on this car when the transmission started slamming into gear. They definitely have an internal problem with their transmissions. They cannot be rebuilt. You have to purchase another one from Mazda. $4000.00 later with only a year warranty it runs better. After I picked up my car from the shop another one came in with the same problem, same year. This should be a recall..........
Favorite Features
Stereo and body style
Suggested Improvements
Transmission. That definitely should be included on their recall list. Especially when it cannot be rebuilt!!
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 i 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
You simply cannot go wrong with the Mazda 6i. It's hands down the best car I've ever owned. I get over 30 mpg combined and the 4 cyl 160 hp engine has plenty of pep. I purchased the car off lease with 33K miles and now am close to 100K and have had only minor mechanical issue. The drive belt tensioner has gone bad twice (makes a rattle at low idle, common problem), it cost me $60 and 30 minutes of my time to replace both times. The O2 sensor went bad and it cost me $80 and 30 minutes of my time to replace. Oil changes are a snap and if you put Yokohama tires on this car it rides like a dream. My only complaint is the turning radius, it's horrible. I can live with that minor annoyance
Favorite Features
Reliability, gas mileage, smooth ride w/Yokohama tires, peppy engine.
Suggested Improvements
Better turning radius and a clip to prevent the drivers seat belt from getting caught on the power seat controls which moves the seat position whenever you try to put on the seatbelt.
A Faithful and Fun Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 i 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I owned my Mazda 6 for almost 6 1/2 years before trading it this month. In all that time, the only mechanical problem I ever had with the car was a bad CV valve. I did however have several problems with interior quality, namely my hands wore holes through the leather coverings on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob. Talk about cheap. The headliner also started coming down after only 4 1/2 years. Finally, the pixels on the center console started fading out making it difficult to read. All that said, the car was very reliable and fun to drive. It handled very nimbly and dug into corners. Straight-line acceleration was lacking but it was a 4-cylinder. I would definitely buy it again.
Favorite Features
6-Disc In-Dash CD changer; leather heated seats; athletic cornering capability; interior ergonomics; bright reddish orange dash and console; sound of the engine.
Suggested Improvements
1st generation has ended but would definitely improve the quality of interior materials.
mazda 6
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 s 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have had my 6 for three years now and love it. Besides brake and caliper issues it has had no problems. It is fun to drive and handles wonderfully. I would suggest this car to anyone wanting a family car with a fun factor.
Favorite Features
stereo is great. love the exterior best looking car on the road
Suggested Improvements
I had problems with rust on quarter panels that needed to be designed better
Win Some, Lose Some
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Mazda MAZDA6 s 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my Mazda in 2003 when it first came out. I loved the feel, the sleek look, and the "zoom zoom" sound when I accelerated. It's now 6 years later, and I have enjoyed the car but will not buy another Mazda. There have been many recalls, and I went through the cooling/heating problems (i.e. fan kept running when engine was turned off, heater quit working once, etc.) I have never been satisfied with the heating/cooling. There is a huge kickback when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Throttle went out, oil pan replaced, new radiator, new water pump--you name it. I had a repair for $1,000 in January 2009.
Favorite Features
leather seats, moonroof, heated seats/mirrors
Suggested Improvements
The interior/exterior design is good. Work is needed under the hood (where it really counts!)
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