2003 Mazda6 Sedan
A Bright Future

Susan Frissell

If the Mazda6 is any indication of what’s in store for Mazda vehicles (and Ford) to come, we predict a brighter future. All new for 2003, Mazda6 has become Mazda’s flagship vehicle as they slowly but surely weed out the Millenia. A true sports sedan for the enthusiast, the Mazda6 also takes care of the family buyer.

There is no end to opting out your Mazda6, but the price rises fast. But then, Mazda didn’t intend for the Mazda6 to appeal to everyone. Hardly. It’s capable of being as individual as any driver wants. This is a car that promises a fun, and at times, wild ride. Don’t expect to be "comforted" by squishy suspensions and sedan-like handling. Mazda didn’t mess around when it designed the Mazda 6. Indeed, their benchmark was one of the best: BMW 3-Series

Standard motoring power for the Mazda6 is a 2.3-liter I-4, 160-horsepower engine. Or one can opt (our choice) for the 3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 with 220-horsepower. Not having tested the 4-cylinder yet, we can attest to its viability, but we found the V6 to be more than ample power for everyday driving. The engine and accelerator are a tad twitchy. Not a bad thing. But one must watch for the Law when zipping around in the manual version.

In the base Mazda6 model with manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, air, 4-wheel disc brakes, power windows, door locks and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio an cruise control buttons, leather shift knob and boot, dual stainless exhaust with chrome tailpipes, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, AM/FM/CD stereo and two 12-volt outlets, 60/40 split rear seatbacks, keyless entry and dual "smart" airbags are just some of the standard features. Going up from there, one can choose the V6 engine, and get ABS, traction control, eight-way power driver’s seat, 16-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, and alarm system. There are packages to add, as well, like the Sport Package and Bose Audio Package we had on our test vehicle.

Our 5-speed manual Mazda6came equipped with a few expensive options including side airbags and side air curtains ($450), leather seat upholstery ($860), power moonroof ($700), Comfort Package (heated front seats, $700), heated door mirrors, $220, Sport Package (17-inch alloy wheel upgrade, 215/50 R17 V-Rated tires, electroluminescent gauges, Titanium color switch panels, $860) and a Bose Audio Package (in-dash 6-disc CD changer, four door-mounted speakers, $635).

The Mazda6’s ride isn’t exactly harsh, but it is sporty. As intended, one will know he/she is driving a sports sedan. Given that our test vehicle came equipped with the Sports Package that meant all-season radials mounted on 17-inch wheels, we weren’t sheltered from a few tough bumps in the road. According to the folks at Mazda, summer tires may provide an improvement in handling, but are not available in the U.S.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell. All Rights Reserved.