2003 Mazda MAZDA6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Rather than introduce another typical sedan to replace the 626 and Millenia mid-size sedans in 2003, Mazda decided to go sporty. The result...
Rather than introduce another typical sedan to replace the 626 and Millenia mid-size sedans in 2003, Mazda decided to go sporty. The result was the Mazda 6, a sport sedan that was not only more powerful than the cars it replaced, but also sleeker in design and more nimble over the roads.
The four-door Mazda 6 was available in two configurations for 2003. Under the hood of the base 6i sedan was a 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine (offering 35 more horsepower than the four-cylinder engine in the previous year's 626 sedan). Stepping the power level up a notch was the Mazda 6s sedan, which was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 that pumped out 220 horsepower (up 55 horsepower from the V6 in the previous year's 626).
A five-speed manual transmission was standard on both sedans, while a four-speed automatic was optional on the 6i and a five-speed manual was an option on the 6s. Both automatic transmissions had a special gate feature that enabled drivers to shift manually, similar to Porsche's Tiptronic transmissions.
Standard equipment on both 6 sedans included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, dual airbags, and a tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upscale 6s added a power-adjustable driver's seat, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. A sunroof and leather seats were among the options.
Generally, drivers liked the Mazda 6's handling, acceleration, sporty suspension, and styling. A few drivers reported having problems with the cars, but those drivers seemed to be the exception rather then the rule, with most reporting little or no problems with the car.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Mazda MAZDA6 have a positive view of the car, highlighting its stylish design, performance, and comfortable driving experience. Many appreciate the fuel economy, especially from the diesel variant, and the well-equipped interior with features like a BOSE sound system. However, some owners express frustration over quality issues, particularly with rust and wheel corrosion, and mention various mechanical problems, particularly with the engine and oil system."
The new Mazda6 shape was a winner from the start. Very stylish ans sleak, it aimed to please. With standard features such as climate control, cruise control, 6 stack CD player and active matic transmission just to name a few, the Mazda was a winner inside and out. The 4cyl, 2.3l engine meant getting 600km out of a single tank was not an issue. Averaging around 9.5-9.8l per 100km in built up areas made it very easy to manage financially as well. Great car, packed with features
February 3, 2008This is a stunning car. We went out on a limb and bought one of the first Mazda6's available and have had little problems since. It's definitely better looking that many other cars in its class (Camry, Accord) and had some of the best handling in car this size. While the gas mileage is so-so (V-6), the engine note is spectacular. If you get an automatic, have the tranny fluid changed regularly or its quick to start slipping and missing gear changes. Other than that, its a joy to have!
July 10, 2008I like how reliable this car was, started up everyday. Looked great and the style matches up with the newer models. Gas mileage is superb, definitely comparable to newer cars. Spacious interior yet actually kind of intimate. Large backseats, I imagine it would be good for a family. Overall an enjoyable car to drive.
November 20, 2014What owners say
The new Mazda6 shape was a winner from the start. Very stylish ans sleak, it aimed to please. With standard features such as climate control, cruise control, 6 stack CD player and active matic transmission just to name a few, the Mazda was a winner inside and out. The 4cyl, 2.3l engine meant getting 600km out of a single tank was not an issue. Averaging around 9.5-9.8l per 100km in built up areas made it very easy to manage financially as well. Great car, packed with features
February 3, 2008This is a stunning car. We went out on a limb and bought one of the first Mazda6's available and have had little problems since. It's definitely better looking that many other cars in its class (Camry, Accord) and had some of the best handling in car this size. While the gas mileage is so-so (V-6), the engine note is spectacular. If you get an automatic, have the tranny fluid changed regularly or its quick to start slipping and missing gear changes. Other than that, its a joy to have!
July 10, 2008I like how reliable this car was, started up everyday. Looked great and the style matches up with the newer models. Gas mileage is superb, definitely comparable to newer cars. Spacious interior yet actually kind of intimate. Large backseats, I imagine it would be good for a family. Overall an enjoyable car to drive.
November 20, 2014I absolutely love this car!!! The most fun ever to drive! Gas isn't so great, but that's because i like to go fast. :) It is an amazingly smooth ride... oh, love!
July 4, 2008Wow! that's the only thing that can be said. mazda really turned over a new leaf when they unvailed this car and everything in the generation following. it's got it all for under 30 grand. it lead its class with a 220 horse direct injected V6 with a close ratio 5 speed transmition (6.5 sec 0-60, 14.8 sec quarter mile, could reach at least 140mph but is governed at 120) and stock handeling it amazing compared to anything like it. and i would recomend the racingbeat suspension package, AEM cld air induction and racingbeat exhaust to make it unbeatable (engine mods on the whole are limited). all of the interior features are cool. it has a 6cd changer, front bucket seats that will hug you in a curve, even the shifter is just right (easy to reach, fairly short shift compared to others in its class, but better than a beamer)my only problem is that it needs another gear for highway driving that would improve highway mileage (rated at 20 city, 27 hwy). it runs at abt 32-34 hundred rpm at 80 mph. so it isn't bad, but it could be better. another thing is that its feather-light clutch requires a sweet spot of engine revs at many a stoplight--too much and you'll smoke it, and it'll bog if you use too few. so it's not the easiest manual to drive (let alone learn on). Overall, this ride is destined to live on as one of, if not the best sport sedans of this century pioneering for a new age.
June 19, 2008Performance: [] Magnaflow Cat-back Exhaust [] CP-E MAFci Cold Air Intake [] MSDS Full Racing Headers Overall, the car is awesome. I'm running synthetic oil and tranny fluid. The car runs so smooth, and is fun to drive. With 69k miles it has had its amounts of repairs, but with the last repair over and done with, its time for some more modifications!
August 31, 2008Perfect first car for my 19 year old son. Invested $1K additionally, but only all as expected as natural wear and tear. I would definitely say yay, we love it
October 21, 2022I like everything about this car. Really great mileage. 19 city 27 highway. Front and back seats very comfortable for long trips. 0-60+ mph in no time. No problem climbing mountains, on curvey roads. Handles like a dream. Great first car for anyone. V6 engine smooth....
May 9, 2013The performance from the 136bhp 2.0 diesel is very good, with plenty of midrange power, the economy is also good but not as good as some of it's rivals. I get about 620 miles on a full tank. The ride is very comfortable and compliant, and the handling is very good, although for me the steering could do with a touch more weight and feel, but much better than most. Luckily for me when I bought the car 2nd hand, it had a Mazda extended warranty which I've made full use of, but the biggest problem has been rust. It seems all Mazdas destined for Europe but built in Japan suffer from surface rust, and the 6 is one of the worst hit. The rear arches were starting to rust just after 2 years old, and it's been in about 6 times now for that problem alone, I've just had the door sills treated and repainted too along with some of the edges of the doors. The positives are good though, the interior is well finished and you get lots of kit including on mine a Bose Stereo and DVD Sat Nav (optional), it's a comfortable place to be too, if a bit noisy compared to some.
October 5, 2008Well built and reliable Jap offering that undercuts the germans on price while still offering everything you'd want. The diesel 2ltr (136) is a great balance of power with fantastic fuel economy. Good interior, all the toys on the TS2 model although the leather interior is an option you will lose out on during resale so i wouldn't bother. Consider this or a Passat, not a lot else comes close especially all that french rubbish.
January 14, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,555 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.3L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $21,740 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
