2003 Mazda6 Sedan

The seats are excellent, with plenty of rear and lateral support for quick cornering. Topped with a handsome chromed ball, the manual shifter works as well as a good cable system can; and the 5-speed automatic (on the V-6; the four has a 4-speed automatic) can be operated manually with a crisp, short throw reminiscent of Porsche's Tiptronic system. The manual's top two gears are both overdrives, so you may wish to downshift to third for performance driving at medium speeds. Serious tires, optional 17-inch wheels (16-inch wheels with P205/60HR-16 radials are standard), big sway bars and firm but not annoying shock and spring settings make you realize immediately that considerable thought went into this new Mazda.

A 5-speed manual transmission is available on both the 160 horsepower 4-cylinder variant and the lustier 220 hp V-6.

Mazda engineers take 'the soul of a sports car" slogan seriously. Over the years, the Miata and the RX-7 have proven conclusively that this company understands the components of performance. You sense that with the Mazda6 as well. Accordingly, whether you order the I-4 'i' or the V-6 's' model, there's a very high content level in both cars. They've done away with an entry-level stripper/rental fleet model, so there are simply two variants. If you buy either Mazda6, they're credible performers. If you opt for the bigger wheels and tires, they make a good thing even better. But even if you don't buy the option packages, you still won't be disappointed.


Mazda's new five-point grille heralds a restyled car that's nearly as big as the newly enlarged Camry and Accord—and it's surprisingly roomy inside, where you need the space. The trunk is 15.2 cubic feet, the largest in the class. Rear legroom is a bit shy of Honda's and Toyota's, and the Mazda6's rear door is slightly smaller, but everything else is comparable. The Mazda6's sleek new body resembles that of a buffed gymnast in a tight shirt. You can see muscular curvature in the way the sheetmetal is closely formed over the car's mechanicals. From the distinctive 'flying M' grille, a pair of strakes rush rearwards, wrapping the cabin and extending around the beltline to the trunk. All models have dual exhaust tips with big chromed tips—another performance cue that tells you this car means business.


As part of the Sports package, there's an optional CHMSL-carrying spoiler which, to my mind 'spoils' the appearance a bit, but Mazda engineers hasten to advise it actually improves Cd and down-force a few percentage points. And, they insist, "the North American market wants" this distinctive feature. The Sports package includes a front air dam, 17-inch 5-spoke cast alloy wheels with 215/50VR all-season radials, clear-lens halogen foglamps centered in the headlight clusters, side sill extensions and a rear apron. Included are red-illuminated Optitron gauges that light dramatically when you turn the key. Mazda claims steering response is sharpened at high speeds with the performance package.


Inside, a T-shaped instrument panel, finished with a titanium-hued surface, looks like a part out of a Miata or an RX-7. The sporty steering wheel (featuring redundant sound system volume and tuning controls, along with cruise control switches) easily tilts and telescopes with a single control lever. Controls are easy-to-use, conveniently located and neatly integrated. The overall feel is one of quality thanks to well-chosen plastic surfaces and neatly stitched leather accents. An optional Comfort Package includes heated front seats and door mirrors, and requires the leather interior.