2004 Mazda6 Sport Wagon

It's hardly news that station wagons are on a bit of a comeback roll in the U.S. What's really noteworthy is that style, performance and basic coolness have joined fundamental practicality as de facto buy points for these 21st century space ships. The new Mazda6 Sport Wagon embodies pretty much all of the above, joining an equally new and equally striking 5-door variant as running-mate to the slick midsize Mazda6 Sedan that made its successful debut for the 2003 model year.

The new Mazda6 Sport Wagon embodies style, performance and practicality in one toney hauler.

To reinforce its "Sport" appellation, Mazda offers this toney hauler in only one basic configuration that opens at $22,525, plus $520 in destination and prep fees. Standard features include enthusiast-oriented elements like a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, 5-speed manual gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in V-rated 215/50 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 all-season rubber, traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Even the optional automatic transmission displays this kind of performance orientation, being a driver-adaptive 5-speed with manumatic capabilities.


Rounding out the Sport Wagon's feature portfolio is a plethora of comfort and convenience touches. Topping the list are power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote entry, tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control, AM/FM/CD sound system with six speakers and auto-level control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio control buttons, automatic climate control, dual 12V power points, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and an anti-theft system.


Our test vehicle raised the stakes to near ultimate level. In addition to side airbags ($450), a power moonroof ($700) and California emissions kit ($100), it arrived packing the $1,540 Luxury Package (leather upholstery, 8-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and door mirrors, and electroluminescent gauges); the $770 Sport Package (unique color-keyed front/rear bumpers, grille and side-sill extensions, integrated fog lights, rear liftgate spoiler, chrome oval exhaust tips, and titanium-colored interior switch panels); and the $635 Bose Audio Package (Bose amplifier and subwoofer, in-dash 6-CD changer, and dedicated speakers). This comprehensive load of extras moved the bottom line up to a still quite attractive $27,240.

The Sport Wagon matches it exterior élan with a passenger compartment that puts fashion and functionality on an equal footing.

The Sport Wagon matches it exterior élan with a passenger compartment that puts fashion and functionality on an equal footing. Contemporary design cues from the sedan leave no doubt about its Mazda heritage. Key controls are all within easy reach; and, even in base form, the driver's seat provides manual adjustment for both the height and lumbar support. Although the front buckets are on the firm side, they're well formed and proved comfortable for long-distance cruising. The rear quarters are equally impressive, boasting head- and legroom that will accommodate two adults on a cross-country trip and three on a cross-town lunch run. We found that certain types of uneven road surfaces did tend to cause a marked increase in cabin noise levels, but overall NVH isolation is quite good for a wagon.