Mazda 6

Name: 2003 Mazda 6
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Mazda6 has several strong attributes, including responsive handling, excellent brakes, a reasonably spacious and comfortable interior -- and quick acceleration in the V6 version. But overall, the Mazda6 remains a notch below some competing models. The automatic transmission lacks smoothness and responsivness, plus the 41-foot turning circle hampers tight maneuvering.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Mazda 6

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Accord

Toyota Camry

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2016

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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2003 Midsized cars Ratings

2003 Mazda 6

$3,050 - $3,200

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chevrolet Malibu

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chrysler Sebring

$2,900 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Accord

$3,475 - $4,650

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Sonata

$3,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Optima

$2,900 - $2,925

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Galant

$2,850 - $2,900

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Altima

$2,900 - $3,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

$3,100 - $3,850

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saab 9-5

$2,975 - $3,100

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Legacy

$3,025 - $4,100

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Camry

$4,150 - $4,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Passat

$2,975 - $4,350

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.3-liter 4 (160 hp)
3-liter V6 (220 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2014-2021

2014 Redesign Year

This edition of the Mazda6 arrived as a 2014 model on a new platform. We got an excellent 32 mpg overall from the smooth four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Acceleration doesn't suffer for fuel economy, with the Mazda6 returning slightly above average performance. The car is also agile and capable in corners, with a taut but firm ride. However, the cabin is loud, particularly on the highway; updates for 2016 helped some. The well-finished cabin has supportive seats, although the rear seats are relatively tight for this class. The infotainment system uses a console-mounted knob; figuring out how to use the system takes some time. Among the optional active safety features are blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Mazda6 underwent a major refresh with the 2018 model, improving ride comfort and noise isolation. An uplevel turbo engine for top versions is new. 2021 is the final year for the current generation of the 6.

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

An improved version of the Mazda6 debuted for 2009, proving to be among the sportiest of family sedans. In addition to being fun to drive, it is roomy, quiet, and quick. It also has a high-quality interior -- though road noise is a bit pronounced and we noted a few misaligned trim pieces. Similarly, while the rear seat is roomier than the one in the previous version of the car, the Mazda's stylishly low roofline inhibits access compared to its forebear.

2003-2008

2003 Redesign Year

The Mazda6 debuted in 2003 with a firm, yet compliant ride. The car also boasts excellent handling, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior. The trunk is sized nicely and the split rear seatbacks are spring-loaded, so they fold down with the pull of a lever. Nicely detailed, the interior is also readily accessible. However, the four-cylinder engine doesn't feel refined and while the V6 is quick, it's also thirsty. Tight maneuvering is somewhat hampered by a 41-foot turning circle. Wagon and hatchback versions became available in 2004. The car scored Poor in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags, but these became standard equipment for 2007.