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2003 Mazda6

Date: 13 June 2003	Miles: 3,100
MotorWeek viewers know we enthusiastically selected the 2003 Mazda6 as our Drivers' Choice Best Sport Sedan. We were taken by its high entertainment value, in driving feel, youthful styling, responsive powertrain and suspension, and comfortable driver oriented interior. So far, in the first month in our fleet, nothing has happening to change that opinion one iota. No unexpected hiccups or scares. Our 3.0-liter V-6 manual with the Sport Package is no gas sipper, but 23.4 miles per gallon is just fine considering the level of performance this modestly priced sport sedan delivers. Especially since it doubles as a fine front-drive family car buy as well.
Date: 8 August 2003	Miles: 6,000
We enthusiastically picked the 2003 Mazda6 as our Drivers' Choice Best Sport Sedan of the year. Now, after 3 months and 6,000 miles in our long term fleet, we'll add that there is no four-door sedan under $20,000 that we enjoy driving every day more than the Mazda6. And although its styling doesn't shout, we do have a lot of people coming up to us and commenting on its smart and handsome looks. We're also pretty pleased about the cost of daily driving, since even with our car's responsive 220-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, fuel economy is holding steady at 23.3 miles per gallon. A darn near perfect mix of driving fun and functionality. That's the word on the 2003 Mazda6.
Date: 19 September 2003	Miles: 8,000
For those that love cars, having to grow up and trade in that pampered sports machine for a family sedan is a traumatic experience. But, if that four-door is a new 2003 Mazda6, the transition will be painless. From the first turn of the wheel, we were taken with the 6's exhilarating driving feel, great powertrain and suspension, young styling, smart driver-oriented interior, and reasonable prices. No wonder it was the overwhelming choice as our 2003 Driver's Choice Best Sport Sedan. After 4 months and nearly 8,000 miles, the only problem we've encountered is the remote key fob won't open the trunk as it should. Our car is a 3.0-liter 220-horsepower V-6 manual with the Sport Package, the most performance oriented model in the Mazda6 stable. In all around driving, our fuel economy average is an acceptable 23.1 miles per gallon. But, it will cruise the highway in the upper 20s. Need more economy? Well, even the base ''6'' with a 160-horsepower 2.3-liter 4 is a joy to drive. There are a lot of family sedans on the market today, but none is more enjoyable than the Mazda6.
Date: 05 December 2003	Miles: 9,800
Sales is the clear measure of a car design's commercial success. But, head turning and pointing tell us if the passion behind a car design really connects with enthusiasts. And, judging from how many people stop us and want to know more about our 2003 Mazda6, we'd say that connection is being made. Our 2003 MotorWeek Driver's Choice winner for Best Sport sedan proves that a family purveyor can also be entertaining without compromising its primary missions. Equipped with the Sport Package, turn-ins are quite flat, with overall crisp reactions. The 220-horsepower V-6 has robust torque and a robust exhaust. Only the somewhat balky shifter and on-off clutch action give us any complaints. But, after 9,800 miles and 7 months, we are quite pleased with 23.0 mile per gallon economy, and otherwise flawless operation. In short, the Mazda6 is very close to a perfect 10 with us.
Date: 20 February 2004	Miles: 13,000
The Mazda6 is a family sedan that doubles as an everyman's four-door sport sedan. Granted our V-6, the current ''s'' model, with the Sport Package, is top of the line, but it still goes for just over 25 grand, before you start to bargain. And the very capable ''i'' base car starts at an even better 19-3. Either way performance is a cut above its mostly family sedan rivals. Our car's 23.0 miles per gallon is not shabby either. We also like the styling that makes an unusually aggressive statement for its class. And, even with a driver friendly interior, it has more than enough room for a growing family. No mechanical problems have befallen our ''6'', although the 5-speed manual shift linkage is losing some smoothness, especially in the cold. Otherwise, the Mazda6 is about as sweet as an affordable family four-door can get.
Date: 28 May 2004	Miles: 15,500
We feel very lucky that we got to spend a year with the Mazda6 in our test fleet. Our top of the line 2003 V-6 model included the Sport Package and is comparable to the ''S'' model that is now available. This aggressively styled sedan more than any other model signals the return of Mazda to its affordable sport sedan heritage. Yes, we know most people will view it as a mid-size alternative to the Camry and Accord, but what they will get for their money is a well-rounded driving experience that is a cut above rivals. The 220-horsepower V-6 is responsive, as is the all-independent suspension and well-weighted steering. Yet ride quality gives away only a little to the class leaders that reward the driver with much less. Plus, it's pretty economical to sport around in. After 15,500 miles we averaged a fine 23.7 miles per gallon. We also had no mechanical problems with our ''6'', although the sweet 5-speed manual shifter did lose some smoothness over the year. But while this Mazda6 is leaving us, we will see its affects for a long time coming since this very capable chassis will form the basis for a wide variety of other new Mazda and Ford products yet to come.