2003 Mazda 6 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

If this car breaks fixing it becomes a nightmare

Faults:

This car's fuel line connector to the engine failed at 3300 miles leaking gasoline all over my garage. The part for repair was not available and has to be made new! This has already taken one week and who knows when it will be ready. Previously the car handled nicely. Short people will not find it comfortable, but I did. It is too bad that Mazda cannot repair their own product with any efficiency.

General Comments:

This car handles well. The paint scratches easily however. The car is comfortable for a 6 footer like, but my 5 foot 2 inch wife hates it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th October, 2003

17th Jan 2004, 15:23

Bugger that!! We Aussies always seem to get ripped off with imported cars. We were told that it does not have a 6 cyl engine option and will not be offered with one. A 3L with 150+Kw (after "out of area" research) would suit the car to a tee in terms of performance considering it is still reasonably peppy with the 2.3 here in Aus. I presume they use the Tribute engine for it?

2003 Mazda 6 S 3.0-liter V6 from North America

Summary:

First sedan in years (replaced an aging S.U.V.), and no regrets at all (so far)

Faults:

Back seat base CAME LOOSE while my son (and his child seat) was in it! JUST a bit terrifying. Fixed at dealer at no charge - only took 5 minutes. Still left me a bit shook up, though.

Rear brakes make a bit of a grinding sound during heavy braking. Dealer attributes this to ABS, and says it's completely normal. While the ABS isn't "jerky" like that of some cars, I can really hear the ABS modulation in the rear. Front braking is as smooth as glass.

General Comments:

This is a GREAT-feeling car. Feels as tight as a drum. Plenty of power, smooth trans, very fun in the "manumatic" mode. It feels as though the tires are glued to the ground. This car just begs to play out in the twisties. A true joy to drive.

The interior is very comfortable, and the gauges and dials are right where they need to be. Excellent climate control system. Great seats. Stereo system could be a *tad* better, but it's much better than other stock systems I've had.

I know it's the car's first production year, so I'm mindful of any new rattles, squeaks, etc. so far - not a problem at all.

But just to be safe - I got the "everything" warranty. :-)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th March, 2003

11th Apr 2003, 01:53

What the rear seat base broke, that is kinda an very obvious bug mazda should have picked up at testing.

30th Sep 2003, 12:34

My Mazda 6 is 3 months old and has been in the shop 7 times. It's had the brakes replaced, strut, motor mount and the check engine light comes on for no reason at all.

2003 Mazda 6 i from North America

Summary:

I was hoping for better

Faults:

At less than 1 month old at at 1222 miles, I have a fuel line leak, so bad the fire department was called out last night by the neighbors because of the toxic spill.

General Comments:

I had been much anticipating the release of this car to the public, but have learned a valuable lesson. Don't buy a car the first year it comes out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th January, 2003

8th Jul 2004, 00:06

Words of wisdom about rushing to buy the latest, and greatest, newest car out there.

Hold off the urge, and let others be the guinea pigs until the quirks are ironed out.

No vehicle is perfect, and the only true test of a good vehicle is, miles on the road in the hands of consumers.