January 17, 2008

Used Vehicle Review:
Mazda6, 2003 - 2007

2004 Mazda6 Sport GT (hatchback). Click image to enlarge

By Chris Chase

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Mazda6, 2003-2007

The Mazda 626 joined the company's line-up as a mid-sized sedan in the late 1970s. Through more than 20 years, the car established itself as a sporty alternative to other mid-size competitors, notably the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. While Mazda opted to drop the 626 name in 2003 in favour of its new naming convention, the Mazda6 replacement carried on Mazda's reputation for building fun-to-drive cars.

Engine choices were two: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder (160 hp) and a 3.0-litre V6 (220 hp); transmissions were a five-speed manual available with either motor, or a four-speed automatic for four-cylinder cars and a five speed auto with the V6 engine. In 2005, the five-speed auto was replaced by a six-speed gearbox.

The Mazda6 was around first, but its styling and performance foretold the compact Mazda3 that would debut in 2004. While the Mazda6 was smaller inside than many of its competitors, it was sportier, even in basic form. Interestingly, the 2006 Ford Fusion was based on the same platform and mechanicals as the Mazda6 but got a roomier interior courtesy of a longer wheelbase.

	Verdict Highs: Great looks and performance Lows: A few reliability issues; tight back seat

Fuel consumption for four-cylinder, five-speed manual models was rated at around 10 L/100 km in the city and 7 L/100 km on the highway. With the V6, ratings consumption increased to 12.2 L/100 km (city) and 8 L/100 km (highway). Opting for an automatic transmission only affected ratings by a few ticks either way.

2004 Mazda6 Sport GT (hatchback). Click image to enlarge

Reliability has been average, if Consumer Reports is to be believed. It appears the four-cylinder engine is the more robust of the two; the publication notes minor transmission troubles, but doesn't offer specifics for manual and automatics. It might be worth noting, though, that Mazda recommends a very specific type of transmission fluid for the six-speed automatic. Read about that here. Also in the transmission department, many owners of automatic cars note a rough shift between first and second, or second and third.

2004 Mazda6 GT SportWagon. Click image to enlarge

In the U.S., Mazda issued a service bulletin for 2003-2006 V6 models to replace the radiator fan control module. These have tended to go bad because of internal soldering problems. Read about this issue here.

This page lists a number of threads at iMazda.com detailing how to address some minor issues.

Mazda issued a technical service bulletin to address problems with throttle bodies at low speeds and small throttle openings. Many owners also say they've had the battery in their car become run down so that the car would shut off without warning, sometimes while driving.

2004 Mazda6 GT (sedan). Click image to enlarge

In 2003, side airbags were standard in GT (four-cylinder and V6) models and not available in the base GS models. They became standard in 2007. Mazda6s without side airbags tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) scored five stars for front-seat protection in frontal impacts; and three and four stars, respectively, for front and rear seat occupant protection in side impacts. With side airbags, the side impact ratings improve to four stars front and rear.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Mazda a "good" rating in frontal offset crash tests; without side airbags, the car was rated "poor" in side impact tests.

2004 Mazda6 GT SportWagon. Click image to enlarge

Mazda's recent models have helped the company's reputation at least in terms of desirability, and this has kept the Mazda6's resale values on the high side. According to Canadian Red Book, a 2003 GS four-cylinder is worth $13,075, while a 2007 SportWagon is the priciest, at $31,550. Comparing apples to apples, the Mazda6 sedan's values aren't far off those of the ever-popular Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Of course, the Mazda offers the added bonus of being available in three body styles.

My personal favourite Mazda6 model is the hatchback, for its combination of looks and utility (I like the wagon, but think it looks ungainly from certain angles; the wagon also only comes with the V6). A 2004 GT four-cylinder model is worth $17,550: not a bad deal for a fun-to-drive car with a useful cargo area.

The Mazda6's apparently spotty reliability history is fairly troubling, especially when the Mazda3 (which shares some mechanical bits with its larger cousin) has fared much better overall. Still, as with many used cars, I think a Mazda6 would be a wise purchase if you find one that's been well cared for.

Pricing

Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) January 2008:

Year	Model	Price today	Price new
2007	Mazda6 GT-I4 sedan	$26,950	$30,295
2006	Mazda6 GT-I4 sedan	$23,775	$29,895
2005	Mazda6 GT-I4 sedan	$20,475	$29,795
2004	Mazda6 GT-I4 sedan	$17,250	$28,295
2003	Mazda6 GT-I4 sedan	$14,650	$28,195

Online resources

There are number of good Mazda6 resources on the net: Mazda6Club.com; iMazda.com (both good); MazdaForum.com and MazdaWorld.org (quieter).

Related articles on CanadianDriver

Test Drives

• 2005 Mazda6 Sport
• 2005 Mazda6 Sport Wagon
• 2004 Mazda6 GS V6
• 2004 Mazda6 GT-V6
• 2004 Mazda6 GT-V6 Sport Wagon
• 2004 Mazda6 GT four-cylinder

Recalls

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004437; Units affected: 110

2004: On certain vehicles, the locking mechanism of the rear seat belt retractor may have been incorrectly assembled. As a result, the rear seat belts may not lock if the vehicle is involved in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear seat belt retractor assemblies.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003339; Units affected: 7,389

2004: On certain vehicles, the fuel sender unit may have been improperly installed in the fuel tank. This will produce an inadequate seal, and if the vehicles continue to operate with this condition, a small amount of fuel may ooze out producing a fuel odor and/or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Correction: Dealer will affect repairs.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2003157; Units affected: 5,676

2004: On certain vehicles, the float in the fluid level sensor inside the brake reservoir could be forced off of the guide rail during the filling of the master cylinder. Should this occur, it is possible that the float will not return to the guide rail and should that occur, the brake fluid level warning indicator may not function. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

Manufacturer's Website

• Mazda Canada

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