2003 Mazda 6 S review from North America

Check Engine light would come on repeatedly after the first few months of ownership. The Dealer claimed it was a problem with the EGR valve in the exhaust. However, the problem did not seem to have been fixed, despite several trips to dealers in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Alabama. The dealer in Alabama seemed to be the only one to solve this persistent glitch permanently.

No other problems to date (been about 6 months now).

I really enjoy this car.

The Mazda 6 is the only car I have driven in its class that can even approach the driving joy I had in my old 98 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro (which I no longer have due to the antics of a drunk driver that hit me). Sure an Accord or Altima are more powerful, but none of those could put a smile on my face when they got into the turns of a mountain road. The Mazda put them to shame in the fun-to-drive factor, especially the Accord.

The Mazda also looks better than any other car in its mid-$20K class. It may be a bit to racy for some, but for a young college student, it comes close to perfect.

I have driven from coast to coast in this car, and it remains extremely comfortable. Plenty of room and luggage space. Very comfortable seats (except I don't care too much for the black leather in summer), and the sound system is incredible (although not as good as my old Audi's).

Nissan and Honda continually advertise their cars on TV. Mazda doesn't need to, word of mouth seems to be doing better than any Ad-campaign.