Let's assume that you have already narrowed your search to a mid-sized family car with front-wheel drive that is as far from boring as you can get while still being practical.  You want a car that is above average in looks and, more importantly, is fun to drive.

With those qualifications, we can narrow our search to about a dozen cars.  Not much help there.  Ok, you want the styling to be flashy, but tasteful and you want a V6 with a 5-speed automatic that you can shift yourself and you want to keep the sticker under ,000.  Now, that is helpful.  We are down to 4 cars, the Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.  If you wanted a 5-speed stick shift instead of a sissy automatic, we are down to 2 cars, the Mazda6 and the Nissan Altima.

Now, your practical side pops in as it sometimes will, and says that you need some utility that a normal 4-door sedan just won't provide.  You would much rather have a 4-door sedan with a hatchback.  Something with a fold-down seatback so that you can carry lots of stuff when necessary.  Well, now you are down to one car.  You guessed it, the Mazda6.

Two new models were added to the Mazda6 lineup for 2004 to keep the 4-door Sports Sedan company,  a racy 5-door hatchback (pictured above) and a new station wagon (below).  Both of these new models have the same driving character as the fun-to-drive 4-door sedan that was carried over from 2003.

I really dig the looks of the 6.  I think that the styling is clean, with a young, happy personality.  The interior is neat and organized with a quality feel throughout.  The driving position is just how I like it with comfortable seats and good control placement.  Steering Wheel controls for the sound system and cruise control are convenient and well designed, and (most importantly) illuminated at night.

Mazda has built their new philosophy around their advertising slogan.  In case you just got back from a trip to Mars and don't know about it, that slogan is "Zoom-Zoom".  The idea is that every Mazda, from the 2 seat Miata to the 7 passenger MPV Minivan is, first and foremost, fun to drive.  This Mazda6 trio is no exception.

Looking at the spec sheet, we find that the front suspension is a double wishbone setup while the rear is a multi-link E-type with coil springs all around.  Mumbo-jumbo aside, this setup works, giving the 6 a solid, stable ride that is very controllable and easy to maneuver.  The fast 2.54 turn lock to lock steering is precise and direct, giving this car a nimble, highly connected feel.  I had the opportunity to take a couple of these cars out on an autocross track and was quite impressed with the handling competence that these cars had available.

On the highway, I found that wind noise was quite well controlled.  Road noise was acceptable, but not up to the levels of the class-leading Toyota Camry.

The Mazda6 is available with either a 160 HP four or a 220 HP V6.  Both engines can be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic (5-speed on the V6, 4-speed on the 4)  The 5-speed manual transmission is precise and direct, with ideal shifter placement and feel.  If you like to row your own, this unit is hard to beat.

I didn't get a chance to sample a 4, but the 3.0 liter V6 was very smooth and civilized.  Since Mazda is part of the Ford stable, the V6 comes from the Ford parts bin and is manufactured in America.   In fact, the entire car is manufactured in Flat Rock, Michigan which is a stone's throw from Detroit.

When it comes to choosing between the Sedan, hatchback and wagon, my money is on the 5-door hatchback.  This hatchback opens up wide and says ahhh with the best of them.  There are two levers within easy reach to allow you drop the seatbacks down without any fuss.  The opening is wide enough to accept anything that will fit inside.  Despite the large opening, Mazda made sure that structural rigidity is every bit as good as in the sedan

Looking over the options list, I noticed that there are no optional sport suspensions.  Mazda says that the basic car is designed with all the main features of a sports suspension and nothing else is needed.  I agree.  In fact, if you equip your Mazda6 with the V6, you automatically get 17 inch wheels and V-rated all-season performance tires.  That should tell you something about their intent.

If you are looking for a front-wheel drive mid sized station wagon with a V6 that is priced under ,000, your choices are limited to the Mazda6, Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable or the Saturn L300.  You want a 5-speed automatic or a stick, you guessed it, Mazda6 is all there is.

Now that you have a family and responsibilities, and that Mustang that you loved so much just won't cut it any more, this new batch from Mazda should keep you smiling while you are being the picture of responsibility. 
Zoom-Zoom....

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 Specifications 

Standard Equipment
Mazda6 Front Wheel Drive Sedan

• Five-speed Manual transmission

• ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes with ABS

• Cloth upholstery

• 1 one-touch power windows

• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

• Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel

• Air Conditioning with interior air filtration

• leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

• AM/FM in-dash single CD player, CD-controller stereo with 6 speakers

V6 models also include:

• 220 Horsepower 3.0 liter V6

• Alloy rims

• P215/50VR17 all season tires

• 4-wheel ABS

• Traction control

• Automatic Climate Control AC

• Remote anti-theft alarm system

Major Available Options
(Partial List, see your Mazda dealer for details)

• 5-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission

• Leather Upholstery

• Power moonroof

• Bose Audio Package

• In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer

• Side air bags and side curtain air bags

• Compass/AutoDim Mirror with Homelink

• Sport Package, available either with or without Rear Spoiler.  Includes sport type front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, side sill extensions, fog lights, oval type dual exhaust outlets

• 8-Way Power Driver's Seat

For more information on the Mazda6, visit  mazdausa.com 

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