Segment:
Mid-size Sedan / Wagon
Competitors 2003:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Driving Dynamics:
Known for its engaging driving experience and sporty handling, often praised for its chassis tuning and responsive steering.
Design Philosophy:
The first generation Mazda6 (Atenza in Japan) was designed to challenge established benchmarks with a focus on sporty styling, performance, and driver engagement.
Body Styles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, and 5-door Sport Wagon.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Emission Control, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Turbocharging (if applicable), Exhaust System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Driveshafts, Axles, Differential
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Body And Frame:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass, Seals, Corrosion Protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs, Belts, Hoses), Fluid Level Checks & Replacements, Brake Service, Tire Rotation
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Scan Tool Procedures
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Component Replacement (Pistons, Rods, Crankshaft, Valves), Cylinder Head Repair, Transmission Overhaul, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair
Installation Replacement:
Component Installation, Aftermarket Part Installation Guidance, Body Panel Replacement, Interior Component Installation
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Usdm:
LF-DE (2.3L DOHC Inline-4)
Engine Displacement Usdm:
2.3 Liters (2261 cc)
Engine Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Bore X Stroke Usdm:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm
Compression Ratio Usdm:
9.7:1
Horsepower Usdm:
160 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque Usdm:
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Octane Rating Usdm:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Other Engine Options Usdm:
Optional: 3.0L MZI V6 (1MZ-FE based) - 220 hp (Not typically specified in basic service manuals for the 2.3L base)
Transmission Type Usdm:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Usdm:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sport Mode
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific gear ratios (e.g., 1st: ~3.30, 2nd: ~1.94, 3rd: ~1.33, 4th: ~1.00, 5th: ~0.81, Reverse: ~3.11, Final Drive: ~4.10)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON compatible)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Length Sedan Wagon:
Sedan: Approx. 187.4 in (4760 mm) / Wagon: Approx. 188.4 in (4785 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 in (1780 mm)
Height Sedan Wagon:
Sedan: Approx. 56.7 in (1440 mm) / Wagon: Approx. 57.7 in (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.3 in (2675 mm)
Track Width Front Rear:
Approx. 60.4 in (1535 mm) / Approx. 60.6 in (1540 mm)
Curb Weight Usdm Approx:
3,100 - 3,400 lbs (depending on body style and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual for exact GVWR
Cargo Volume Sedan Cubic Feet:
Approx. 14.2 cu ft
Cargo Volume Wagon Cubic Feet:
Approx. 25.1 cu ft (rear seats up) / Approx. 60.2 cu ft (rear seats down)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Five Stars (for 2003 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Five Stars (for 2003 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good (for 2003 model year)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on higher trims or as an option
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on higher trims or as an option
Anti Lock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most trims
Airbags Front:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Front Side-Impact Airbags and Curtain Airbags (depending on trim and body style)
Seatbelts:
3-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Load Limiters (Front)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for severe duty conditions.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection. Refer to manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium, platinum). Refer to manual.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 50,000 - 100,000 miles (80,000 - 160,000 km) or 5 years, depending on coolant type. Refer to manual.
Engine Oil Viscosity Usdm:
SAE 5W-20 (Preferred) or SAE 5W-30. Refer to manual for ambient temperature ranges.
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, SM, SL, or SJ with ILSAC GF-5, GF-4, or GF-3 classification.
Engine Oil Capacity Usdm:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (2.3L engine).
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Pink/Orange color.
Coolant Capacity Usdm:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 Liters) (2.3L engine).
Rust Corrosion:
Corrosion, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes, is a common issue, especially in regions with road salt.
Suspension Components:
Premature wear of front lower control arm bushings and sway bar links can lead to clunking noises and poor handling.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional failure or leaks from the power steering pump and rack.
Window Regulators:
Failure of power window regulators can be a common electrical issue.
Engine Mounts:
Degradation of engine and transmission mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
In some cases, exhaust manifolds can develop cracks due to heat cycles, leading to exhaust leaks.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving pleasure and engagement.
Generation:
First Generation (GG/GY), launched in 2002 for the 2003 model year.
Design Inspiration:
Designed by chief designer Yoshihiko Washio. Based on the Mazda 'Manx' concept car.
Production Years First Gen:
2002-2007
Assembly Locations:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
