Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan / Personal luxury car
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking comfort, quiet operation, and a refined driving experience; competing with established luxury brands.
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Continental, Cadillac Sedan de Ville, Buick Electra, Chrysler New Yorker, and Japanese luxury offerings like Toyota Crown/Century (in select markets).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized smooth ride, spacious interior, quiet cabin, and sophisticated styling for its era.
Unique Selling Points:
Independent rear suspension (IRS) for all models, available Rotary engine (early models), advanced features for the time (e.g., power amenities, optional digital displays).
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, specifications, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, emission control systems.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, carburetor systems (Hitachi, Mikuni variants), electronic fuel injection (EFI) for later models, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (4-speed, 5-speed), Automatic transmission (3-speed, 4-speed with overdrive), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson strut), Rear independent suspension (multi-link, semi-trailing arm), steering gear, power steering system, components, alignment.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power assist, brake system bleeding, hydraulic components, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), battery, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, power windows, power locks, climate control systems.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, chassis lubrication, rust prevention.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, controls.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, brake inspections.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, differential service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/wheel cylinder rebuilding, steering box replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine performance, electrical issues, braking problems, etc.
Diagnostics:
Electrical system testing, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment, compression testing, vacuum testing.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, resistance values, voltage readings.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical troubleshooting with detailed wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.0L (1998cc) - LA, 2.3L (2257cc) - MA, 2.8L (2785cc) - NA
Bore X Stroke:
Varies by engine (e.g., NA: 86.0mm x 98.0mm)
Compression Ratio:
Varies by engine (e.g., NA: 8.8:1)
Horsepower:
Varies by engine and year (e.g., NA: ~135-145 hp)
Torque:
Varies by engine and year (e.g., NA: ~160-175 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (single/dual barrel) for early models, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for later 2.8L engines.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manual, typically 87 AKI)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, electronic ignition (CDI or transistorized) for later models.
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission (early models), 3-speed Automatic Transmission (standard on most)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission, 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (later models)
Automatic Overdrive:
Available on 4-speed automatic units for improved highway cruising and fuel economy.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent as specified in manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official government crash test data available for this specific model year range in many markets. Consult historical safety publications.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes with power assist, Rear drum brakes.
Steering:
Recirculating ball type, often with power assistance.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts, 2-point or 3-point rear seatbelts (depending on seating position and market).
Construction:
Unibody construction with crumple zones as per contemporary safety standards.
Headrests:
Front headrests.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for specific grade and interval).
Air Filter:
Inspect every 6 months, replace as needed or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles (depending on type and wear).
Transmission Fluid:
Automatic: Inspect every 12,000 miles, change fluid and filter as recommended (often 30,000-60,000 miles). Manual: Change fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles.
Coolant:
Flush and replace every 24,000-36,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SF or equivalent, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (verify viscosity based on ambient temperature per manual).
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (ensure compliance with manual specification).
Carburetor Issues:
Clogged jets, vacuum leaks, adjustment drift leading to rough idle or poor fuel economy.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings leading to clunks, play in steering, and uneven tire wear.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on grounds and connectors, aging wiring harnesses, failing relays, and switches can cause intermittent issues.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans, especially in regions with road salt.
Oil Filter Example:
e.g., Fram PH8A, Wix 51515 (cross-reference required for exact fitment)
Air Filter Example:
e.g., Fram CA2458, Purolator A30100 (cross-reference required for exact fitment)
Mazda Positioning:
Mazda aimed to offer a blend of Japanese reliability and engineering with premium features and a sophisticated image, often distinguishing itself through innovative rotary engines and unique styling.
Key Changes 1973-1981:
Introduction of larger engines (2.3L, 2.8L), adoption of electronic fuel injection, refinement of suspension and interior comfort, styling updates to meet evolving market tastes and regulations.
Rotary Engine Option:
Early models (1973-1977) offered a 13B rotary engine in some markets, reflecting Mazda's unique powertrain technology. Later models shifted exclusively to piston engines.
Production Locations:
Japan
Production End Year:
1981 (First generation)
