Category:
Compact Sporty Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge.
Competitors 1995:
Honda Civic Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX.
Unique Selling Point:
Compact, stylish design, affordable sporty performance, available V6 engine option.
Benefit For Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, reducing reliance on costly professional services and extending vehicle lifespan.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, tuning, fuel injection systems (EFI), emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch, torque converter, gearbox overhaul.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, axles, CV joints, differential.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, linkages.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on trim), ABS system (if equipped), master cylinder, power booster, lines, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, accessories, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, structural repairs, interior trim, exterior trim, glass, doors, hinges, latches.
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component replacement, climate control diagnostics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-I), symptom-based diagnostics.
Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly of major and minor systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, alignment angles, electrical resistance values.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, clearly labeled wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system tracing.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Lock-up Torque Converter)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Consult manual for specific Mazda or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-III or Dexron III equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 170.7 inches (4335 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.1 inches (1705 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.8 inches (1315 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 98.4 inches (2500 mm)
Curb Weight 1 6L:
Approx. 2600 lbs (1180 kg)
Curb Weight 1 8L:
Approx. 2750 lbs (1250 kg)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not specifically rated or data unavailable for this model year, typical for the era.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard on most models; passenger airbag optional or unavailable.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts, two-point rear seatbelts.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
1.6L: Approx. 30,000 miles; 1.8L V6: Approx. 60,000 miles (consult manual for specific types/gap).
Timing Belt Replacement:
60,000 miles or 5 years (CRITICAL for 1.8L V6 as it is an interference engine; 1.6L is non-interference but replacement recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity 1 6L:
Approx. 3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter change (API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40).
Engine Oil Capacity 1 8L:
Approx. 4.3 US quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter change (API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40).
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of genuine Mazda Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent) and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Common Problems 1:
V6 engine timing belt replacement interval adherence is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Common Problems 2:
Slightly higher oil consumption in some V6 engines.
Common Problems 3:
Corrosion on body panels, especially in rust-belt regions; check wheel wells and rocker panels.
Common Problems 4:
Wear in suspension bushings leading to clunking noises and handling degradation.
Common Problems 5:
HVAC system blower motor resistor failure causing inconsistent fan speeds.
Mazda Philosophy:
Focus on driver engagement, innovative technology, and sporty driving dynamics ('Zoom-Zoom' precursor).
Introduction Year:
1991 (Worldwide), 1992 (North America)
Facelift:
Minor styling updates, equipment changes often occurred throughout its production run, but no major overhaul until the second generation.
Production Years:
1991–1997
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
