Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Perception:
        
        
            Known for engaging driving dynamics, stylish design, and reliability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
        
     
    
    
        
            Driving Dynamics:
        
        
            Sporty handling, responsive steering, well-tuned suspension.
        
     
    
        
            Design:
        
        
            Aerodynamic styling, distinctive 'Zoom-Zoom' design language.
        
     
    
        
            Reliability:
        
        
            Generally good reliability, particularly with routine maintenance.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system (belts/chains), lubrication, cooling, intake, exhaust
        
     
    
        
            Engine Management:
        
        
            Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics and repair
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Gearbox overhaul, clutch, shift mechanism, synchronizers, bearings, seals
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Automatic transmission repair, valve body, torque converter, planetary gear sets, electronic control, fluid service
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Front-wheel drive (FWD) axle shafts, CV joints, differentials (in transaxle), rear suspension mounting points
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Hydraulic system, brake lines, master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar), rear suspension (multi-link or independent), shock absorbers, springs, bushings
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment specifications
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting, ignition switch, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, control modules
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, climate control module
        
     
    
        
            Body And Chassis:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis frame components, collision repair basics
        
     
    
        
            Restraint Systems:
        
        
            Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module diagnostics and replacement
        
     
    
    
        
            Preventative Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections, tire rotations
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting common problems, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, using scan tools, symptom-based diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of major components (engines, transmissions)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Interpreting wiring diagrams, tracing circuits, diagnosing electrical faults
        
     
    
        
            Calibration And Adjustment:
        
        
            Wheel alignment, throttle body cleaning/relearn, idle speed adjustments
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Family 1:
        
        
            MZR / LF-VE (2.0L DOHC I4)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Family 2:
        
        
            MZR / L3-VE (2.3L DOHC I4)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Family 3:
        
        
            MZR DISI Turbo / L3-VDT (2.3L DOHC Turbo I4 - Mazdaspeed 6)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Family 4:
        
        
            MZR / LF-DE (2.5L DOHC I4 - later models)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.3L:
        
        
            Approx. 160-170 hp (naturally aspirated)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.3L:
        
        
            Approx. 170-180 lb-ft (naturally aspirated)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.3L Turbo:
        
        
            Approx. 274 hp (Mazdaspeed 6)
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.3L Turbo:
        
        
            Approx. 290 lb-ft (Mazdaspeed 6)
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.5L:
        
        
            Approx. 167-170 hp
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.5L:
        
        
            Approx. 167-170 lb-ft
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (S-MPI) or Direct Injection (DISI for turbo).
        
     
    
        
            Required Octane:
        
        
            87 Octane (Premium recommended for turbo models)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Front Impact Driver:
        
        
            5-Star (typically for most years and configurations)
        
     
    
        
            Front Impact Passenger:
        
        
            5-Star (typically for most years and configurations)
        
     
    
        
            Side Impact Front Driver:
        
        
            5-Star (typically)
        
     
    
        
            Side Impact Front Passenger:
        
        
            5-Star (typically)
        
     
    
        
            Side Impact Rear Driver:
        
        
            5-Star (typically)
        
     
    
        
            Side Impact Rear Passenger:
        
        
            4-Star or 5-Star (depending on year/configuration)
        
     
    
    
        
            Overall Rating:
        
        
            Good (in most categories for applicable years)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Stability Control (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (standard on most trims/years)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Pretensioner seatbelts with load limiters
        
     
 
    
    
        
        Infotainment Generation 1
    
 
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Basic AM/FM/CD player, optional satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls.
        
     
    
        
        Infotainment Generation 2
    
 
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Color LCD displays, Bluetooth connectivity (later models), MP3 CD player, Bose audio system option, navigation system option.
        
     
    
    
        
            Features:
        
        
            Cruise control, available rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, parking sensors (on some trims).
        
     
    
    
        
            Auxiliary Input:
        
        
            Auxiliary audio input jack available on many models.
        
     
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Available on mid-to-late generation models for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change:
        
        
            Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Filter:
        
        
            Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type: copper, iridium).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Replace every 50,000-100,000 miles or 4-5 years.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Auto:
        
        
            Inspect every 30,000 miles, service every 60,000-100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific fluid type and procedure).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil:
        
        
            API SN or higher, SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (verify with owner's manual for specific engine and climate).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent Asian-spec green/blue coolant).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            ATF Dexron III or equivalent (verify for specific model year/type, some may use specific Mazda fluid).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            SAE 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Auto:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-Type M-III or M-V (verify for specific model year/transmission).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Consumption:
        
        
            Some 2.3L MZR engines (especially early ones) may exhibit oil consumption. Regular checks and using the correct oil viscosity are important.
        
     
    
        
            Rust And Corrosion:
        
        
            Common in areas with road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage for corrosion.
        
     
    
        
            Vibrations:
        
        
            Wheel balance, suspension components, or exhaust system issues can cause vibrations. Engine mount wear is also a possibility.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Pump:
        
        
            Early models could experience power steering pump noise or leaks.
        
     
    
        
            Catalytic Converter:
        
        
            Can become clogged over time, affecting performance. Often related to engine oil consumption or misfires.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Philosophy:
        
        
            Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizes driving enjoyment and responsive handling.
        
     
    
    
        
            Generation 1:
        
        
            First Generation (2002-2008, chassis GG/GY): Introduced globally, available as sedan and wagon. Known for its distinctive styling and driving characteristics.
        
     
    
        
            Generation 2:
        
        
            Second Generation (2008-2013, chassis GH): Redesigned with a larger footprint, improved interior, and updated powertrains. Offered sedan, hatchback (in some markets), and wagon. Introduction of 2.5L engine.
        
     
    
        
            Generation 3:
        
        
            Third Generation (2013-2014, chassis KE/GH facelift): Minor update for the 2014 model year often considered part of the second generation's lifecycle, with some powertrain refinements and feature updates.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Japan (primarily Hofu Plant)