Segment:
Mid-size sedan, known for its sporty handling and attractive styling.
Competitors:
Competed directly with vehicles like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion.
Driving Dynamics:
Praised for its Mazda 'Zoom-Zoom' driving experience, responsive steering, and well-tuned chassis.
Design:
Introduced a new 'graceful flow' design language for Mazda, featuring distinctive grille and headlight treatments.
Demographic:
Appealed to a broad range of buyers, from young professionals to families seeking a stylish and engaging sedan.
Engine:
All engine types, including maintenance, disassembly, reassembly, diagnostics, and repair for LF-DE and L3-VE engines.
Transmission:
Covers both manual (FS5A-EL, G5M-P) and automatic transmissions, including fluid services, component repair, and electronic control diagnostics.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for hydraulic systems, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, and fluid bleeding.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis and replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion repair, and fluid replacement.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, diagnostic procedures for ECU, BCM, lighting, sensors, and accessories.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system operation, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser service, and climate control diagnostics.
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and structural component information.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, troubleshooting flowcharts for common failures.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, and belt inspections.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for nearly all mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic approaches and common issue resolution guides.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete guide for removing and reinstalling major components and sub-assemblies.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances, and other critical data for proper assembly and adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality wiring diagrams covering all vehicle electrical systems.
Engine 1:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 (LF-DE)
Engine 2:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 (Mazdaspeed MZR)
Horsepower Lf:
160 hp @ 6,000 rpm (LF-DE)
Torque Lf:
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (LF-DE)
Horsepower L3:
260 hp @ 5,500 rpm (L3-VE - Mazdaspeed)
Torque L3:
280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm (L3-VE - Mazdaspeed)
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for naturally aspirated, 91+ for turbocharged)
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated diagnostics.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Engine Timing:
Timing chain driven (LF-DE and L3-VE).
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed manual transmission (FWD)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic mode (FWD)
Auto Shift:
Sport mode and manual shifting capability on automatic transmission.
Atf Type:
Mazda ATF MV or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid.
Atf Capacity:
Approx. 7.3 US quarts (7.0 liters) for automatic transmission.
Length:
186.1 inches (4,727 mm)
Width:
70.4 inches (1,788 mm)
Height:
57.7 inches (1,466 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.3 inches (2,675 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3,150 lbs (1,430 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3,470 lbs (1,575 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,500 lbs (2,040 kg)
Trunk Volume:
14.2 cubic feet (402 liters)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Front Seat:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Seat:
4-Star
IIHS Crashworthiness:
Good (for frontal and side impact tests where applicable for that year's testing protocols).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags; optional side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Audio System:
Optional Bose premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and ignition.
Bluetooth:
Not standard, but aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended).
Coolant Flush:
First at 60,000 miles (96,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 3 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change for 2.3L engine.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.
Rust Corrosion:
Susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in areas with harsh winters and road salt. Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS warning lights can illuminate due to failing wheel speed sensors.
E-Brake Cable:
Parking brake cables can seize or stretch, requiring replacement.
Power Steering Pump Leak:
Occasional leaks from the power steering pump or hoses.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused vehicles with engaging dynamics.
Generation:
First generation Mazda 6 (known as Atenza in Japan and other markets). Marked a significant shift in Mazda's design and engineering direction.
Platform:
Mazda GG platform, shared with the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan (though with significant Mazda-specific tuning).
Production Start:
2002 (for the 2003 model year)
Assembly Locations:
Hofushima, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market under the AutoAlliance International joint venture).
