Category:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Segment:
Entry-level to Mid-range Compact SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Hyundai Santa Fe
Platform Sharing:
Shares platform and many components with the Ford Escape, reflecting Mazda's ownership by Ford during this period.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Mazda's 'Activematic' system.
Design Philosophy:
Aims for a balance of practicality, affordability, and a slightly more engaging driving feel than some competitors, with Mazda's characteristic design cues.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (FWD/AWD)
Chassis:
Brakes, Steering, Suspension
Electrical:
Lighting, Gauges, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Power Accessories
Body:
Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Features
Safety:
Airbags, Seat Belts, Child Restraint Systems
Operation:
Starting and driving, instrument panel indicators, dashboard controls, climate control system, audio system operation
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and top-offs (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning and care
Safety:
Seat belt usage, child seat installation, airbag system explanation
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and their meanings, basic diagnostic information for common issues
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes requiring specialized tools.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2261 cc)
Horsepower:
153 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.7 Quarts (6.3 Liters)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4F50N)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, 'Activematic' manual shifting mode
Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF (Mercon V compatible)
Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) for automatic transmission
Length:
171.7 inches (4361 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1783 mm)
Height:
66.2 inches (1681 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 7.7 inches (196 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 34.4 cubic feet (974 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 66.7 cubic feet (1889 liters)
Curb Weight FWD:
Approximately 3250 lbs (1474 kg)
Curb Weight AWD:
Approximately 3420 lbs (1551 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (907 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front:
4-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear:
4-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Drums (standard); Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Discs (optional/higher trims)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems and/or in-dash CD changer available on higher trims.
Display:
Basic multi-function display for clock, radio information, and climate control status. No advanced touchscreen infotainment systems typical of later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Aux Input:
Rare on this model; typically no standard AUX or USB inputs. Aftermarket solutions may be available.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions: 3,000 miles (5,000 km).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Inspect as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 API Service Category SN or SP, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) antifreeze with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Washer Fluid:
Automotive windshield washer fluid (not household detergents or plain water)
Common Complaints:
Some reported issues include premature wear on suspension components (struts, ball joints), potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, and occasional issues with the AWD system coupler. EGR valve clogging can also occur, leading to rough idling. Water pump leaks are also noted.
Oil Filter Example:
Motorcraft FL-820-S or equivalent (e.g., Wix 57502, Purolator L24011)
Air Filter Example:
Mazda BKD0-13-200 or equivalent (e.g., Fram CA9266, Purolator A25439)
Mazda SUV History:
Mazda's entry into the SUV market, leveraging Ford's global platform development.
First Generation:
First generation launched in 2001, based on the Mazda GF-X platform (shared with Ford Escape).
Facelift:
The 2005 model represents a mid-cycle refresh for the first generation, with styling updates and feature enhancements.
Assembly Location:
Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, USA (shared with Ford Escape)
Model Run:
2001-2006 (First Generation)
