Segment:
Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families and individuals seeking flexible seating and cargo space in a car-like package.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Sienna (larger), Honda Odyssey (larger), Kia Sedona (larger), Chrysler Pacifica (larger), Ford Freestar (discontinued), Chevrolet Uplander (discontinued).
Competitive Advantage:
Compact size, sporty driving dynamics for an MPV, stylish design, flexible seating configurations.
Seating Capacity:
Up to 7 passengers (2+3+2 configuration), with sliding second-row seats.
Doors:
Four passenger doors plus a rear liftgate, with distinctive sliding rear doors.
Driving Dynamics:
Often praised for its handling and engaging driving experience, unusual for its class.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid checks
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (basic overview)
Electrical:
Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, audio system, instrument panel indicators
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, air conditioning
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (ISOFIX/LATCH), ABS
Body:
Doors, locks, windows, mirrors, wipers, fuel filler door operation
Wheels Tires:
Tire pressure, changing a flat tire, spare tire location
Basic Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (basic)
Operation:
Starting the engine, driving, parking, using transmission selector
Controls:
Dashboard controls, steering wheel controls, climate controls, audio controls
Safety Usage:
Proper seat belt usage, child restraint system installation
Emergency Procedures:
Jumping a dead battery, towing information (basic), hazard warning lights
Depth:
Consumer-focused, covering daily operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Explains dashboard warning lights and their meaning, but not in-depth diagnostic procedures.
Repair Scope:
Limited to user-replaceable items and basic checks; does not cover component-level repairs or complex diagnostics.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (less common in North America)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, Valvoline MaxLife ATF)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 Liters (12.7 US Quarts) for drain and fill
Length:
179.7 inches (4565 mm)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
63.2 inches (1605 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.4 inches (2700 mm)
Front Track:
60.0 inches (1525 mm)
Rear Track:
59.6 inches (1515 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 104.6 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 15.2 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 43.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 81.7 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400-3550 lbs (1540-1610 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4700 lbs (2132 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-Star (2006 model year)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5-Star (2006 model year)
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (2006 model year)
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good (2006 model year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional side-curtain airbags for all rows.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in second row.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim. Optional Sirius Satellite Radio.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry remote.
Bluetooth:
Not available on the 2006 model.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, depending on conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, depending on conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or every 4 years for normal use; more frequently for severe use.
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 or GF-3 certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US Quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.2 US Quarts (6.8 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III (ATF) or equivalent
Common Complaints 2006:
Some reports of early catalytic converter failure, occasional interior trim rattles, potential for minor transmission shifting issues.
Oil Consumption:
While not universally problematic, some owners have reported higher-than-average oil consumption, necessitating regular checks.
Timing Chain:
The LF-VE engine uses a timing chain, which typically lasts the life of the engine and doesn't require regular replacement like a belt.
Mazda Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom driving excitement applied to a practical vehicle.
First Generation:
Introduced as a 2004 model in Japan, launched in North America for the 2006 model year.
Facelift:
Received a minor facelift for the 2008 model year, but the 2006 model is part of the initial generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan