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