Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan, competing in a segment known for practicality, style, and performance.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
Design Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, attractive styling, good handling for its class.
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a reliable, stylish, and engaging driving experience.
Powertrain Systems:
Engine operation, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic/manual), clutch operation, drive shafts, differential operation.
Chassis Systems:
Braking system (ABS, EBD), steering system, suspension system (front/rear), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments and controls, power windows, door locks, audio system, climate control.
Body And Comfort:
Doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior features, climate control operation, seat belts, airbags.
Operation Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating lights, wipers, climate control, infotainment, cruise control.
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, fuse replacement, basic cleaning.
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Indicator light explanations, basic diagnostic information for common warnings, troubleshooting minor issues.
Safety Features Operation:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation, anti-theft system operation.
Depth:
Designed for the owner, focusing on safe operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.
Digital Format Availability:
While this listing is for a printed manual, digital PDF versions of this manual may also exist.
Print Quality:
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality, clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet, as per OEM specifications.
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, typically glossy or semi-gloss for images and diagrams.
Engine Type 1:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 (MZR L3-VE)
Engine Displacement 1:
2261 cc (138 cu. in.)
Horsepower 1:
160 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1:
155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Type 2:
3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6 (Ford Duratec 30 / Mazda AJ)
Engine Displacement 2:
2967 cc (181 cu. in.)
Horsepower 2:
212 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 2:
194 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended for V6 for optimal performance)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM certified, or ILSAC GF-II, GF-III, GF-IV.
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
Approximately 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approximately 5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter change.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (for 2.3L engine)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive (available for both 2.3L and 3.0L engines)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Driver Adaptive Electronic Control, Sport Mode.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 75W-80 gear oil.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon (check specific requirements for 2004).
Length:
Approximately 187.5 inches (4763 mm)
Width:
Approximately 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approximately 57.1 inches (1450 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 105.3 inches (2675 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.5 inches (978 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 42.5 inches (1080 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.4 inches (950 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 34.4 inches (874 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters)
Curb Weight Approx 4Cyl:
3100 - 3300 lbs (1406 - 1497 kg)
Curb Weight Approx V6:
3300 - 3500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, consult VIN plate.
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended or Specified.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Wheel Size Standard:
16-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating:
4-star (Front and Rear Passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.
Airbags Front:
Dual front advanced airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags, optional side-impact curtain airbags (depending on trim and market).
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear seats.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, available premium Bose® audio system with subwoofer on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or available automatic climate control with air conditioning.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry system.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; may be an aftermarket addition or found on specific later trim packages.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require shorter intervals.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on driving environment.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 2.5 years thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Iridium spark plugs: every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Iridium spark plugs: every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Typically checked at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals; replacement may be recommended by dealer or based on severe usage.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Recommended replacement every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or specified Mazda fluid.
Common Problems:
Rust perforation (especially in northern climates), AC system issues (compressor, condenser), potential oil consumption on higher mileage engines, minor electrical gremlins, suspension component wear.
Recall Information:
Refer to NHTSA or Mazda for specific recall campaigns related to the 2004 Mazda 6 models, such as Takata airbag inflator recalls.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Brand Philosophy:
Focus on driving enjoyment ('Zoom-Zoom') and distinctive design.
First Generation Introduction:
The Mazda 6 (first generation) debuted for the 2003 model year in Japan and Europe, and 2004 in North America, replacing the Mazda Capella/626.
Platform:
Built on Mazda's GG platform (sedan/hatchback) and GY platform (wagon), shared components with Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofushima, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market).
Production Years First Gen:
2003-2008 (globally); 2004-2008 (North America)