Reputation:
Known for sporty handling, stylish design, and reliable powertrains. Competed against vehicles like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
Strengths:
Engaging driving dynamics (Zoom-Zoom philosophy), upscale interior for its class, good fuel economy.
Design Philosophy:
Nagare (Flow) design language, characterized by flowing lines and aerodynamic efficiency.
Body Styles:
Offered primarily as a 4-door sedan, with some markets also receiving a 5-door hatchback variant during this generation.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory workshop service and repair
Regional Applicability:
Likely global, but core data reflects North American and European specifications unless otherwise noted.
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals covering multiple model years and engine variants)
Type:
Factory Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine performance diagnostics, transmission (automatic and manual), clutch, driveline.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheel alignment.
Body:
Body structure, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), seats, airbags.
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instruments and controls, power outlets, audio system, navigation system, driver assistance systems (if equipped), wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, diagnostic connectors.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, pressure testing.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, piston rings), transmission overhaul and component replacement, suspension component repair/replacement, brake caliper rebuild/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Special Procedures:
Timing belt/chain service, fuel injector cleaning and replacement, AC system service, airbag system service, ECU/PCM programming and initialization.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair procedures. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Transmission Type Early Years:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type All Years:
5-speed automatic transmission (FS5A-EL for 2.3L, FNR5 for 2.5L)
Transmission Type Later Years:
6-speed manual transmission (introduced in later model years)
Automatic Features:
Sport Mode, Select Shift (manual control via shifter for some models)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent (e.g., Toyota Type T-IV, Mobil 3309)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil
Length:
Approx. 190.9 in (4850 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 in (1820 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.7 in (1465 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.8 in (2790 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.7 in (983 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 36.8 in (935 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.0 cu ft (396 L)
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on engine and transmission
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm
Recommended Tire Size 2.3L:
215/50R17
Recommended Tire Size 2.5L:
225/45R18
NHTSA Front Driver Side:
5-Star (for most model years)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side:
5-Star (for most model years)
NHTSA Side Driver Seat:
5-Star (for most model years)
NHTSA Side Rear Seat:
5-Star (for most model years)
IIHS Front Crash Test:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seating positions.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Higher trims offered premium Bose® audio systems.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available on higher trim levels as part of optional packages.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available on higher trim levels (Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System).
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on select trims/packages.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (using synthetic oil, as recommended).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.3L:
Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium spark plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Approx. 75,000 miles (iridium spark plugs).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 liters) with filter for 2.3L; Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter for 2.5L.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant.
Rust Corrosion:
Common issue on earlier models, especially in regions with road salt. Subframe, rocker panels, and fender areas are susceptible.
Automatic Transmission Hesitation:
Some reports of occasional hesitation or rough shifting, often related to transmission fluid condition or TCM software.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 2.5L engines (JY-VE) have been known to consume oil, particularly if not maintained diligently. The manual will detail proper oil level checks.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutch wear can occur with high mileage or aggressive driving.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' marketing slogan emphasizes a youthful, fun-to-drive experience.
Generation Gh Introduction:
The second-generation Mazda 6 (GH) was introduced for the 2008 model year, succeeding the GG generation.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Received a facelift for the 2010 model year, featuring updated styling, interior refinements, and powertrain improvements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at Mazda's Hofu plant in Japan and the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA for the North American market.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Achieved IIHS Top Safety Pick status for several model years within this generation, reflecting its strong crash test performance.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Mazda 6, particularly the earlier models of this generation, was often cited for its driving dynamics and received accolades from automotive publications like Car and Driver.
Epa Fuel Economy:
EPA estimates varied by engine and transmission, but generally offered competitive fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment (e.g., up to ~22 MPG city / 31 MPG highway for 2.5L automatic).
