Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile and practical SUV
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape (sibling model), Nissan Xterra
Vehicle Attributes:
Available AWD, good fuel economy for its class, comfortable ride, practical cargo space
Powertrain:
Engine (2.0L Duratec, 3.0L Duratec), Transmission (4-speed Automatic AX4N/4F50N, 5-speed Manual G5M-P), Drivetrain (AWD, FWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front: MacPherson Strut, Rear: Multi-link Independent), Brakes (Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc/Drum), Steering (Hydraulic Power Assist)
Electrical Electronics:
ECU, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC Control, Audio System, Instrument Cluster, Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Body Chassis Components:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics)
Engine 1 Name:
2.0L DOHC I4 (Duratec)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1999 cc (122 cu. in.)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
87.6 mm x 83.1 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
130 hp @ 5250 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Name:
3.0L DOHC V6 (Duratec 30)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2967 cc (181 cu. in.)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
89.0 mm x 79.5 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.7:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5750 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.1 gallons (approx.)
Transmission 1 Type:
5-Speed Manual (G5M-P)
Transmission 1 Drivetrain Availability:
Typically with 2.0L engine and FWD
Transmission 2 Type:
4-Speed Automatic (AX4N / 4F50N)
Transmission 2 Drivetrain Availability:
Available with both 2.0L and 3.0L engines, FWD or AWD
Automatic Overdrive:
Yes (all gears in automatic)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon V (for automatic transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., API GL-4)
Length:
172.9 in (4392 mm)
Height:
66.7 in (1694 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 in (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
approx. 7.7 inches (varies slightly with engine/drivetrain)
Passenger Volume:
approx. 98 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
approx. 32 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
approx. 66 cu. ft.
Curb Weight Min:
approx. 3200 lbs (FWD, 2.0L)
Curb Weight Max:
approx. 3600 lbs (AWD, 3.0L)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
4 Stars (for 2001-2004 models)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2001-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars (for 2001-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars (for 2001-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for 2001-2004 models)
Traction Control:
Optional (often with AWD models)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional Side Impact Airbags (front)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners
Audio System Options:
AM/FM Stereo with CD player, optional premium audio systems, SiriusXM satellite radio (later models)
Display:
Basic digital display for clock, radio, and climate settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may exist.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (or as needed based on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual; typically 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., iridium)
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on driving severity and fluid type)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, or higher)
Engine Oil Type 3.0L V6:
SAE 5W-30 (API Service SG, SH, SJ, or higher)
Coolant Type:
Nitrite-free, Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., Ford Premium Engine Coolant VC-7B)
Common Problems:
Actuator failures for AWD system, occasional transmission issues (especially with higher mileage), catalytic converter problems, rear wheel bearing wear.
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor, ABS sensor failures.
Manufacturer Origin:
Japan
Brand Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom (performance and driving enjoyment)
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform and significant components with the Ford Escape, developed in collaboration.
First Generation:
This manual covers the first generation (2001-2006).
Design Influence:
Designed by Mazda to offer a sportier alternative to the more utility-focused Ford Escape.
Assembly Location:
Kansas City Assembly, Claycomo, Missouri, USA (same as Ford Escape)
