Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan/Hatchback/Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Usp:
        
        
            Sporty handling, attractive styling, value for money
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Passat
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Zoom-Zoom driving dynamics, Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one)
        
     
    
        
            Platform:
        
        
            Ford Global CD3 Platform (shared with Ford Mondeo, Volvo S60/V70)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engines Covered:
        
        
            2.3L L3-VE I4, 3.0L AJ V6
        
     
    
        
            Transmissions Covered:
        
        
            5-speed Manual (FS5A-EL), 4-speed Automatic (G4A-EL)
        
     
    
        
            Body Styles Covered:
        
        
            Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            Approximately 2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine electrical, starter, charging, powertrain control module (PCM) diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Drivetrain:
        
        
            Manual transmission overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, drive axles, differential
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Steering:
        
        
            Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system operation, hydraulic components, disc brakes, drum brakes (if applicable), ABS, parking brake
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Electronics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, wipers, washers, horn, power accessories, body control module (BCM), immobilizer system
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant handling, climate control
        
     
    
        
            Body Chassis:
        
        
            Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance Routine:
        
        
            Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
        
     
    
        
            Repair Overhaul:
        
        
            Engine disassembly and assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component testing and replacement
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type 1:
        
        
            5-speed Manual (FS5A-EL)
        
     
    
    
        
            Type 2:
        
        
            4-speed Automatic (G4A-EL)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            Activematic (manual shift mode for automatic transmission)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-Type T-IV or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
        
        
            5-star
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
        
        
            5-star
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Good (for models with side airbags)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Optional (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, available front side airbags, available side curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Pretensioner and load-limiter front seatbelts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic blend oil)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Iridium-tipped spark plugs: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.3L, 5.0 quarts (4.7 L) with filter for 3.0L
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            API SJ or higher, ILSAC GF-3, SAE 5W-20 (recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problem 1:
        
        
            Intake manifold runner control issues (especially on 2.3L)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 2:
        
        
            Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 3:
        
        
            Catalytic converter failure (often related to misfires)
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 4:
        
        
            Power steering pump noise or leaks
        
     
    
        
            Common Problem 5:
        
        
            Automatic transmission shifting issues or failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Philosophy:
        
        
            Focus on driving enjoyment, innovative technology, and stylish design
        
     
    
    
        
            Introduction Date:
        
        
            Introduced for the 2003 model year, replacing the Mazda Capella/626
        
     
    
        
            Design Inspiration:
        
        
            Inspired by Mazda's Nagare design concept and the 'Zoom-Zoom' marketing theme
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Locations:
        
        
            Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan; Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market)