Competitive Set:
        
        
            Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
        
     
    
    
        
            Strengths:
        
        
            Sporty handling (Zoom-Zoom philosophy), stylish design, good value proposition
        
     
    
        
            Weaknesses:
        
        
            Interior material quality perception, some powertrain refinement compared to key rivals
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Kodo design language influence (developing), focus on driving dynamics
        
     
    
        
            Trim Levels:
        
        
            Typically Sport, Touring, Grand Touring (varies by market)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Transmission operation (automatic and manual), drivetrain components
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Braking system, steering system, suspension system
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Lighting system, instruments and controls, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, Traction Control (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Doors, windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, exterior lighting
        
     
    
    
        
            Operation:
        
        
            Starting and driving, parking, operating climate control, using audio system, operating power windows
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, light bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Warning lights and indicators, basic system checks
        
     
    
        
            Emergency:
        
        
            Flat tire changing, jump starting, towing information
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Covers daily operation, user-level maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Digital Equivalent Format:
        
        
            PDF (often available for digital purchase/download)
        
     
    
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            Standard automotive manual print quality, often with glossy paper for images
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding Type:
        
        
            Stapled or perfect bound booklet
        
     
    
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            Durable paper stock suitable for automotive environment
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with manual mode/Shiftronic)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Features:
        
        
            Activematic transmission with adaptive shift control
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Fluid Type:
        
        
            GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (Mazda recommendation)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent DEXRON-III H)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 190.6 inches (4841 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 57.9 inches (1471 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 107.9 inches (2740 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            Approx. 60.6 inches (1539 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            Approx. 61.0 inches (1550 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Front Headroom:
        
        
            Approx. 38.5 inches (978 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Headroom:
        
        
            Approx. 37.1 inches (942 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Front Legroom:
        
        
            Approx. 42.0 inches (1067 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Legroom:
        
        
            Approx. 36.5 inches (927 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume:
        
        
            Approx. 15.2 cubic feet (430 L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg), varies by trim and transmission
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver:
        
        
            5-Star
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
        
        
            5-Star
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Driver:
        
        
            5-Star
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
        
        
            5-Star
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard (4-wheel disc brakes)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard (Dynamic Stability Control - DSC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Restraints:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system.
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity:
        
        
            Auxiliary audio input jack (common), Bluetooth hands-free calling (optional on higher trims).
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional in-dash DVD-based navigation system on higher trim levels.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard cruise control
        
     
    
        
            Keyless Entry:
        
        
            Standard keyless entry with remote unlocking, keyless ignition available on some trims.
        
     
    
        
            Other Features:
        
        
            Automatic climate control (optional), heated seats (optional), power driver's seat (optional)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or based on oil quality sensor
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Auto:
        
        
            Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace at 60,000-100,000 miles (or per severe service schedule)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            Typically a lifetime fluid, but inspection and potential replacement at higher mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles) is recommended.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs:
        
        
            Iridium-tipped plugs, typically replaced at 100,000 miles
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (or equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) - Ethylene Glycol based
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 6.2 US quarts (5.9 L)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Mounts:
        
        
            Premature wear or failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration.
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Pump:
        
        
            Occasional leaks or failure of the power steering pump/rack.
        
     
    
        
            Water Pump:
        
        
            Potential for leaks or failure of the water pump, especially at higher mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            Rusting of exhaust components, particularly in areas with heavy road salt usage.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Focus:
        
        
            Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and engaging-driving vehicles, with a strong emphasis on the 'Zoom-Zoom' driving experience.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation:
        
        
            Introduced in 2002 (as Mazda Atenza in Japan), replacing the Mazda Capella/626.
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Intro:
        
        
            The GH generation debuted for the 2008 model year, representing a significant redesign.
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation Changes:
        
        
            Larger platform, revised styling, improved interior quality, and new engine options (though the 2.3L remained prominent).
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan (Primary)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Often recognized by IIHS for good crash test performance, likely earned Top Safety Pick status for some years.
        
     
    
        
            Motor Trend Car Of The Year Nominee:
        
        
            Mazda models, including the Mazda 6, have frequently been contenders or finalists for 'Car of the Year' awards from automotive publications.
        
     
    
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy City:
        
        
            Approx. 21-22 MPG (for 2.3L engine)
        
     
    
        
            Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
        
        
            Approx. 29-30 MPG (for 2.3L engine)