Segment:
Mid-size sedan, known for its sporty handling and stylish design in its class.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Design:
First generation Mazda6 ('Atenza' in some markets), introduced a more dynamic and driver-focused approach to the mid-size segment, often praised for its sharp styling.
Handling:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasized sporty driving dynamics, making the Mazda6 a standout for its chassis tuning and responsive steering.
Availability:
Offered as a sedan, hatchback ('Sport'), and wagon ('Sport Wagon') in various global markets.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (2.0L LF-DE, 2.3L L3-VE), engine performance, fuel injection, ignition, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual transmission (FS5W71C), Automatic transmission (JF506E), clutch system, driveline, axles, CV joints
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake fluid specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications
Electrical:
12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, climate control panel, blower motor, condenser, evaporator
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, corrosion protection
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding, troubleshooting guides
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid change
Repair:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head repair, piston replacement, bearing replacement, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various symptoms (e.g., no-start, rough idle, poor performance, braking issues, electrical faults)
Installation:
Installation procedures for major components, accessories, and replacement parts
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, component tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded views, diagrams, and illustrations for virtually every repair and maintenance procedure.
Engine 1 Variant:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve I4 (L3-VE)
Engine 1 Power:
160 hp @ 6,000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Variant:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve I4 (LF-DE)
Engine 2 Power:
148 hp @ 6,000 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Torque:
134 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (for L3-VE)
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 94.0 mm (for L3-VE)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
ECM:
Engine Control Module (ECM) with integrated diagnostics
Transmission Type 2.3L:
5-speed manual transmission (FS5W71C)
Transmission Type 2.0L/2.3L:
5-speed automatic transmission (JF506E)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter, available Sport Mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Consult specific manual for exact Mazda specification, e.g., Mazda Gear Oil JWS3309 type)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF MV (Dexron III/VI compatible)
Manual Capacity:
Approx. 2.0 Liters
Automatic Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (dry fill)
NHTSA Front Crash:
5 Stars (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars (front passenger), 5 Stars (rear passenger)
IIHS Rating:
'Good' in frontal offset crash tests (as per some reports for earlier models)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors
Structure:
MAIDAS (Mazda Advanced Impact Absorption Structure)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
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.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.3L:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: approx. 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months (recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter for 2.3L engine
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified, ILSAC GF-3 or later)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with OAT technology)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in areas with road salt, especially around wheel wells and rocker panels. Check thoroughly.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Some reports of hesitation or shifting problems with the JF506E automatic transmission, especially if fluid is not maintained. Torque converter issues can also occur.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or noisy power steering pumps can be an issue.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Climate Control Actuators:
Failure of HVAC mode door actuators can affect air distribution.