Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon
Key Selling Points:
Sporty handling, refined interior, reliable powertrains, stylish design.
Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu.
Design Philosophy:
'Stylish, Insightful, and Spirited' design language.
Platform:
Mazda's 'GD' platform, shared with Ford CD3 platform elements.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management, performance tuning.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission operation, diagnosis, repair, overhaul, driveline, clutch, transfer case (if applicable).
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brake service, parking brake.
Steering Suspension:
Power steering system, suspension components, wheel alignment, shock absorbers, struts, chassis.
Electrical:
Starter, alternator, battery, lighting, wiring diagrams, instrument panel, body control modules (BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant, A/C compressor, heater core, climate control modules.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, glass, seals, body repair, corrosion protection.
Restraints:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, pre-tensioners, diagnosis and service procedures.
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding, OBD-II system, scan tool usage, troubleshooting charts.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic trees, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics for fault finding.
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, torque values, wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) definitions.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic DIY maintenance to advanced professional-level diagnostics and repairs.
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Hp:
~122 hp @ 6000 rpm (Euro Spec)
Torque Lb-Ft:
~135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Euro Spec)
Engine Name:
FS-DE (MZR 2.3)
Displacement:
2261 cc (2.3 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower Hp:
~160 hp @ 6000 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Lb-Ft:
~150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (US Spec)
Compression Ratio 2.0L:
9.7:1
Compression Ratio 2.3L:
9.7:1
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Required Octane:
87 Octane (Minimum)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (G5M-R)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (FS5A-EL)
Automatic Modes:
Sport mode, Sequential Active Matic (Activematic)
Manual Clutch Type:
Dry, single plate
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF JWS3317 or equivalent MERCON V
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Length:
4670 mm (183.9 in)
Height:
1435 mm (56.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2675 mm (105.3 in)
Length:
4745 mm (186.8 in)
Height:
1485 mm (58.5 in)
Curb Weight Min:
~1420 kg (3130 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
~1950 kg (4300 lbs) (approx.)
Towing Capacity:
Not Specified / Not Recommended
Standard Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch
Optional Wheel Size:
17-inch (Sport/GT trims)
Standard Tire Size Sedan 2.0L:
205/55R16
Standard Tire Size Sedan 2.3L:
205/55R16 or 215/45R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Optional (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Optional side-impact airbags, Optional side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Service Intervals Oil Filter
Interval Miles:
7,500 miles or 6 months
Interval Km:
12,000 km or 6 months
Service Intervals Engine Oil
Oil Type:
API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-6A/GF-6B, SAE 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy)
Oil Capacity 2.0L:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Oil Capacity 2.3L:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Service Intervals Air Filter
Interval:
15,000 miles or 12 months (or as needed based on driving conditions)
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Interval Miles Iridium:
100,000 miles
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity:
~7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III equivalent
Engine Mounts:
Can degrade over time, leading to vibrations.
Catalytic Converter:
May fail prematurely on some models, especially with high mileage.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in certain climates, particularly on wheel arches, rocker panels, and subframes.
Exhaust System:
Rear mufflers and exhaust hangers can corrode.
Window Regulators:
Can become slow or fail.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's focus on Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving dynamics.
First Generation:
Introduced globally in 2002 for the 2003 model year, replacing the Mazda Capella/626.
Body Styles:
Offered as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door hatchback. A 5-door wagon (GY chassis) was also available.
Design Era:
Represented a significant shift in Mazda's design and engineering for the new millennium.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Hofu)
Production Years:
2002-2008 (First Generation)
