Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, known for sporty handling and stylish design
Competitors:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
Handling:
Renowned for its 'Zoom-Zoom' driving dynamics and responsive chassis
Design:
European-influenced styling, often praised for its sporty and elegant appearance
Powertrain Options:
Offers efficient yet engaging 4-cylinder and powerful V6 engine options
Diy Focus:
Empowers owners to perform routine maintenance and repairs with confidence
Professional Aid:
Valuable resource for independent repair shops and technicians
Engine:
Disassembly, inspection, assembly, troubleshooting, specifications for all engine variants
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission service, diagnostics, repair, and fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, differential maintenance and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut replacement
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod end replacement and adjustment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass replacement
HVAC:
Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant handling
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, flushing procedures
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks, belt inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, live data interpretation, sensor testing
Installation:
Procedures for replacing common wear items and aftermarket component installation guidance
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step illustrations
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, etc.
Engine Type 1:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4
Horsepower 1:
160 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1:
150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Bore X Stroke 1:
3.62 in x 3.70 in (92.0 mm x 94.0 mm)
Compression Ratio 1:
9.7:1
Fuel Delivery 1:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Code 2:
MZR-DISI (L3-VDT)
Engine Type 2:
2.3L DOHC 16-valve Turbocharged Inline-4 (Mazdaspeed 6)
Horsepower 2:
274 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2:
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery 2:
Direct Injection (DISI) with Turbocharging
Engine Type 3:
3.0L DOHC 24-valve V6
Horsepower 3:
214 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque 3:
195 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery 3:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Transmission Type Inline4:
5-Speed Manual (5MTX)
Transmission Type Inline4 Optional:
5-Speed Sport Mode Automatic (5AT)
Transmission Type V6:
6-Speed Manual (6MTX) (GT trims)
Transmission Type V6 Optional:
6-Speed Sport Mode Automatic (6AT) (GT trims)
Transmission Type Turbo:
6-Speed Manual (6MTX) (Mazdaspeed 6)
Sport Mode Auto:
Allows for manual shifting via gear selector or paddle shifters (on some models)
Limited Slip Differential:
Available on Mazdaspeed 6 models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Mazda GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-SP III (or equivalent)
Length:
Sedan: 187.6 in (4765 mm), Wagon: 188.2 in (4780 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 57.5 in (1460 mm), Wagon: 58.1 in (1475 mm)
Wheelbase:
105.3 in (2675 mm)
Front Track:
60.6 in (1540 mm)
Rear Track:
60.4 in (1535 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1450 kg) for 2.3L Sedan
Curb Weight Max:
Approx. 3600 lbs (1630 kg) for 3.0L GT Sedan
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 4400-4700 lbs
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 14.2 cu ft (402 L)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 29.5 cu ft (835 L) with rear seats up, 59.0 cu ft (1670 L) with rear seats down
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front), 5-Star (Rear)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Side-curtain airbags (available on some trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers; optional Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.
Display:
Central multi-information display; optional navigation system with touchscreen interface on select models.
Connectivity:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for external music players.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Keyless Entry Start:
Available keyless entry and push-button start on higher trim levels.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Available Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles or 48,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Inline4:
Platinum or Iridium spark plugs recommended; replace around 60,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Replace every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or under severe driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 75,000 miles (120,000 km), then every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API SM or ILSAC GF-4 certified) for 2.3L and 3.0L engines.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) for 2.3L, 5.1 US quarts (4.8 L) for 3.0L.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent phosphate-based HOAT coolant).
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine PSF or Dexron III (or equivalent ATF).
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission clutches can wear prematurely on some models, especially with aggressive driving.
Oil Consumption:
Some early models experienced higher than average oil consumption; oil burning can be exacerbated by worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Rear wheel bearings can sometimes fail, leading to humming or grinding noises.
Rusting Frame:
Body rust, particularly around the rocker panels and wheel arches, can be an issue in corrosive climates.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to grease leakage and eventual axle failure.
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a long history of producing engaging and driver-focused vehicles, often incorporating unique engineering solutions.
First Generation Launch:
The first generation Mazda 6 (GG/GY) was launched for the 2003 model year, replacing the Mazda Capella/626.
2007 Facelift:
The 2007 model year represents a significant mid-cycle refresh (facelift) for the first generation, introducing updated styling, features, and powertrain enhancements.
Performance Variant:
The high-performance Mazdaspeed 6 variant, introduced in 2005, featured a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and also in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (for North American market).
Car And Driver Best List:
Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list multiple times for its first generation, including 2003-2007.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Competitor to MotorTrend Car of the Year nominees in its segment.
Kes Score Handling:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling and ride balance.
