Segment:
Compact Mini-Van
Target Audience:
Families, practical consumers
Key Competitors 1996:
Toyota Previa, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan/Plymouth Voyager
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rear-wheel drive platform offering better handling and towing compared to many front-wheel drive competitors in its class at the time.
Design Philosophy:
Functional and spacious interior with a focus on driver engagement for a minivan.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Ignition, Charging, Starting, Lighting, Body Electrical, HVAC Controls, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Glass
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks, Lubrication
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Repair:
Component Removal & Installation, Overhaul Procedures, Component Reassembly
Adjustment:
Alignment, Clutch Adjustment, Brake Adjustment
Replacement:
Serviceable Parts Replacement (belts, hoses, filters, spark plugs, etc.)
Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to in-depth engine/transmission overhaul)
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for various systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems.
Length:
4770 mm (187.8 in)
Height:
1750 mm (68.9 in)
Wheelbase:
2820 mm (111.0 in)
Front Track:
1520 mm (59.8 in)
Rear Track:
1515 mm (59.6 in)
Seating Capacity:
7 passengers (2-2-3 configuration)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 21.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume With 3Rd Row Folded:
Approx. 50.5 cu ft
Curb Weight:
1700 - 1850 kg (3748 - 4079 lbs) (Varies by trim and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
2450 kg (5401 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3500 lbs (with optional towing package)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4-star (1996 model year ratings)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4-star (1996 model year ratings)
ABS:
Available (Standard on some higher trims)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants.
Child Safety:
Rear door child safety locks, ISOFIX/LATCH anchor points may be present on later iterations or specific markets but not standard for 1996.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Green)
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, spark plug wires, front sway bar end links, catalytic converter, O2 sensors, valve cover gaskets (potential oil leaks).
Transmission Issues:
Occasional transmission slippage or harsh shifting if fluid maintenance is neglected. Torque converter issues can arise with high mileage.
Engine Issues:
Overheating if cooling system is not maintained. Intake manifold gaskets can sometimes leak vacuum. EGR valve clogging can cause rough idle.
Mazda Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom (though this slogan was later adopted, the spirit of driver engagement was present).
First Generation:
1990-1998
Second Generation Introduction:
1999 (Facelifted model, different platform in some markets)
Significant Changes 1996:
Minor updates, typically cosmetic or feature adjustments, the core platform remained the same as earlier years of the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Hofu Plant)
Production Years:
1990-1998 (First Generation)
