Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Usp:
Sporty handling, stylish design, and engaging driving dynamics for its class.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza.
Driving Dynamics:
Mazda's 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy evident in chassis tuning.
Design:
Aggressive exterior styling and well-appointed interior for its segment.
Practicality:
Versatile 5-door hatchback body style offers good cargo space.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Operation, basic checks, and minor maintenance for engine and transmission systems.
Brakes And Suspension:
Understanding and operation of brake systems, ABS, and suspension components.
Electrical And Lighting:
Operation of lights, wipers, power accessories, fuses, and basic electrical system checks.
Interior And Comfort:
Climate control, seating adjustments, audio system, navigation (if equipped), and interior features.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Routine Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Jumper starting, tire changing, emergency roadside assistance information.
Vehicle Care:
Cleaning, washing, and interior care recommendations.
Depth:
Owner-level information for everyday use, operation, and basic upkeep. Not a diagnostic or repair manual.
Engine Code:
LF-DE (2.0L) / L3-VE (2.3L)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve
Displacement 2.0L:
1999 cc
Horsepower 2.0L:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.0L:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Displacement 2.3L:
2261 cc
Horsepower 2.3L:
156 hp @ 6500 rpm (Standard) / 167 hp @ 6500 rpm (MZR DISI Turbo)
Torque 2.3L:
144 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (Standard) / 170 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (MZR DISI Turbo)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Crash Rating:
Good
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Available front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Seats:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Tpms:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard on some trims.
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack (common on higher trims).
Navigation:
Optional in-dash DVD-based navigation system on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry, optional remote keyless entry with ignition.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system on higher trims.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty).
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typical).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tipped spark plugs: approx. 75,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial 105,000 miles or 10 years, then every 52,500 miles or 5 years (Long Life Coolant).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 compliant.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter for 2.0L; 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter for 2.3L.
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
75W-85 GL-4 (or consult manual for specific recommendations).
Clutch Wear:
Can be susceptible to wear with aggressive driving, especially in manual transmissions.
Rust Corrosion:
Potential for rust on wheel wells and rocker panels in areas with heavy road salt usage.
Power Steering Pump:
Some reports of early failure or noise from the power steering pump.
Throttle Body Issues:
Can accumulate carbon deposits, leading to idle issues or stalling in some cases.
Mazda Philosophy:
Emphasis on driving pleasure and innovative engineering.
Generation I:
First generation Mazda 3 (BK) launched in 2003 (for model year 2004), replacing the Mazda Familia/323. Known for its sporty chassis and styling.
2008 Facelift:
This model year represents a mid-cycle facelift for the first-generation Mazda 3, featuring updated exterior styling (grille, headlights, taillights) and interior refinements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Thailand, China, Ukraine.
Production Years Gen I:
2004-2009