Segment:
Compact car / Small family car
Perception:
Known for reliability, practical design, and agile handling, especially in performance variants.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Sentra
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon
Performance Variant:
GTX model featuring AWD and turbocharged engine for sporty performance.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized driver engagement, efficient packaging, and Mazda's signature 'Zoom-Zoom' DNA before the official slogan existed.
Market:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, etc.)
Trim Levels:
All (e.g., GL, LX, GSi, GT, GTX, Familia)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital File (PDF)
Engine:
All gasoline engine variants (e.g., 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L, 1.8L naturally aspirated and turbocharged)
Engine Management:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), ignition systems, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed), Automatic (4-speed) transmissions
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for GTX models
Suspension:
Front independent (MacPherson struts), Rear independent (multi-link) or semi-independent (torsion beam) depending on model
Brakes:
Front disc (vented/solid), Rear drum or disc brakes, ABS (on select models)
Steering:
Rack and Pinion, Power Steering (optional/standard)
Electrical:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, chassis structure
Body Electrical:
Wipers, washers, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, audio system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, belt inspections and replacements, brake fluid changes, air filter service, battery maintenance
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI systems, electrical fault finding
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, exhaust system repair, fuel system component replacement
Overhaul:
Detailed engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Adjustment:
Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, idle speed adjustment, clutch adjustment
Recalibration:
EFI system basic setup and adjustments
Specification Setting:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine specifications, chassis alignment specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Code Example:
B6 (1.6L), BP (1.8L), FE (1.6L), E3 (1.3L), Z5 (1.5L)
Displacement Options:
1.3L (1324cc), 1.5L (1498cc), 1.6L (1597cc), 1.8L (1839cc)
Horsepower Range:
60 - 164 hp (depending on engine and trim)
Torque Range:
70 - 140 lb-ft (depending on engine and trim)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), some earlier/base models may have Carburetion
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Configuration:
Inline-4 cylinder, front-mounted, transverse (most models)
ECU Type:
ECU-controlled EFI and ignition
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4305 mm (169.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1680 mm (66.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1375 mm (54.1 in) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 980 - 1200 kg (2160 - 2645 lbs) depending on body style and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and market, typically around 1500-1700 kg
Common Sizes:
175/70R13, 185/65R14, 195/55R15 (GTX)
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by market and testing protocols of the era; generally considered safe for its class. Specific ratings for 1989 may be limited.
ABS:
Optional on some higher trim levels and performance models (GTX)
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts (3-point front, 2-point rear in some early models, 3-point rear in later/higher trims)
Crumple Zones:
Designed with energy-absorbing front and rear sections
Driver Airbag:
Optional or standard on very late production models/specific markets
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Change:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for B6, BP, Z5 engines (check manual for exact spec).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2, ILSAC GF-2; Viscosity: 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. 5W-30 for very cold climates.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.5 liters (3.7 - 4.8 US Quarts) with filter change, depending on engine.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Sludge:
Can occur with infrequent oil changes on some engines, particularly the BP engine.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in areas with heavy road salt use, especially on wheel arches, rocker panels, and suspension components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, and water pump can degrade over time, leading to leaks and overheating.
Cv Joints:
Wear on front CV joint boots can lead to joint failure, indicated by clicking noises during turns.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of exhaust components (muffler, pipes) due to age and environmental factors.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors, particularly ground points and fuse box connections, can cause intermittent electrical issues.
Mazda Motorsport:
Mazda has a strong heritage in motorsports, contributing to the development of sporty variants like the 323 GTX.
Generation:
Third Generation (BG) - introduced in 1989
Platform Sharing:
Shared platform elements with Ford Laser and Meteor in certain markets.
Production Years:
1989-1994 (for BG generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, and assembly plants in various other countries worldwide.
