Segment:
Compact car / Small family car
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, enthusiasts, restoration projects
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf
Vehicle Strengths Era:
Reliability, fuel efficiency, practical design, front-wheel drive platform
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, preserving its value and functionality
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control systems
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, maintenance, and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering, alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electrical
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts, hoses, fluid checks
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and major components
Refurbishing:
Guidance on restoring worn or damaged parts and systems
Restoration:
Detailed information relevant to bringing a classic vehicle back to original specifications
Depth Level:
Expert-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagrams Included:
Detailed technical drawings, exploded views, and wiring schematics
Engine Code Common:
E5 (1.5L), FE (1.6L), F8 (1.8L), RF (1.7L Diesel)
Displacement 1.6L:
1597 cc
Bore X Stroke 1.6L:
78.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio 1.6L:
8.5:1 or 9.5:1 (depending on variant)
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approx. 80-88 hp @ 5500-5800 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
Approx. 90-95 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carbureted (depending on market/trim)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based)
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Manual Fluid Spec:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil recommended
Automatic Fluid Spec:
Dexron II (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid
Length:
Approx. 4100 mm (161.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1645 mm (64.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1390 mm (54.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2450 mm (96.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs)
Era Rating Context:
Safety standards of the mid-to-late 1980s, generally not comparable to modern ratings
Active Safety Features:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, power-assisted brakes (optional/higher trims)
Passive Safety Features:
Safety cage construction, front seat belts, padded dashboard
Infotainment System Era:
Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player (optional CD player on later models/higher trims)
Driver Assistance Features Era:
Limited; primarily mechanical systems and basic instrumentation
Connectivity Features Era:
N/A (No integrated connectivity features)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (critical for interference engines)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check owner's manual for specific temperature range)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water), consult manual for type (e.g., green)
Common Issues Overview:
Rust/corrosion, aging electrical components, carburetor issues (if applicable), timing belt failure if not replaced
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, strut towers
Electrical Common Failures:
Alternator, starter motor, wiring harness degradation, headlight switch, fuel pump relay
Mazda Heritage Context:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, known for its zoom-zoom driving dynamics and unique rotary engines in other models.
Bf Generation Era:
1985-1991 (BF generation)
Body Styles Available:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, convertible
Production Location:
Primarily Japan, with some assembly in other global locations
