Competitive Set:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion
Strengths:
Sporty handling (Zoom-Zoom philosophy), stylish design, good value proposition
Weaknesses:
Interior material quality perception, some powertrain refinement compared to key rivals
Design Philosophy:
Kodo design language influence (developing), focus on driving dynamics
Trim Levels:
Typically Sport, Touring, Grand Touring (varies by market)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic and manual), drivetrain components
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system
Electrical:
Lighting system, instruments and controls, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories
Safety:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, Traction Control (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Body:
Doors, windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, exterior lighting
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, operating climate control, using audio system, operating power windows
Maintenance:
Fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, light bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and indicators, basic system checks
Emergency:
Flat tire changing, jump starting, towing information
Depth:
Covers daily operation, user-level maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Digital Equivalent Format:
PDF (often available for digital purchase/download)
Print Quality:
Standard automotive manual print quality, often with glossy paper for images
Binding Type:
Stapled or perfect bound booklet
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for automotive environment
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
5-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with manual mode/Shiftronic)
Automatic Features:
Activematic transmission with adaptive shift control
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (Mazda recommendation)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent DEXRON-III H)
Length:
Approx. 190.6 inches (4841 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.9 inches (1471 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.9 inches (2740 mm)
Front Track:
Approx. 60.6 inches (1539 mm)
Rear Track:
Approx. 61.0 inches (1550 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.5 inches (978 mm)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 37.1 inches (942 mm)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 42.0 inches (1067 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 36.5 inches (927 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.2 cubic feet (430 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg), varies by trim and transmission
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (Dynamic Stability Control - DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack (common), Bluetooth hands-free calling (optional on higher trims).
Navigation:
Optional in-dash DVD-based navigation system on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry with remote unlocking, keyless ignition available on some trims.
Other Features:
Automatic climate control (optional), heated seats (optional), power driver's seat (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or based on oil quality sensor
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace at 60,000-100,000 miles (or per severe service schedule)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Typically a lifetime fluid, but inspection and potential replacement at higher mileage (e.g., 100,000 miles) is recommended.
Spark Plugs:
Iridium-tipped plugs, typically replaced at 100,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) - Ethylene Glycol based
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.2 US quarts (5.9 L)
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III/Mercon)
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear or failure of engine mounts, leading to vibration.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or failure of the power steering pump/rack.
Water Pump:
Potential for leaks or failure of the water pump, especially at higher mileage.
Exhaust System:
Rusting of exhaust components, particularly in areas with heavy road salt usage.
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a long history of producing reliable and engaging-driving vehicles, with a strong emphasis on the 'Zoom-Zoom' driving experience.
First Generation:
Introduced in 2002 (as Mazda Atenza in Japan), replacing the Mazda Capella/626.
Second Generation Intro:
The GH generation debuted for the 2008 model year, representing a significant redesign.
Second Generation Changes:
Larger platform, revised styling, improved interior quality, and new engine options (though the 2.3L remained prominent).
Manufacturing Plant:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan (Primary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Often recognized by IIHS for good crash test performance, likely earned Top Safety Pick status for some years.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year Nominee:
Mazda models, including the Mazda 6, have frequently been contenders or finalists for 'Car of the Year' awards from automotive publications.
Epa Fuel Economy City:
Approx. 21-22 MPG (for 2.3L engine)
Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
Approx. 29-30 MPG (for 2.3L engine)