Market Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Mazda owners seeking detailed repair information
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Subaru Impreza
Vehicle Appeal:
Sporty handling, stylish design, reliable powertrains, good value for money
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level knowledge for efficient and accurate servicing and repairs
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU)
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (M/T), Automatic transmission (A/T), clutch system, driveline, axles, differentials
Brakes Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake hydraulics, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (independent MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear), power steering system, steering column, wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), fuse box, wiring diagrams, relays, switches
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, locks, wipers, climate control, HVAC
Safety Restraint:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS module, crash sensor locations
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, component testing, wiring harness testing
Installation Procedures:
Component installation, accessory installation, timing belt/chain replacement, clutch assembly replacement
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment angles, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics, and diagnostic procedures)
Print Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages
Binding Type:
Digital Download (N/A for printed)
Paper Type:
Digital Download (N/A for printed)
Searchability:
Searchable text within PDF
Accessibility:
Instant download, accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones
Engine Options:
1.4L (MZR ZJ-VE), 1.6L (MZR Z6), 2.0L (MZR LF-VE), 2.3L (MZR L3-VE), 2.3L Turbocharged (MZR L3-T - Mazdaspeed3)
2.0L Horsepower:
Approx. 148-150 hp @ 6000 rpm
2.0L Torque:
Approx. 135-137 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
2.3L Horsepower:
Approx. 160 hp @ 6500 rpm
2.3L Torque:
Approx. 150 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
2.3L Turbo Horsepower:
Approx. 263 hp @ 5500 rpm (Mazdaspeed3)
2.3L Turbo Torque:
Approx. 280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Mazdaspeed3)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended, premium for performance models)
Engine Code Example 2.0L:
LF-VE
Engine Code Example 2.3L:
L3-VE
Engine Code Example 2.3L Turbo:
L3-VDT (Mazdaspeed3)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (M/T)
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (A/T) (early models), 5-speed automatic transmission (A/T) (later models)
All Wheel Drive:
Available on select models (e.g., 2.3L 's' trim)
Manual Transmission Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated diaphragm-spring clutch
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronically controlled with adaptive shift logic
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.7 inches (2660 mm)
Length:
Approx. 170.5 - 176.7 inches (4330 - 4488 mm) depending on trim/body style
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 57.5 - 58.1 inches (1460 - 1475 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 95-97 cubic feet (varies by body style)
Trunk Capacity Sedan:
Approx. 14.0 - 14.4 cubic feet
Cargo Capacity Hatchback:
Approx. 19.6 cubic feet (seats up), 40.7 cubic feet (seats down)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2900 - 3200 lbs (1315 - 1451 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Typically around 4000-4200 lbs
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for many configurations)
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Electronic Stability Control Esc:
Available on some trims (standard on later models/specific markets)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (available/standard depending on trim)
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD player with available premium Bose audio system, steering wheel audio controls
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (typically found on higher trim levels)
Climate Control:
Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (ACC)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Keyless Entry Ignition:
Available on some trims (Smart Key System)
Auxiliary Input:
Available on later models or as an aftermarket addition
Bluetooth:
Available on later models or higher trims
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium-tipped plugs: 60,000-100,000 miles. Standard plugs: 30,000-45,000 miles (check specific engine)
Timing Belt Or Chain:
1.4L/1.6L engines use timing belts (replace approx. 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years). 2.0L/2.3L engines use timing chains (generally maintenance-free, but inspection recommended).
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Atf:
Automatic: 30,000-60,000 miles (severe service). Manual: Inspect periodically, change if discolored/contaminated (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 5W-20 or 5W-30 (API certified, check owner's manual for specific engine requirement)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or compatible ATF Dexron III/Mercon
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Mazda Genuine ATF (for automatics); GL-4 gear oil for manuals (check specific grade, e.g., 75W-90)
Common Problems Engine:
Variable intake solenoid failure (P2007/P2008 codes), oil consumption in some high-mileage 2.3L engines, catalytic converter issues
Common Problems Transmission:
Automatic transmission rough shifting or delayed engagement (may require software update or internal repair), clutch wear (especially in spirited driving)
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings, rear shock absorber leaks, sway bar link noise
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window motor failure, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent interior light issues
Common Problems Body:
Rust in wheel wells and rocker panels (especially in rust-belt areas), interior trim rattles, door lock actuator failure
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('oneness of horse and rider'), emphasizing driver engagement and handling
Predecessor:
Mazda 323 (Familia) / Mazda Protegé
Launch Year:
2003 (as a 2004 model year in North America)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh around 2006/2007 (minor styling and feature updates)
Production Period:
2003-2008
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Hofu Plant), Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Taiwan, Philippines
Mazdaspeed3 Introduction:
Introduced in 2006 as a high-performance variant
Car And Driver 10Best:
Yes, recognized by Car and Driver in 2004 and 2005
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Competed for MotorTrend Car of the Year, often praised for its driving dynamics
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated average to above average for reliability, with specific engine/transmission variants noted.