Market Segment:
Mid-size family sedan and wagon, known for sporty handling and refined styling.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Passat.
Design Philosophy:
Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving dynamics and responsiveness.
Wagon Variant:
The wagon offered increased practicality and cargo space, appealing to families.
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Emission Control Systems
Transmission:
Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle (including electronic controls)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), All Wheel Drive (AWD) components (if applicable), Driveshafts, Differentials
Suspension:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Wheel Alignment
Steering:
Power Steering System (Hydraulic), Steering Column, Steering Gearbox/Rack and Pinion
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Booster, Master Cylinder, Parking Brake
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Ignition System, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Power Accessories
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System, Refrigerant, Blower Motor, Evaporator, Condenser, Compressor
Body:
Body Panel Removal/Installation, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Brake Pad Replacement, Tire Rotation
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Repair, HVAC System Repair, Bodywork Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Family:
MZR (LF-VE, L3-VE)
2.3L I4:
Displacement: 2261 cc. Power: 160-170 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm. Torque: 170-175 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm. Engine Code: L3-VE (Naturally Aspirated), L3-VDT (Mazdaspeed Turbo).
3.0L V6:
Displacement: 2967 cc. Power: 220 hp @ 6400 rpm. Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm. Engine Code: AJ-DE.
Mazdaspeed Turbo:
The Mazdaspeed6 (2006-2007) featured a turbocharged 2.3L MZR engine (L3-VDT) producing 274 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AWD system.
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Octane Rating:
87 octane unleaded recommended for 2.3L and 3.0L. Higher octane for Mazdaspeed.
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (common on 2.3L models).
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed automatic (common on 2.3L and 3.0L models).
Mazdaspeed Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission on Mazdaspeed6.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 105.3 inches (2675 mm)
Length:
Sedan: Approx. 190.1 inches (4830 mm); Wagon: Approx. 187.6 inches (4765 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Sedan: Approx. 57.7 inches (1465 mm); Wagon: Approx. 59.1 inches (1500 mm)
Curb Weight:
Varies by trim and powertrain, typically 3200 - 3600 lbs.
Wagon Cargo Volume:
Significant cargo capacity, expandable with rear seats folded.
NHTSA Front Crash:
Good (for sedans tested in 2005 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for sedans tested in 2005 model year)
ABS:
Standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Available on some trims.
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on later models, sometimes referred to as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and available curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Refer to manual for precise intervals.
Engine Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement around 60,000 miles, then every 30,000-45,000 miles thereafter (refer to manual for specific coolant type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs typically last up to 100,000 miles. Platinum plugs have shorter intervals.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 API SN/SM/SL, ILSAC GF-5/GF-4/GF-3 (refer to manual for specific engine and temperature requirements).
Coolant:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life ethylene glycol coolant.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Rust:
Corrosion on wheel wells, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels can be an issue, especially in rust-belt regions.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to increased vibration and noise.
Cv Axles:
Front CV axle boots can tear, leading to premature wear and failure.
Alternator:
Early models sometimes experienced alternator failures.
Power Steering Pump:
Leaking or failing power steering pumps can occur.
