Positioning:
Compact/Subcompact Car, known for affordability, reliability, and sporty handling, especially in GT trims.
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Features:
Available in Sedan and Hatchback (5-door), sporty GT models with 2.0L engine and enhanced suspension.
Engine:
1.6L (Z5), 1.8L (BP-Z3, BP-VE), 2.0L Diesel (FS-DE, RF-CDT)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic
Suspension:
Front (MacPherson Strut), Rear (Multi-link Beam Axle/Independent)
Brakes:
Front (Ventilated Discs), Rear (Discs/Drums), ABS System
Steering:
Power Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
12V System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, ECUs
HVAC:
Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation Systems
Body:
Body Exterior, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass
Chassis:
Frame, Subframes, Exhaust System, Fuel System
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS
Emissions:
Emission Control Systems, OBD-II Diagnostics
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Flushes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Sub-Assembly Rebuilds
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Codes, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Circuit Testing
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of major vehicle components
Depth:
Comprehensive - Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
Engine 1 Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
Approx. 105 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
Approx. 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine 2 Code:
BP-Z3 / BP-VE
Engine 2 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 2 Horsepower:
Approx. 122 hp @ 6000 rpm (BP-Z3), 129 hp @ 6000 rpm (BP-VE)
Engine 2 Torque:
Approx. 117 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (BP-Z3), 125 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (BP-VE)
Engine 3 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Engine 3 Code:
FS-DE (MZR)
Engine 3 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Engine 3 Horsepower:
Approx. 130 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 3 Torque:
Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc) Turbo Diesel
Engine 4 Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Engine 4 Horsepower:
Approx. 90 hp @ 4000 rpm
Engine 4 Torque:
Approx. 130 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating: 87 minimum), Diesel
Curb Weight Lbs Min:
2500
Curb Weight Lbs Max:
2800
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
3700-3900 (approximate)
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Sedan:
12.9
Cargo Volume Cu Ft Hatchback:
22.4 (seats up), 41.4 (seats down)
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
Good (2001 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
Good (2001 model year)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Acceptable (for some model years)
ABS:
Available (Standard on GT, optional on others)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system.
Speaker Configuration:
4-speaker or 6-speaker systems
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to ABS and basic traction control systems on some higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory. Aftermarket head units commonly installed.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 50,000-75,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
3.7 (1.6L), 4.2 (1.8L/2.0L Gasoline), 6.4 (2.0L Diesel)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Issues:
Cracked exhaust manifolds (especially on 1.8L BP engines), minor oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), interior trim rattles, potential for AC compressor issues.
Transmission Issues:
Some reports of automatic transmission issues related to shifting or internal wear with high mileage.
