Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Power Steering, Wheel Alignment, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Bushings, Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Diagnosis, Troubleshooting
Electrical Electronics:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Power Accessories, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Fuse Box Locations, Relay Locations, Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, Body Control Module (BCM)
Chassis Body:
Chassis, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Diagnosis, Repair, Rust Prevention, Body Work
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Lubrication
Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant) - Manual specifies specific Mazda or equivalent
Oil Capacity Quarts:
5.8 US Quarts (approx. 5.5 Liters) with filter change
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix
Coolant Capacity Quarts:
7.5 US Quarts (approx. 7.1 Liters)
Emission System
Emission Control:
Three-way catalytic converters, O2 sensors, secondary air injection system
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (MCL)
Optional
Type:
6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (Activematic) with paddle shifters
Features
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid
Differential Type:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) on manual transmission models, standard open differential on automatic models
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length In:
175.6
Width In:
69.7
Height In:
52.9
Wheelbase In:
106.4
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs Manual:
3077
Curb Weight Lbs Automatic:
3163
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
4000
Interior
Seating Capacity:
4 (2+2 configuration)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Cu Ft:
10.0
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front Dual-Stage Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Curtain Side Airbags (all models)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
Body Structure:
Advanced 'Crumple Zone' body structure
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with amplifier and subwoofer available on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system available on some models.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control available on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Keyless entry and ignition system available.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace trailing spark plugs every 30,000 miles; leading spark plugs every 60,000 miles
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Coolant Flush:
Every 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 3 years or 60,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000 miles or as needed
Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (under normal conditions)
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check cap or manual for specific requirement)
Known Issues
Engine Apex Seals:
Potential wear leading to loss of compression and starting issues, especially with improper maintenance or oil usage. Requires specific rotary oil treatment.
Ignition Coils:
Known to fail prematurely, leading to misfires and rough running. Replacement with updated coils is common.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil; ensuring proper oil levels and using the correct oil is critical.
Catastrophic Engine Failure:
Can occur due to lack of lubrication, overheating, or apex seal failure.
Eccentric Shaft Pulley:
Some models may experience issues with the eccentric shaft pulley retaining its fixings.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Focus:
Mazda's heritage of sporty, driver-focused vehicles with innovative engineering.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
Mazda RX-7 (FC and FD generations)
Design Philosophy:
Designed to be a four-door, four-seat sports car with practicality and the unique rotary engine.
Production
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Awards:
Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list multiple times (2004-2006)
World Car Of The Year:
Nominated for World Car of the Year
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