Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight two-seater convertible sports car
Brand Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - emphasizing driver connection and pure driving experience
Key Competitors Era:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z Roadster
Competitive Advantage:
Affordability, lightweight design, balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics
Chassis Design:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, front-midship engine layout for optimal weight distribution
Body Style:
Two-door convertible (soft-top or retractable hardtop - 'PRHT' - Power Retractable Hardtop available)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for nimble handling, excellent feedback, and accessible performance
Engine Placement:
Longitudinal engine mounting ahead of the front axle centerline
Manual Type:
Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair and servicing
Accessories Coverage:
Likely includes factory accessory installation procedures
Body And Chassis:
Full coverage
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams and component testing
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ pages (typical for full factory manuals of this era)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Download Devices:
Computer, Tablet, Smartphone
Accessibility:
Instant Download, No Expiry Dates, No Extra Fees
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, internal components, timing systems, cooling, lubrication
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, sensors, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, internal components, clutch operation
Transmission Automatic:
If applicable to specific trims covered by the manual, including overhaul and diagnostics
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, tie rods
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, bleeding procedures
Electrical Power Distribution:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, charging system
Lighting Systems:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb specifications
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC system, power windows, locks, mirrors, seats, convertible top operation (if applicable)
Body And Exterior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, convertible top mechanics
Interior Trim:
Dashboard, upholstery, interior panels
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug intervals, belt inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major components
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed rebuild instructions for engine, transmission, and other major assemblies
Diagnostics:
OBD-II code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures
Fluid Checks And Changes:
Capacities, types, and procedures for all vehicle fluids
Electrical Component Testing:
Resistance, voltage, and continuity tests
Torque Specifications:
All critical fastener torque values
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete, system-specific wiring schematics
Depth:
Professional, dealership-level repair and diagnostic information
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced, including system-specific testing and fault finding
Repair Level:
Complete rebuild procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of any specialized tools required
Transmission Type Std:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (MX-5 's typical offering)
Transmission Type Opt:
6-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission (Optional on some trims/markets)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios Manual:
Detailed ratios provided in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.49, 2nd: 2.03, 3rd: 1.33, 4th: 1.07, 5th: 0.91, 6th: 0.77 - approximate, manual will confirm)
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) often standard or available on performance trims
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Typical for this era, manual will confirm specific model year ratings)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (Typical for this era, manual will confirm specific model year ratings)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Acceptable (Typical for convertibles, manual will confirm specific model year ratings)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (Standard)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or optional
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) usually standard on later models in this range
Airbags Front:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Airbags Side:
Seat-mounted side airbags often standard or optional
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable seat belts with pre-tensioners
Oil Change Interval:
5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific grade)
Air Filter Replacement:
15,000 - 30,000 miles (visual inspection recommended)
Spark Plug Replacement:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, Iridium recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified, synthetic recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 U.S. quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology, Pink)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (Synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Hypoid gear oil, manual will specify exact type)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF-MV or equivalent (refer to manual)
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (Hypoid gear oil, confirm with manual)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear wheel bearings, brake pads/rotors, suspension bushings
Convertible Top Issues:
Sticking or binding mechanisms, seal degradation (especially for PRHT actuators)
Oil Consumption:
Some reports of increased oil consumption with high mileage, regular checks are advised
Electronic Gremlins:
Occasional minor electrical issues, often related to sensor failures or wiring harness wear
Mazda Philosophy:
Focus on driving pleasure, lightweight construction, and affordability in sports cars
Previous Generations:
NA (First Gen, 1989-1997), NB (Second Gen, 1998-2005)
Nc Introduction:
Launched for the 2006 model year, marking a significant redesign
Nc Key Changes:
Larger chassis, more powerful engine, electric power steering, available PRHT
Production Start Year:
2005 (for 2006 model year)
Production End Year Nc Generation:
2015
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver Best Drivers Car:
Frequent inclusion in Car and Driver's 10Best Cars list for previous generations, and strong contender status for NC.
Auto Express Best Convertible:
Often awarded or highly rated in convertible categories
Wheel Magazine Sports Car Of The Year:
Awarded in previous generations, signifying its driving prowess
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally good to excellent reliability ratings, depending on the specific model year and maintenance history.