Category:
Lightweight Sports Car
Segment:
Affordable Roadster
Key Competitors:
Toyota MR2, Honda S2000 (later models), Porsche Boxster (higher end)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) driving philosophy, balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive.
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with a soft-top or optional hardtop.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuilds, Restoration
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (ECU)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (MT) repair and overhaul, clutch system, gearbox service
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, rear axle assembly
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, alignment
Steering:
Steering system, power steering, steering rack, linkage
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder), ABS system diagnosis and repair
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, instruments, switches, fuses, relays
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, exterior trim
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system service and repair
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacement, spark plug service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, electrical component repair
Restoration:
Detailed instructions for bringing the vehicle back to original specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Optional on some trims/markets)
Manual Gear Ratios:
See Manual for Specific Ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.407, 2nd: 2.000, 3rd: 1.333, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.837)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not Explicitly Rated for this specific year/model by NHTSA in a comparable format to modern standards, but generally considered safe for its class.
IIHS Ratings:
See Manual for specific crash test data if available.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bar integrated behind headrests
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (uses a timing chain).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Mazda FL22 or equivalent (long-life)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, chassis rails, rear quarter panels, especially in areas with road salt.
Engine Common Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, rear main seal; potential for oil consumption in high-mileage engines; ECU failure (less common on NB).
Transmission Common Issues:
Notchy shifter feel (can be improved with shifter bushings/lubricant); synchronizer wear on higher mileage units.
Suspension Common Issues:
Worn ball joints, bushings, and sway bar links leading to noise and poor handling.
Electrical Common Issues:
Corroded grounds, faulty window regulators, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, intermittent gauge cluster issues.
Convertible Top Care:
Regular cleaning and conditioning of the fabric top, checking seals for leaks.
Mazda Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to lightweight, driver-focused sports cars dating back to the Cosmo Sport and RX series.
Generation Start:
The NB generation replaced the NA (1989-1997) MX-5.
Nb Introduction:
The NB MX-5 debuted for the 1999 model year in North America, with the 1998 model year being the transition year, often referring to the early NB platform.
Nb Design Changes:
Introduction of pop-up headlights' removal, redesigned body panels, more aerodynamic styling, improved interior ergonomics, stiffer chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
Mazda's Ujina Plant, Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver તિહાસ:
Consistently featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' list in earlier generations, setting a benchmark for affordable sports cars.
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Praised for its handling, reliability, and pure driving experience by automotive journalists worldwide.
