🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Year:

2010

Chassis Code:

NC (Third Generation)

Body Style:

2-door convertible roadster

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a quintessential lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car, celebrated for its pure driving dynamics and affordability within the segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Competes with other affordable two-seater sports cars and roadsters, though its unique blend of handling, reliability, and convertible experience sets it apart. Key competitors at the time might have included certain iterations of the Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster (higher price bracket), and potentially some performance variants of front-wheel-drive coupes.

Key Features:

Lightweight chassis, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, responsive steering, engaging manual transmission, retractable hardtop (Power Retractable Hard Top - PRHT) option, rear-wheel drive, iconic styling.

Value Proposition:

Offers an accessible entry point into the sports car ownership experience with a focus on driver engagement and reliability, making this service manual a crucial tool for owners.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, body, and interior repair and maintenance

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (digital download)

Source:

Officially Licensed

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine fuel & emissions, engine electrical, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, ignition system, starting system, charging system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drivetrain, suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), wheels and tires, body electrical system, HVAC system, restraint system (airbags, seatbelts), interior trim, exterior trim, body panels, chassis diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, preventive maintenance, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, component removal and installation, repair procedures, specifications, wiring diagrams, component testing, overhaul procedures, adjustment procedures, system bleeding, software updates

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics and body repair

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary executable software package, likely .exe or similar, with embedded data

Print Quality:

Digital, allowing for high-resolution viewing and printing of individual pages or sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typical for modern service software)

Navigational Features:

Hyperlinked table of contents, cross-references, index, bookmarking capability

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 (MZR LF-VE)

Horsepower:

167 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque:

140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Valve Timing:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on intake camshaft

Emissions Standard:

California LEV-II / Federal Tier 2 Bin 5

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (MX-5 Miata Club, Grand Touring)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Activematic Automatic Transmission (MX-5 Miata Sport, some Touring/GT configurations)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 3.760, 2nd: 2.023, 3rd: 1.370, 4th: 1.065, 5th: 0.875, 6th: 0.707, Rev: 3.625

Automatic Features:

Paddle shifters available on some models

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, dry single plate

Final Drive Ratio:

4.100:1 (Manual), 3.700:1 (Automatic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mazda GL-5 specified but GL-4 recommended by some enthusiasts for synchros)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF JWS3309 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

154.1 inches (3915 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

49.8 inches (1265 mm) (Soft Top) / 49.7 inches (1263 mm) (PRHT)

Wheelbase:

90.9 inches (2310 mm)

Seating Capacity:

2

Trunk Volume:

4.5 cu ft (127 liters) (Soft Top) / 5.3 cu ft (150 liters) (PRHT)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2496 lbs (1132 kg) (Soft Top Manual) to 2609 lbs (1184 kg) (PRHT Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

3365 lbs (1526 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

17 x 7.0 inches (standard)

Tire Size:

205/45R17 (standard)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star Rating

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5-Star Rating

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, body-structure reinforcement

Headlights:

Halogen Projector-Beam (standard), Xenon HID (optional on some trims)

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up rollover hoops behind headrests

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers. Optional Bose premium audio system available on some trims. Auxiliary audio input jack.

Navigation:

Optional HDD-based navigation system available on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Standard cruise control. ABS, DSC, and TCS are standard.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming (optional on some trims).

Convenience Features:

Keyless entry, power windows and locks, climate control (manual or automatic depending on trim).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km)

Coolant Replacement:

First replacement at 7 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 4 years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil SAE 5W-20)

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Specification:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS 116 DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent

Known Issues:

Oil consumption (especially with hard driving), clutch wear (user dependent), potential for convertible top mechanism issues (PRHT), exhaust manifold cracks (less common on 2.0L compared to 1.8L previous gen), occasional electronic gremlins (e.g., window regulators, infotainment)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing affordable, driver-focused sports cars, tracing its lineage back to the iconic Mazda Cosmo Sport and most notably, the original Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA generation) introduced in 1989.

Model Evolution:

The 2010 model is part of the third generation (NC) of the MX-5 Miata, which debuted for the 2006 model year. The NC generation offered a larger chassis, more powerful engine, and available Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) as an alternative to the traditional soft top. It received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year, which included updated styling (front fascia, rear lights), suspension tweaks for improved ride and handling, and a slight power increase.

Production Years:

NC Generation: 2006-2015

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has a remarkable history of being named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list, often cited for its exceptional value and pure driving pleasure.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated well for reliability by consumer organizations, reflecting Mazda's engineering and build quality.

Certifications:

Officially Licensed product, ensuring accuracy and completeness for repair and maintenance.