Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - driver-centric design, pure driving experience
Key Competitors:
Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3/Z4
Market Advantage:
Affordability, reliability, excellent handling dynamics, robust aftermarket support
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive, near 50/50 weight distribution, precise steering, communicative chassis
Design:
Iconic compact roadster styling, minimalist interior focused on the driver
Convertibility:
Standard soft-top, optional hard-top availability
Primary Coverage:
Full Service, Repair, Workshop
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures
Maintenance Coverage:
Scheduled maintenance, routine servicing, fluid changes
Repair Coverage:
Component-level repair, disassembly, and reassembly
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, frame alignment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, fuel injection system
Suspension And Steering:
Component replacement, alignment specifications
Brakes And ABS:
Brake system overhaul, ABS diagnosis
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heater core replacement, refrigerant handling
Interior And Trim:
Interior component removal and installation
Convertible Top:
Soft top maintenance and repair procedures
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Digital Format:
PDF (typically)
Accessibility:
Instant Download, Computer, Tablet, Smartphone Compatible
License:
No Extra Fees, No Expiry Dates (as advertised)
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (Rear Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front: Double Wishbone, Rear: Multi-link), Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM)
Body:
Exterior panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, center console, airbags, seatbelts
Climate Control:
HVAC unit, refrigerant system, blower motor, control panel
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head removal/installation, timing belt replacement, piston and ring replacement
Transmission Repair:
Manual transmission disassembly/reassembly, clutch replacement, differential service
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line bleeding, ABS sensor replacement
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint replacement, power steering pump repair
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Component testing with multimeters, circuit tracing, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation
Body Repair:
Door hinge adjustment, bumper alignment, quarter panel replacement
Convertible Top Repair:
Mechanism lubrication, cable adjustment, fabric patching
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifications for using common diagnostic tools and scan equipment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for engine components, bearings, etc.
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (for 2000-2002), YS-DE (for 2003-2005)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8L (1839 cc) for BP-Z3, 2.0L (1998 cc) for YS-DE
Horsepower Bpz3:
140-142 hp @ 6000-6500 rpm (varies by market/emission standards)
Torque Bpz3:
119-121 lb-ft @ 4500-5000 rpm
Horsepower Ysde:
170 hp @ 7000 rpm (USDM 'Speed' and later models)
Torque Ysde:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Redline:
Approx. 7000-7200 rpm (varies by engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Coil-on-Plug (on later models)
ECU Type:
Denso or Hitachi ECU (specifics vary by year/market)
Length:
Approx. 157.3 - 157.7 inches (3995 - 4005 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Height:
Approx. 48.3 - 49.0 inches (1227 - 1245 mm) (soft top up)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.7 - 5.0 inches (119 - 127 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300 - 2500 lbs (1043 - 1134 kg) (depending on trim and options)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.4 - 5.0 cubic feet (125 - 141 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver / 4-Star Passenger (for applicable models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for applicable models)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most models)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some later models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame, pop-up roll bar behind headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts, Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) (depending on spark plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (both BP-Z3 and YS-DE engines use a timing chain)
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ, ILSAC GF-2 or higher. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended. Check owner's manual for specific conditions.
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent Pre-diluted ethylene glycol based coolant with long-life organic acid technology (OAT).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mobil 1 75W-90, Red Line MT-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-MV or equivalent Mercon V compatible fluid
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Oil Consumption:
Some engines (particularly early BP-Z3) may exhibit oil consumption due to piston ring wear.
Radiator Leaks:
Plastic end tanks on OEM radiators can become brittle and leak over time.
Soft Top Leaks:
Older soft tops may develop leaks around seams or the rear window.
Window Regulator Issues:
Power window mechanisms can become slow or fail.
Subframe Corrosion:
Rear subframe can be susceptible to rust in certain climates.
Coil Pack Failure:
Ignition coil packs can fail, leading to misfires.
Brand Origin:
Japan, established 1920 (as Toyo Cork Kogyo, later renamed Mazda)
Design Philosophy:
Commitment to affordable, enjoyable, driver-focused vehicles
First Generation:
NA (1989-1997) - established the modern roadster concept
Second Generation:
NB (1998-2005) - refined styling, improved aerodynamics, chassis stiffness, and engine power.
Nb Facelift:
2000-2001 (NB1): Introduction of the 1.8L BP-Z3 engine, revised headlights, bumpers, and interior elements.
Nb Facelift 2:
2002-2005 (NB2): Introduction of the 2.0L YS-DE engine with VVT, increased horsepower, revised suspension tuning, optional 6-speed manual, and appearance updates.
Special Editions:
Various limited editions including Shinsen, Mazdaspeed NB, etc., often featuring unique styling and performance upgrades.
Production Period:
1998-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times for its generation (NB model).
Consumers Digest Best Buy:
Recognized as a Best Buy in its class by Consumers Digest.
Editorial Reviews:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics, handling, and affordability by automotive journalists.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though specific known issues should be addressed.
Certification:
N/A (Product is a manual, not a vehicle certification)