Generations Covered:
First Generation (NA)
Years Covered:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Positioning:
The Mazda MX-5 (NA generation) is a seminal sports car, celebrated for its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, and pure driving experience. It revitalized the affordable roadster market.
Competitors:
Primarily competed against cars like the Toyota MR2, Triumph Spitfire (in earlier years), and later entrants in the small roadster segment.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its 'Jinba Ittai' (horse and rider as one) philosophy, offering exceptional handling, balance, and driver feedback.
Design:
Iconic pop-up headlights, compact roadster body, simple yet effective interior.
Value Proposition:
An indispensable resource for owners and mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and optimize their classic MX-5, ensuring longevity and peak performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting, charging.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.
Brake Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc and drum where applicable), parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for applicable models/years.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, audio system, ECU (Engine Control Unit).
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, convertible top mechanism, frame, bumpers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common problems and solutions, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component disassembly, inspection, and reassembly.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Code:
B6ZE (1.6L) and BP-ZE (1.8L) for later models in this range.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1597 cc) for early models, 1.8 Liters (1839 cc) for 1994+ models.
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approximately 115-116 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
Approximately 100-100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approximately 125-130 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
Approximately 110-114 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, Octane Rating 87 or higher
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS on later 1.8L models)
Cooling Type:
Pressurized Liquid Cooling System
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate/usage recommendations)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (available on certain trims/years)
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate, hydraulically operated
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (specific part numbers should be referenced in the manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon (specific part numbers should be referenced in the manual)
Length:
Approx. 155.7 inches (3955 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Height:
Approx. 48.4 inches (1230 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2200-2400 lbs (1000-1090 kg), varies by year and equipment
Trunk Volume:
Minimal, designed for sports car usability, typically enough for small luggage.
NHTSA Rating:
Specific NHTSA ratings for this era may vary or not be readily available. Known for robust construction for its class.
ABS:
Optional on earlier models, standard on some later 1.8L models.
Traction Control:
Not typically available on NA generation models.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1990-1997. Passenger airbag introduced in 1997/1998 models.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up roll bar behind seats (standard on some later models, optional on others).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (6,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years for engines with timing belts (refer to specific engine code).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) DEXTRON II or equivalent (if equipped with power steering).
Common Problems:
Oil seal leaks (crankshaft, cam seals), alternator issues, coolant leaks, exhaust manifold cracks, window regulator issues, rust (especially sills and rear fenders), worn suspension bushings, differential whine.
Mazda Sports Heritage:
Mazda has a long history of producing engaging sports cars, including the RX series and the Cosmo Sport. The MX-5 built upon this legacy.
Na Generation Launch:
Launched in 1989 (as a 1990 model year), it was designed to evoke the spirit of classic British roadsters like the Lotus Elan.
Facelifts Updates:
The NA generation received minor updates throughout its run, including engine size increases (1.6L to 1.8L in 1994), revised suspension tuning, and interior/exterior trim changes.
Production Period:
1989-1997 (for the NA generation, covering the specified years).
Manufacturing Locations:
Hiroshima, Japan
