Segment:
        
        
            Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
        
     
    
        
            Key Selling Points:
        
        
            Affordable RWD driving pleasure, iconic styling, reliable mechanicals, extensive aftermarket support
        
     
    
    
        
            Direct Competitors Era:
        
        
            Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 300ZX (depending on market focus)
        
     
    
    
        
            Comprehensiveness:
        
        
            Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair for the specified model years.
        
     
    
        
            Detail Level:
        
        
            Highly detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations (implied by 'highly detailed').
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners seeking to understand their vehicle's mechanics.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine (1.8L BP-Z3, 1.6L B6ZE), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Differential, Driveshafts
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System, Antitheft System
        
     
    
        
            Body And Trim:
        
        
            Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System, Seats, Bumpers, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Lines
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fans
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Belt Inspection and Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Engine Repair:
        
        
            Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Ring Replacement, Crankshaft/Camshaft Service, Timing Belt/Chain Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Service:
        
        
            Clutch Replacement, Transmission Fluid Change, Manual Gearbox Rebuild, Automatic Transmission Overhaul
        
     
    
        
            Suspension And Steering Repair:
        
        
            Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump Service
        
     
    
        
            Brake System Overhaul:
        
        
            Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Brake Line Replacement, ABS System Diagnosis
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Diagnosis:
        
        
            Troubleshooting DTCs, Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Service:
        
        
            Mechanism Adjustment, Motor Replacement, Seal Replacement
        
     
    
        
            Body Panel Replacement:
        
        
            Fender, Door, Hood, Trunk Lid Replacement and Alignment
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            Covers procedures requiring OBD-II scanners and specialized diagnostic equipment
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
        
     
    
        
            Clearances And Tolerances:
        
        
            Precise measurements for engine components and other systems
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            DOHC, 16 valves
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Est:
        
        
            140 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque Est:
        
        
            119 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC VVT)
        
     
    
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Valvetrain:
        
        
            DOHC, 16 valves with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower Est:
        
        
            142 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM), 155 hp @ 7000 rpm (M Edition/Shinsen, USDM)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Est:
        
        
            125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (USDM), 130 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (M Edition/Shinsen, USDM)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Ignition System:
        
        
            Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Coil-on-Plug on VVT engines)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (Getrag MX-5) for most models
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            4-Speed Automatic (Jatco 4EAT) for some models
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 3.300:1, 1.990:1, 1.450:1, 1.000:1, 0.850:1 for 5-speed)
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
        
        
            API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (or manufacturer-specified equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
        
        
            Dexron III or equivalent
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) for early models
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Side Impact:
        
        
            Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard on most models, Antilock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Optional on some models, especially with automatic transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard), Optional Side Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Pop-up roll bar behind headrests (integrated into A-pillar structure)
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first)
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000-30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum/iridium)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
        
        
            Every 30,000-60,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 24,000 miles or 2 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Spec:
        
        
            API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact spec)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity Est:
        
        
            4.0-4.5 Quarts (3.8-4.3 Liters) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, green color)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Spec:
        
        
            Dexron II/III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Spec:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Clutch wear, suspension bushings, wheel bearings, convertible top fabric degradation
        
     
    
        
            Engine Minor Issues:
        
        
            Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), thermostat housing leaks, occasional power steering pump whine
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Quirks:
        
        
            Window motor issues, intermittent dash light failures, antenna motor problems
        
     
    
        
            Rust Prone Areas:
        
        
            Rocker panels, rear fender arches, subframes (especially in regions with road salt)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Philosophy:
        
        
            Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - focus on driver engagement and connection
        
     
    
        
            Legacy:
        
        
            Successor to the iconic Mazda RX-7 and the original NA generation Miata
        
     
    
    
        
            Nb Generation Launch:
        
        
            Introduced in late 1997 for the 1999 model year
        
     
    
    
        
            Nb2 Facelift:
        
        
            2001-2005 (significant update including VVT engine, revised styling, improved chassis)
        
     
    
        
            Special Editions:
        
        
            Numerous special editions throughout NB generation (e.g., M Edition, Shinsen, 10th Anniversary)
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Locations:
        
        
            Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan
        
     
    
        
            Total Nb Production Est:
        
        
            Over 190,000 units worldwide
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Miata (various generations) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list.
        
     
    
        
            Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
        
        
            While not directly for the NB generation, the Miata lineage is highly regarded.
        
     
    
    
        
            Driver Satisfaction:
        
        
            Consistently high ratings for driving dynamics and owner satisfaction in its class.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Quality Certification:
        
        
            Implied by the 'highly detailed' description; reflects industry standards for technical documentation.