Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and repair.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Triumph TR7, MGB (older) - Miata offered a more accessible, reliable, and modern interpretation of the classic roadster.
Design Philosophy:
'Jinba Ittai' (Horse and Rider as One) - emphasizing driver connection and feedback.
Vehicle Essence:
Affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive sports car.
Primary Coverage:
1997 Mazda Miata (NB Generation)
Secondary Coverage:
All major mechanical, electrical, and body systems
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive software manuals)
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (Digital)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (all gears, clutch, driveline components)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), disc brake service, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, lighting, instruments, body electronics, infotainment, power accessories
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, convertible top system, safety restraint systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit diagrams
Repair:
Component removal and installation, major assembly repairs, part replacement
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, diagnostic values
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (USDM spec)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
119 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common for enthusiasts, but available)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch
Driveline Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
Open Differential (Limited-Slip Differential - LSD - available on performance packages)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for applicable models/years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (specific ratings vary by year and testing methodology)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional or Standard depending on trim level.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Roll Over Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar (factory or aftermarket)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts
Audio System:
Aftermarket or original Mazda AM/FM stereo with CD player (common option). Speaker configuration varies by trim.
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges: speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge. Warning lights for various systems.
Cruise Control:
Available on some trims.
Power Windows:
Standard on most trims, with auto-down for driver's side.
Power Mirrors:
Available on some trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750-7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical due to interference engine design).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ, Viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact temperature-dependent recommendation).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze (or equivalent Asian-type green coolant).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Item:
Radiator hoses, fuel pump, clutch master/slave cylinders, window regulators, and seat belt mechanisms.
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket. Some reports of oil consumption on higher mileage engines.
Body Specific:
Rust prone areas: rocker panels, rear quarter panels, and around the windshield frame. Convertible top fabric wear and seal degradation.
Brand Philosophy:
Mazda's history of producing engaging and reliable vehicles, often with an emphasis on driver involvement.
First Generation:
NA (1989-1997): Defined the modern affordable sports car segment.
Second Generation:
NB (1998-2005): Introduced minor styling updates, improved chassis rigidity, and engine refinements. The 1997 model is the final year of the NA generation, bridging into the NB.
Production Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years:
1989-2005 (across generations); 1997 specific production: MY 1997 (last of NA)
Car And Driver 5Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in its production run (especially earlier models, but its reputation continued).
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Consistently praised for its handling, affordability, and driving experience by automotive journalists worldwide.
