Segment:
Lightweight sports car, roadster.
Reputation:
Iconic for its driving dynamics, affordable performance, and open-top motoring experience.
Key Competitors:
Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster (though generally more premium).
Driving Dynamics:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, balanced chassis, communicative steering.
Body Style:
Two-door convertible with soft-top or optional hard-top.
Philosophy:
"Jinba Ittai" (Horse and Rider as One) - emphasizing driver connection.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, emissions control.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles, hubs.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS system.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, wipers, horn, instruments, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, refrigerant, diagnostics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis frame, convertible top mechanism.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, ABS.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair.
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, repairing, assembling, and installing all major components.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Interpreting wiring diagrams, using multimeters, testing sensors, actuators, and control modules.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications, diagnostic values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Level Of Detail:
Highly detailed, with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, and technical notes.
Engine Codes Covered:
BP-Z3 (1.8L), BP-VE (1.8L, later models), YS-VE (2.0L)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC
Displacement 1.8L:
1839 cc
Horsepower 1.8L Bp-Z3:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1.8L Bp-Z3:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Displacement 2.0L:
1998 cc
Horsepower 2.0L Ys-Ve:
144 hp @ 6500 rpm (early 2.0L), 170 hp @ 7000 rpm (later 2.0L with VVT)
Torque 2.0L Ys-Ve:
127 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (early 2.0L), 140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (later 2.0L with VVT)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for performance models)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), secondary air injection (on some models).
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (standard on most models)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic (optional on some models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Gear Ratios 5Mt Typical:
1st: ~3.136, 2nd: ~1.813, 3rd: ~1.310, 4th: ~1.000, 5th: ~0.843, Reverse: ~3.111
Differential:
Open differential (standard), Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) available on performance models (e.g., Touring, Mazdaspeed).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 (e.g., API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent, e.g., Mercon V compatible)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for earlier models, later models varied)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, TCS.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard. Optional side-impact airbags on select trims/years.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover hoops (deploy automatically in a rollover event on some models).
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific mileage based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on type (standard vs. iridium).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
API SL, SM, or SN certified; Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 (preferred), SAE 10W-30, or SAE 10W-40 depending on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity 1.8L/2.0L:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 US quarts (3.8-4.3 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-free).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Oil Consumption:
Some higher-mileage engines, especially early 1.8L models, may exhibit increased oil consumption. Ring wear or valve stem seals can be culprits. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Can develop leaks over time. Manual details replacement procedure.
Soft Top Latches:
Wear on the soft top latching mechanisms can lead to leaks or difficulty securing the top. Manual covers adjustment and repair.
Blower Motor Resistor:
Common HVAC issue where fan speed only works on high. Manual details diagnosis and replacement.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Can fail, leading to ABS warning lights. Manual provides testing procedures.
Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
Mazda's long history of producing driver-focused sports cars, dating back to models like the Cosmo Sport and RX series.
Nb Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the NA generation. Marked an evolution with revised styling, improved aerodynamics, and updated powertrains.
Facelifts:
NB1 (1999-2000), NB2 (2001-2005). The NB2 received significant updates including a more powerful 2.0L engine, updated styling (especially headlights and bumpers), and chassis refinements.
Special Editions:
Various special editions were produced, often featuring unique paint, interior treatments, and performance upgrades (e.g., M-Edition, Shinsen, Mazdaspeed MX-5).
Production Period For Nb:
1998-2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (Hiroshima, Hofu)
Car And Driver 10Best:
The MX-5 Miata (across generations) has frequently been named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists, recognizing its outstanding driving dynamics and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning overall COTY, the MX-5 has consistently been praised in reviews by MotorTrend.
Overall Enthusiast Ratings:
Universally acclaimed for its driving purity and accessibility.
Certified Mechanic Recommendations:
Highly regarded by independent mechanics for its relative simplicity and availability of parts.
