Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight two-seater sports car
Sales Strategy Focus:
Affordable, fun-to-drive, open-top motoring experience
Key Competitors:
Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Toyota MR2 (Spyder)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for excellent handling, balanced chassis, and direct steering feel
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, perfect 50/50 weight distribution
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance and repairs, saving money and fostering a deeper understanding of the vehicle
Benefit To Professional:
Provides factory-accurate procedures and specifications for efficient and correct servicing
Powertrain:
Engine (BP-Z3, BP-VE), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (5-speed Manual, optional 4-speed Automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front Double Wishbone, Rear Multi-link), Steering, Brakes (ABS optional), Drivetrain (Rear-wheel Drive)
Electrical:
Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, HVAC Controls, ECU Diagnostics
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Convertible Top Mechanism, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Frame and Chassis Components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup, Circuit diagrams, Sensor testing
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, Transmission overhaul, Clutch replacement, Suspension component replacement, Brake caliper service, Radiator and cooling system service
Bodywork:
Panel alignment, Door hinge adjustment, Convertible top seal replacement, Interior component removal and installation
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Bore X Stroke Mm:
83.0 x 85.0
Horsepower Hp Ps:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (US spec)
Torque Lb-Ft Nm:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (US spec)
Horsepower Hp Ps:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm (some markets)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Octane Rating Ron Min:
91 RON (recommended)
Type:
Pressurized liquid cooling
Gear Ratios 1 To 5:
3.38, 2.05, 1.32, 1.00, 0.82 (Typical)
Final Drive Ratio:
4.10 (Typical)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, dry single plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Mazda recommended)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4/5 Stars (driver/passenger) for 1999 model year
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, if applicable)
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on some later trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some higher performance models
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar behind seats
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose audio system
Display:
Basic digital clock and radio display
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Keyless Entry:
Optional on some models
Aux Input:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may be available
HVAC:
Manual air conditioning and heating
Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
7,500 km / 4,600 miles or 6 months
Air Filter Replacement Interval Km Miles:
30,000 km / 18,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement Interval Km Miles:
100,000 km / 60,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval Km Miles:
100,000 km / 60,000 miles (or 7 years, critical component)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters Quarts:
4.2 L / 4.4 US qt (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron IIE / III (or equivalent)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear main seal leaks, coolant hose degradation, convertible top fabric wear
Engine Specific:
Oil consumption can increase with mileage; timing belt tensioner noise can occur if not replaced preemptively
Chassis Specific:
Subframe rust (especially in areas with salt exposure), rear differential mounts can weaken
Philosophy:
Mazda's commitment to Jinba-Ittai (horse and rider as one) driving philosophy
Nb Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the NA generation
Nb Facelift:
Facelifted for the 2001 model year (NB2), featuring revised styling, updated engine options, and improved aerodynamics
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Nb Generation Production:
1998-2005
