🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

MX-5 Miata

Model Code:

NB

Year:

2002

Generation Identifier:

Second Generation (NB)

Generation Years:

1998-2005

Vin Prefix:

JM1NB

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking an affordable, fun-to-drive convertible experience.

Key Competitors Era:

Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000, Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Vehicle Philosophy:

Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - emphasizing driver-car connection and feedback.

Design Highlights:

Lightweight construction, balanced chassis, convertible top operation, compact dimensions.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Secondary Coverage:

Vehicle features, safety systems, driving tips, and customer assistance information.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-250 pages (based on typical owner's manual content).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Cluster:

Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and indicators (e.g., speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure light, ABS warning light).

Entertainment Systems:

Operation of the audio system, radio controls, CD player (if equipped), and speaker configuration.

Climate Controls:

Operation of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including fan speed, temperature, and air direction.

Lights:

Operation of exterior lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights) and interior lighting.

Driver Controls:

Explanation of steering wheel controls, pedals, shifter, parking brake, and other primary driver interfaces.

Locks And Security:

Operation of power door locks, keyless entry system (if equipped), ignition, and anti-theft system.

Seating And Safety Restraints:

Adjustment of seats, seatbelt operation and care, airbag system explanation, and child seat installation guidelines.

Driving:

General driving advice, starting procedures, shifting gears, parking, and driving in various conditions.

Customer Assistance:

Information on contacting Mazda customer service, dealership locations, and warranty information.

Reporting Safety Defects Us Only:

Specific instructions for reporting safety-related defects in the United States.

Cleaning:

Guidelines for cleaning the exterior, interior, and specific components of the vehicle.

Maintenance And Specifications:

Overview of recommended maintenance, fluid types, and general vehicle specifications.

Engine Compartment:

Identification of key engine components and fluid reservoirs, basic checks.

Engine Oil:

Recommended engine oil type, viscosity grade, capacity, and checking procedure.

Battery:

Battery type, specifications, and basic maintenance or jump-starting procedures.

Fuel Information:

Recommended fuel type (octane rating) and fuel tank capacity.

Air Filter S:

Information regarding the engine air filter and cabin air filter (if applicable).

Part Numbers:

Likely includes part numbers for commonly replaced maintenance items like filters (oil, air) and spark plugs.

Refill Capacities:

Capacities for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid.

Lubricant Specifications:

Detailed specifications for all essential lubricants, including engine oil, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and grease.

Accessories:

Information regarding factory-installed or optional accessories and their operation.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, replacing wiper blades.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting warning lights, basic starting issues, common indicator lights.

Safety Procedures:

Seatbelt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint installation.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting the vehicle, changing a flat tire, what to do in case of an accident.

Depth Level:

Owner-level understanding of vehicle systems and basic operational maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Software Requirement:

PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).

Reproduction Quality:

Compiled from original factory manual, expected to be high fidelity with clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BP-Z3 (for 1.8L), BP-VE (for 1.6L, less common in 2002 US market)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder (DOHC, 16-valve)

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1839 cc)

Horsepower:

140 hp @ 6500 rpm (for US 1.8L model)

Torque:

119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for US 1.8L model)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (or higher).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Short-throw shifter in manual transmission for sporty feel; smooth operation in automatic.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

157.1 inches (4000 mm)

Width:

66.1 inches (1680 mm)

Height:

49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft top up)

Wheelbase:

89.2 inches (2265 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 2,381 lbs (1080 kg) for manual transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 3,086 lbs (1400 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:

4 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:

4 Stars

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Rating:

Acceptable (for the era)

Anti Lock Braking System ABS:

Standard on most 2002 models.

Traction Control System TCS:

Optional on some models, standard on higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point Inertia Reel seat belts with pre-tensioners.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced windshield frame and pop-up rollover hoops (behind headrests).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Features:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (optional/earlier models), speaker system (often 4 or 6 speakers).

Dashboard Display:

Analog gauges with integrated digital odometer and trip meter. Warning lights for various systems.

Stability Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) was available as an option on some trims, enhancing stability in low-traction conditions.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by the era; primarily focused on audio input and basic vehicle communication.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Approximately every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) depending on plug type (standard vs. iridium).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or ILSAC GF-II certified, SAE 5W-30 is recommended for most conditions.

Coolant Specification:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda Genuine ATF (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible fluid).

Common Issues Focus:

The manual will cover essential checks to prevent common issues, though it may not detail repair procedures for all. Common NB MX-5 issues include oil consumption, shifter seal leaks, window motor failure, and rust in specific areas.

Oil Filter Example:

Mazda OEM: B6Y1-14-302 (or equivalent like Wix 51515, Fram PH10575, Purolator PL14610)

Air Filter Example:

Mazda OEM: BP5S-13-215 (or equivalent like Fram CA4987, Wix 42155)

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Roadster Legacy:

Builds upon the legendary success of the original NA generation MX-5 Miata, solidifying its reputation as the best-selling two-seater sports car.

Nb Generation Introduction:

The NB generation (1998-2005) introduced a more aggressive styling, improved aerodynamics, and a refined chassis over its predecessor.

2002 Model Year Updates:

For 2002, the US market received the larger 1.8L engine as standard. Minor cosmetic tweaks and equipment package updates may have occurred.

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The MX-5 Miata (across generations) has frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list, signifying its enduring appeal and driving dynamics.

Overall Reputation:

Consistently praised for affordability, reliability (relative to sports cars), and pure driving pleasure.