Segment:
Compact, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater sports car.
Key Competitors:
Lotus Elise (more exotic), Porsche Boxster (more premium), Honda S2000 (more powerful), BMW Z3/Z4 (more luxury-oriented).
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai - 'horse and rider as one', emphasizing driver connection and feedback.
Body Styles:
Convertible (soft top) and Retractable Fastback (hardtop).
Handling Focus:
Lightweight construction, balanced weight distribution, communicative steering.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories.
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for a 2004 owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid levels (oil, coolant), fuel system, battery, air filter.
Chassis:
Brake system operation (basic), steering system operation (basic), wheel and tire information (basic).
Electrical:
Instrument cluster indicators, lighting controls, basic entertainment system operation, locks and security system.
Interior:
Seating adjustments, safety restraints (seat belts, airbags), climate controls, driver controls (steering wheel, pedals, shifter), interior lighting.
Body And Exterior:
Door locks, security features, cleaning procedures for exterior surfaces.
Basic Maintenance:
Checking and topping off fluids, inspecting air filter, jump-starting the battery, cleaning procedures.
Driving Operations:
Proper starting and stopping, gear selection, parking, efficient driving techniques.
Safety Procedures:
Seat belt usage, child restraint system installation (general guidance), airbag system explanation.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic customer assistance procedures.
Depth:
Consumer-level operational and basic maintenance guidance, not a full service or repair manual.
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (likely, common for late NB models)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 140-146 hp @ 6500 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)
Torque:
Approx. 120-125 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (depending on specific market and tune)
Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Compartment Details
Dipstick Location:
Clearly marked engine oil dipstick, typically yellow handle.
Coolant Reservoir:
Translucent coolant overflow reservoir, with MIN/MAX markings.
Air Filter Location:
Located within the air intake box, typically on the passenger side of the engine bay.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for enthusiasts)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch actuation
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent, consult specific manual for exact spec and part number)
Length:
Approx. 157.3 inches (4000 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100 mm
Wheel Size:
16 inch standard, 17 inch optional on some trims
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2350-2450 lbs (1066-1111 kg), depending on options and body style
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.7 cu ft (133 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for the NB generation)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles of similar design era)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on most trims)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Optional on some trims, especially with automatic transmission
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and standard roll hoops behind seats (for soft top models)
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, likely with 4-6 speakers.
Auxiliary Input:
Unlikely to have factory auxiliary input on base models, aftermarket solutions available.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Bluetooth:
Not typically available from the factory for this model year.
Gauges:
Tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter, various warning lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at around 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Replace approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap).
Coolant Replacement:
First change at 60,000 miles or 4 years, then every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, ACEA A1/B1, SAE 5W-30 (synthetic or semi-synthetic recommended for best performance and protection). Exact Mazda recommendation should be confirmed.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Item:
Clutch wear (especially with spirited driving), radiator leaks, soft top fabric degradation over time.
Common Electrical:
Window motor failures, antenna mast issues (if power antenna equipped).
Common Suspension:
Bushings can wear, leading to vague steering feel or noise.
Oil Filter Example:
Mazda part number B6Y1-14-302 (verify with specific vehicle VIN)
Air Filter Example:
Mazda part number BP4M-13-215 (verify with specific vehicle VIN)
Brand Focus:
Mazda has a history of producing lightweight, driver-focused vehicles, exemplified by the iconic RX-7.
Nb Generation Introduction:
The NB generation (1998-2005) was an evolution of the NA, featuring improved aerodynamics, increased power, and refined handling.
2004 Updates:
The 2004 model year represents the latter part of the NB generation, often with minor trim or feature adjustments.
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan
