Vehicle Class:
Lightweight Two-seater Sports Car
Key Selling Proposition:
Affordable, pure, driver-focused roadster experience
Primary Competitors:
Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000 (higher price bracket), Nissan 370Z Roadster, BMW Z4 (higher price bracket)
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('rider and horse as one body')
Body Styles Available:
Soft Top Convertible, Retractable Fastback (RF) Hardtop
Powertrain Layout:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive (FR)
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Primary Market Focus:
North America (USA/Canada)
Regional Variants Covered:
Standard US/Canadian specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (typically 1500+ pages for full factory service manual)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Manual Classification:
Professional Technician Level
Delivery Format:
Digital Download
Device Compatibility:
PC, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones
File Type:
Likely PDF (searchable and printable)
Searchability:
High (crucial for digital manuals)
Print Quality Sim:
Simulates professional factory manual print quality, optimized for digital viewing
Binding Type Sim:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type Sim:
N/A (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine (MZR LF-VE, LF-VDS), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Exterior Panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Trim, HVAC System
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Immobilizer, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM)
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Codes, Diagnostic Procedures, Trouble Shooting Guides
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections
Repairs:
Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Caliper and Rotor Replacement, Suspension Bushing Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for various symptoms (e.g., engine not starting, poor performance, electrical faults)
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements for engine and chassis components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Mazda-specific or commonly required tools for repairs
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for fault codes
Wiring Diagrams Detail:
Full color, component-level wiring schematics with pinouts and wire colors
Engine Code Early Nc:
LF-VE
Engine Code Late Nc:
LF-VDS (updated with better oiling, slightly higher rev limit)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Cylinder
Engine Displacement Early Nc:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Engine Displacement Late Nc:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Horsepower Early Nc:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm
Horsepower Late Nc:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm (USDM), 158 hp for other markets or earlier 2007 models
Torque Early Nc:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Torque Late Nc:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Fuel Octane Rating:
91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) or higher recommended for optimal performance
Bore X Stroke:
87.5 mm x 83.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 Valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on Intake
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Shift Control
Manual Transmission Features:
Short-throw shifter, close gear ratios for sporty feel
Automatic Transmission Features:
Paddle shifters (on some trims/options), Adaptive Shift Logic (ASL)
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) available on certain trims and performance packages (e.g., Grand Touring, Sport)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Original Oil SYN-FLUID, Castrol SYNTRAX LONG LIFE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-FW (Genuine Mazda ATF) or equivalent DEXRON III/VI compatible fluid
Length:
Approx. 154.1 inches (3915 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 inches (1720 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49.4 inches (1255 mm) (Soft Top), Approx. 49.6 inches (1260 mm) (RF)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 2447 lbs (1110 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 2515 lbs (1141 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3200 lbs (1450 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Rated for towing
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable years/testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable years/testing)
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Optional Safety Features:
Brake Assist (BA), Xenon Headlights (HID), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side-Impact Airbags (integrated into seats or B-pillar)
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and pop-up rollover bars behind the headrests
Seatbelts:
Three-point height-adjustable seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer (optional), AM/FM radio, MP3 playback
Navigation:
Factory-integrated touchscreen navigation system available on higher trims (optional)
Auxiliary Input:
3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack (standard on most models)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Keyless Entry Start:
Keyless entry system with push-button start available on some trims
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming available on later models or via dealer-installed accessory
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges (tachometer, speedometer, fuel, temp), multi-information display (MID)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe service may require more frequent changes).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK ILKAR7A7 (or equivalent) - approximately 60,000-75,000 miles (96,000-120,000 km)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (e.g., Mazda Genuine Motor Oil SYNTHETIC 0W-20/5W-30 or equivalent API SN/ILSAC GF-5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) - Green color
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.2 US quarts (5.9 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or DOT 3 / DOT 4 compatible
Oil Consumption Potential:
Some NC models, particularly earlier ones, may exhibit higher oil consumption. Regular checks and potential PCV valve inspection are recommended.
Soft Top Drain Clogging:
Drain tubes for the convertible top can clog, leading to water ingress into the cabin. Manual provides cleaning procedures.
Clutch Actuator Issues:
Rare, but hydraulic clutch system components can sometimes require attention.
Rattles And Squeaks:
Typical for a lightweight sports car; interior trim and suspension components may develop minor noises over time.
Mazda Roadster Legacy:
Continuation of the affordable, lightweight sports car ethos established by the original Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA, NB generations).
Nc Generation Introduction:
Debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, marking a significant redesign with a larger chassis and updated styling.
Mid Cycle Refresh:
Facelifted for the 2009 model year, featuring revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and the introduction of the LF-VDS engine and available power steering improvements.
Special Editions Nc:
Numerous special editions were released, often highlighting specific performance enhancements or aesthetic packages (e.g., RHT models, Anniversary editions).
Production Location:
Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 1 in Hiroshima, Japan
Nc Production Period:
2005-2015
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Motortrend Car Of The Year:
Competed for, but did not win, MotorTrend Car of the Year during its early years.
Jd Power Reliability:
Generally received good to above-average reliability ratings from organizations like J.D. Power.
