Segment:
        
        
            Compact rear-wheel drive sports car
        
     
    
        
            Key Selling Points:
        
        
            Lightweight, agile handling, affordable performance, open-top driving experience
        
     
    
    
        
            Primary Competitors:
        
        
            Honda S2000 (older generation), Nissan 350Z/370Z, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster (higher tier)
        
     
    
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one), focus on driver engagement and feedback
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Options:
        
        
            Soft-top convertible and optional retractable hardtop (PRHT)
        
     
    
        
            Handling Focus:
        
        
            Near 50/50 weight distribution, independent front and rear suspension
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Primary Coverage:
        
        
            Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            Secondary Coverage:
        
        
            Safety systems, comfort controls, infotainment, vehicle specifications
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Pages:
        
        
            Approx. 250-300
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
             Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system basics
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Braking system fundamentals, steering system basics, suspension overview
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Instrument cluster, lighting controls, power windows, locks, basic warning lights
        
     
    
        
            Interior:
        
        
            Seating adjustments, seat belts, climate control, infotainment operation, dashboard layout
        
     
    
        
            Safety:
        
        
            Airbag system operation, child restraint system (CRS) installation, seat belt usage
        
     
    
    
        
            Routine Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance
        
     
    
        
            Operating Procedures:
        
        
            Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, convertible top operation (if applicable)
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common operational issues
        
     
    
        
            Cleaning And Care:
        
        
            Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, convertible top care (if applicable)
        
     
    
    
        
            Level:
        
        
            Owner-level information, not a professional service manual
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Capability:
        
        
            Limited to identifying dashboard warnings and basic operational checks
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            LF-DE (for early NC)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Configuration:
        
        
            Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Aspirated:
        
        
            Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Pse:
        
        
            170 hp @ 6700 rpm (approximate for US market)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Pse:
        
        
            140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approximate for US market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Injection Type:
        
        
            Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 recommended for optimal performance)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Pressurized liquid cooling system
        
     
    
        
            Lubrication System:
        
        
            Forced lubrication with wet sump
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            6-speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            6-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims)
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil API GL-5 75W-90)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Fluid:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ or equivalent
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            167.7 inches (4260 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            68.1 inches (1730 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft top)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            90.9 inches (2310 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 2473 - 2600 lbs (1122 - 1180 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
        
        
            Not typically listed prominently for this class of vehicle, but implied by chassis design
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Impact:
        
        
            5-Star (2007 Model Year)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact:
        
        
            5-Star (2007 Model Year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset:
        
        
            Good (2007 Model Year)
        
     
    
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front ventilated disc, rear solid disc; ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Rollover Protection:
        
        
            Reinforced windshield frame and integrated roll hoops behind seats
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary audio input. Bose premium audio available on higher trims.
        
     
    
        
            Display:
        
        
            Central LCD display for audio and climate information. Basic trip computer functions.
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity:
        
        
            Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth and navigation were often optional or unavailable on base models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Available
        
     
    
    
        
            Headlights:
        
        
            Halogen projector headlights, available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) on some trims.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
        
     
    
        
            Tire Rotation Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil changes)
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Replacement:
        
        
            Every 3 years, regardless of mileage
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 75,000 miles
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Mazda Genuine Oil 5W-20)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters)
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid Type:
        
        
            Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III equivalent (if applicable, some NCs have electric power steering)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Wear Items:
        
        
            Clutch wear (especially for spirited drivers), rear differential bushings, soft top wear (latches, seals)
        
     
    
        
            Potential Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Occasional issues with power window motors or convertible top mechanisms (especially on PRHT models).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Related:
        
        
            Generally reliable; oil consumption can occur with higher mileage, but not typically a major concern like older rotary engines.
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Filter:
        
        
            e.g., Mazda B6Y1-14-302, Wix 57270, Fram PH10575
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            e.g., Mazda LF71-13-215, Wix WA10059, K&N 33-2143
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            e.g., Mazda GJ5C-61-J6X, Bosch CF10092
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
        
        
            Successor to the iconic Mazda RX-7 and the original NA/NB MX-5 Miata, known for accessible sports car driving
        
     
    
    
        
            Nc Generation Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year, significantly revised chassis and bodywork from previous generations.
        
     
    
        
            2007 Updates:
        
        
            Minor updates, typically related to features or packaging; the fundamental NC platform was established.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Car And Driver 10Best:
        
        
            Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in its generation for its driving dynamics.
        
     
    
        
            Auto Express Award:
        
        
            Often praised by automotive publications for value and driving fun.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, particularly the powertrain.