Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Key Selling Points:
Affordable RWD driving pleasure, iconic styling, reliable mechanicals, extensive aftermarket support
Direct Competitors Era:
Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 300ZX (depending on market focus)
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair for the specified model years.
Detail Level:
Highly detailed, step-by-step instructions with illustrations (implied by 'highly detailed').
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners seeking to understand their vehicle's mechanics.
Powertrain:
Engine (1.8L BP-Z3, 1.6L B6ZE), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Differential, Driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System, Antitheft System
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Convertible Top System, Seats, Bumpers, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Pump, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Lines
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat, Cooling Fans
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Engine Repair:
Cylinder Head Removal/Installation, Piston/Ring Replacement, Crankshaft/Camshaft Service, Timing Belt/Chain Replacement
Transmission Service:
Clutch Replacement, Transmission Fluid Change, Manual Gearbox Rebuild, Automatic Transmission Overhaul
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Replacement, Tie Rod End Replacement, Power Steering Pump Service
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Brake Line Replacement, ABS System Diagnosis
Electrical System Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting DTCs, Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Sensor Replacement
Convertible Top Service:
Mechanism Adjustment, Motor Replacement, Seal Replacement
Body Panel Replacement:
Fender, Door, Hood, Trunk Lid Replacement and Alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers procedures requiring OBD-II scanners and specialized diagnostic equipment
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Clearances And Tolerances:
Precise measurements for engine components and other systems
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower Est:
140 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Est:
119 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC VVT)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Horsepower Est:
142 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM), 155 hp @ 7000 rpm (M Edition/Shinsen, USDM)
Torque Est:
125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (USDM), 130 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (M Edition/Shinsen, USDM)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Coil-on-Plug on VVT engines)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag MX-5) for most models
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Jatco 4EAT) for some models
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 3.300:1, 1.990:1, 1.450:1, 1.000:1, 0.850:1 for 5-speed)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (or manufacturer-specified equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Dexron III or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) for early models
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard on most models, Antilock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, especially with automatic transmission
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard), Optional Side Airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bar behind headrests (integrated into A-pillar structure)
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type - copper vs. platinum/iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 2 years
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for exact spec)
Engine Oil Capacity Est:
4.0-4.5 Quarts (3.8-4.3 Liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based, green color)
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II/III Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, wheel bearings, convertible top fabric degradation
Engine Minor Issues:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), thermostat housing leaks, occasional power steering pump whine
Electrical Quirks:
Window motor issues, intermittent dash light failures, antenna motor problems
Rust Prone Areas:
Rocker panels, rear fender arches, subframes (especially in regions with road salt)
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba-Ittai ('horse and rider as one') - focus on driver engagement and connection
Legacy:
Successor to the iconic Mazda RX-7 and the original NA generation Miata
Nb Generation Launch:
Introduced in late 1997 for the 1999 model year
Nb2 Facelift:
2001-2005 (significant update including VVT engine, revised styling, improved chassis)
Special Editions:
Numerous special editions throughout NB generation (e.g., M Edition, Shinsen, 10th Anniversary)
Production Locations:
Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan
Total Nb Production Est:
Over 190,000 units worldwide
Car And Driver 10Best:
Miata (various generations) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not directly for the NB generation, the Miata lineage is highly regarded.
Driver Satisfaction:
Consistently high ratings for driving dynamics and owner satisfaction in its class.
Manual Quality Certification:
Implied by the 'highly detailed' description; reflects industry standards for technical documentation.