Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight two-seater convertible sports car (roadster).
Sales Strategy:
Focus on driving enjoyment, affordability, and accessible performance.
Key Competitors:
Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3/Z4, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Nissan 300ZX (earlier models).
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, and communicative steering, offering an engaging driving experience.
Convertible Top:
Available with a soft-top (manual or power) or optional hard-top for enhanced versatility.
Reliability And Affordability:
Praised for its relative reliability and lower ownership costs compared to many European sports car rivals.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, engine management, ignition, emissions control, transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveline, differentials, driveshafts, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic & parking), wheels, tires, chassis frame.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, seats, interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, wipers, horn, locks, security system.
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting system, instrument cluster, audio system, power windows/locks, onboard diagnostics (OBD-II), sensor systems, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), inspections, lubrication points.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, convertible top repair, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, drivability issues, HVAC problems, using scan tools and troubleshooting charts.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Image Resolution:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics.
Scalability:
Zoomable content for detailed viewing of diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (1.8L DOHC)
Engine Displacement:
1839 cc
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Horsepower 1999-2000:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1999-2000:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Horsepower 2001-2005:
142 hp @ 6500 rpm (minor revision)
Torque 2001-2005:
125 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (minor revision)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Mazda Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostics.
Type Manual:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type Automatic:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios provided in the manual for both transmissions.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate clutch (for manual transmission).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil JWS3309 or equivalent).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / MERCON Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 3955 mm (155.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1235 mm (48.6 in) (soft top up)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2265 mm (89.2 in)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1080 kg (2381 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1095 kg (2414 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 150 liters (5.3 cubic feet)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver & Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) on some models/trims.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags. Side airbags available on some later models.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and roll bar behind the seats for rollover protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2 (5W-30 viscosity recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 liters (4.4 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Coolant (or equivalent long-life ethylene glycol coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Oil Consumption:
Some early NB models experienced higher than expected oil consumption, often related to piston ring wear. The manual provides guidance on checking and addressing this.
Cooling System:
Radiator plastic end tanks can become brittle and crack over time, leading to coolant leaks. Manual details replacement procedures.
Convertible Top Seals:
Door seals and soft top seals can degrade, leading to water leaks. Manual provides information on seal inspection and replacement.
Rust Areas:
Common areas for rust include wheel arches, rocker panels, and the rear subframe. Regular inspection and treatment are advised.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one'), emphasizing driver connection and feedback.
Nb Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1999 as the second generation of the MX-5 Miata, replacing the NA generation.
Nb Updates:
Facelifted in 2001 with revised styling, updated suspension, and minor engine enhancements.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Production Years:
1999-2005
