Category:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Segment:
Affordable Sports Car
Key Competitors:
Lotus Elan, Triumph Spitfire, MG Midget (historical context), potentially early Porsche Boxster (later in its life cycle)
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, excellent handling, rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction
Design:
Classic two-seater roadster design, pop-up headlights
Platform:
Unique chassis design for its time, optimized for weight distribution
Engine:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control, engine management (ECU diagnostics)
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M5, M6 variants), clutch system, driveshaft, differential
Brakes:
Brake system hydraulics, disc brakes (front & rear), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack/gearbox
Suspension:
Front suspension (double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horns, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, frame, corrosion protection
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation and service
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, detailed component specifications
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), sensor testing, actuator testing, wiring harness checks
Depth:
Comprehensive (factory level, from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission overhaul)
Digital Format:
PDF (typically high-resolution scans of original manuals)
Scanned Quality:
High quality, legible text and diagrams
Original Binding:
Typically softcover or hardcover bound (digital format mirrors this)
Original Paper Type:
High-quality matte paper for durability and clarity
Engine Code:
B6 (1.6L DOHC)
Displacement:
1597 cc (97.4 cubic inches)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 16 valves
Horsepower:
115 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher preferred)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Mazda FL22 or equivalent)
Oil Type:
10W-30 API SG or SH, or 5W-30 for colder climates
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000 miles or 60 months
Type:
5-speed manual (MX-5, Miata)
Type:
4-speed automatic (less common)
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not directly applicable to this era's testing standards, but generally considered safe for its class.
Brakes:
Standard front disc, rear disc brakes
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag (standard from 1990 onwards)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or 12-24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush And Refill:
Every 24,000-36,000 miles or 24-36 months
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters) with filter
Rust:
Rocker panels, sills, rear quarter panels, and subframes are susceptible to rust. Critical inspection required.
Engine Oil Seals:
Front crankshaft seal and rear main seal can develop leaks.
Cooling System:
Radiator and heater core can become clogged or leak. Plastic end tanks on radiators are prone to cracking.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, and differential bushings can lead to noise and poor handling.
Convertible Top:
Weatherstripping can degrade, leading to leaks. Mechanism can become stiff.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or loose connections can affect various electrical components, especially grounds.
Idle Control Valve:
Can become stuck or clogged, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Mazda Philosophy:
Zoom-Zoom (later adopted), Jinba Ittai ('horse and rider as one')
Na Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1989 (as a 1990 model year)
Na Generation Design Inspiration:
Inspired by classic British roadsters like the Lotus Elan and MG MGB
Na Generation Facelift:
Minor updates occurred throughout the NA generation, with the 1994 model receiving significant changes (e.g., power increase, revised suspension)
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Na Generation Production Years:
1989-1997
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Consistently praised for its driving dynamics, affordability, and pure sports car experience.
