Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car, Roadster
Key Selling Points:
Affordable performance, agile handling, rear-wheel drive, open-top motoring experience
Direct Competitors 2001:
Toyota MR2 Spyder, Honda S2000 (higher performance tier), Porsche Boxster (premium tier)
Distinctive Features Model Year:
Refined styling over the previous generation, improved chassis rigidity, updated interior, introduction of HID headlights on some trims.
Primary Coverage:
Repair, Service, Maintenance, Troubleshooting
Model Variant Coverage:
All 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata models
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific OEM manual, typically 1000+ pages for a complete service manual.
Type:
OEM Service/Repair Manual (Reprint)
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Ignition System, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Emission Control System
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (MT), Clutch System, Drive Shaft, Rear Differential
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires
Electrical Electronics:
Power Distribution, Lighting System, Audio System, Instrument Cluster, SRS (Airbag) System, Anti-theft System, Wiper/Washer System
Body Exterior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Bumpers, Convertible Top Mechanism
Body Interior:
Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, HVAC System
Maintenance:
Routine Inspections, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections/Replacement
Repair Rebuild:
Engine Removal/Installation, Transmission Removal/Installation, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Power Steering Pump Service, Radiator Replacement, Starter/Alternator Service, Door/Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Fluid Capacities, Electrical Specifications, Diagnostic Parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhaul)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 4-Cylinder (DOHC, 16-valve)
Engine Code:
BP-Z3 (1.8L)
Displacement:
1839 cc (1.8 Liters)
Horsepower:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (Standard for 2001 NB2)
Torque:
119 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (Standard for 2001 NB2)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended interval typically around 90,000-100,000 miles or 7-10 years, whichever comes first.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common, but available)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mazda Original Gear Oil, or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent
Length:
Approx. 157.7 inches (4005 mm)
Width:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1680 mm)
Height:
Approx. 48.0 inches (1220 mm) with soft top up
Wheelbase:
Approx. 89.2 inches (2265 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2300-2400 lbs (1043-1089 kg), depending on options and transmission.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.7 cubic feet (0.13 cubic meters) with soft top down.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
4-Star (for driver and front passenger in earlier model years of the NB generation, specifications vary slightly by year).
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) typically standard or optional.
Traction Control:
Available on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags (optional on some trims).
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bar/Hoop integrated behind the seats.
Audio System:
Factory standard audio systems typically include AM/FM radio with CD player, and potentially a cassette player on base models. Speaker configuration varies by trim.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many models.
Cruise Control:
Available on many models.
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped in 2001; aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect annually, replace as needed.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2 certified synthetic or conventional oil. Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 recommended for most climates.
Coolant:
Mazda FL22 Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life additives). Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal, radiator leaks/failure, clutch slave cylinder leaks, rust (particularly on chassis and rocker panels if not maintained), power window motor issues, soft top wear and tear.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended: NGK PFR6A-11 or equivalent (Platinum/Iridium).
Tire Size:
Common sizes include 195/55R15 or 205/40R17 depending on trim/options.
Mazda Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - emphasizes driver connection and intuitive control.
Nb Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 1999 model year, replacing the NA generation. The 2001 model is part of the NB2 facelift.
Nb2 Facelift Year:
2001 (for the 2001 model year onwards). Key updates included revised front and rear styling, power upgrades for some markets, and interior refinements.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan