Segment:
Lightweight, affordable two-seater sports car.
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) - focused on driver engagement and connection to the road.
Key Competitors:
Lotus Elan, Triumph Spitfire (historically), later models had competition from Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda S2000.
Design:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, lightweight construction, iconic pop-up headlights (NA generation), near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Driving Experience:
Nimble handling, direct steering feel, rev-happy engines, engaging manual transmissions.
Vehicle Years:
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily North American and Japanese market specifications)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 3000-4000+ pages (cumulative for all years and models)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU/ECM), manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drivetrain (driveshafts, differential, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires
Body And Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top mechanism, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, power windows, power locks, mirrors
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, battery, fuse box, relays, instrument cluster, audio system, anti-theft system
Maintenance:
Recommended service intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, electrical circuit testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair
Specifications And Tolerances:
Engine torque specifications, bearing clearances, valve lash adjustments, brake rotor runout, suspension alignment specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Na Generation Engine:
1.6L B6ZE DOHC inline-4
Nb Generation Engine:
1.8L BP-ZE DOHC inline-4 (with optional turbocharged BP-Z3 in some markets)
Na 1.6L Horsepower:
115-118 hp @ 6500 rpm
Na 1.6L Torque:
100-100 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Nb 1.8L Horsepower:
140-142 hp @ 6500 rpm
Nb 1.8L Torque:
117-117 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Nb 1.8L Turbo Horsepower:
Approximately 197 hp (MazdaSpeed Miata)
Nb 1.8L Turbo Torque:
Approximately 165 lb-ft (MazdaSpeed Miata)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Na Transmission:
5-speed manual (Type-B Transmission)
Nb Transmission:
5-speed or 6-speed manual
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic (optional on select NA and NB models)
Differential:
Viscous coupling limited-slip differential (VLSD) optional on some NA models, standard on many NB models and higher trims.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific GL-4/GL-5 specifications, e.g., API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
NHTSA Na Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Standard on many later models, optional on early NA models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) - Optional on some NB models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard from introduction).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and optional roll bar.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years (critical for B6ZE and BP-ZE engines).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-2 or higher)
Coolant:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation).
Na Rust Prone Areas:
Rocker panels, rear quarter panels, sills, chassis rails.
Na Engine Failures:
Rod bearing failure in high-mileage or poorly maintained early 1.6L engines, camshaft seal leaks.
Nb Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear is common in spirited driving; hydraulic clutch system can develop leaks.
Nb Oil Consumption:
Some later NB models experienced oil consumption issues due to piston ring design.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, heater core issues, plastic end tanks on radiators can become brittle.
Electrical:
Window motor failure, gauge cluster issues (especially tachometer), wiring harness degradation.
Founding Principles:
Mazda's commitment to driving pleasure and innovative engineering.
Na Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year, revving the spirit of classic British roadsters.
Nb Generation Launch:
Launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year, featuring significant chassis, engine, and styling updates.
Special Editions:
Numerous special editions throughout its production run (e.g., M Edition, R Package, RS Package, Touring Package, Mazdaspeed).
Manufacturing Plant:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Production Total:
Over 700,000 units sold globally across both NA and NB generations.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list multiple times during its production run.
Auto Motor Und Sport Best Convertible:
Frequently ranked highly in 'best convertible' comparisons by automotive publications.
Reliability Ratings:
Generally considered reliable, with strong community support for maintenance and repair.
