Segment:
Lightweight two-seater convertible sports car.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles.
Competitors:
Lotus Elise (later years), Triumph Spitfire (historical), various affordable European sports cars.
Advantage:
Reliability, affordability, widespread parts availability, simple mechanicals.
Manual Selling Point:
Covers ALL repairs from brakes to wiring to engine to transmission, empowering DIY owners.
Vehicle Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One) - driver-focused, lightweight, balanced.
Transmission Automatic:
Yes
Electrical System Overview:
Yes
Climate Control HVAC:
Yes
Safety Systems Airbags:
Yes
Maintenance Schedules:
Yes
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but comprehensive coverage implies thousands of pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, often sold as downloadable or on CD/DVD)
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators, emissions control.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, body panels, doors, hinges, locks, glass, bumpers, corrosion prevention.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Engine Overhaul:
Engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, piston rings, bearings, cylinder head, valve train.
Transmission Rebuild:
Manual and automatic transmission disassembly, clutch replacement, gear synchronization, fluid service.
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid flush.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Circuit tracing, component testing, troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods), alignment procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic adjustments to complete component overhauls and diagnostics.
Digital Format:
PDF (typically, allowing for searchability and easy printing)
Print Recommendation:
High quality for clarity of diagrams and technical illustrations.
Physical Binding:
N/A (for digital format) - If printed, typically comb-bound or perfect bound for durability.
Physical Paper:
N/A (for digital format) - If printed, durable, matte finish paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Na:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Engine Codes Na:
B6ZE (NA1), B6ZE-M (NA6)
Horsepower Na:
115-130 hp (depending on year and emissions standards)
Torque Na:
100-105 lb-ft (depending on year)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement Nb:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Engine Codes Nb:
BP-Z3 (NB1), BP-ZE (NB2)
Horsepower Nb:
140-145 hp (NB1), 142-155 hp (NB2, including Mazdaspeed Turbo with 178 hp)
Torque Nb:
110-117 lb-ft (NB1), 117-133 lb-ft (NB2)
0-60 Mph Na:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 seconds
0-60 Mph Nb:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (minimum), 91 Octane recommended for optimal performance
Na Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (Mazda Type B)
Nb Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual (Mazda Type B), 6-speed manual (NB2)
Na Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (Jatco 4E35)
Nb Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic (Jatco 4E35)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate
Differential:
Open differential (standard on most models), Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) available on some trims/options.
Length:
NA: ~155.4 in. (3947 mm), NB: ~157.3 in. (4000 mm)
Width:
NA: ~66.1 in. (1680 mm), NB: ~66.1 in. (1680 mm)
Height:
NA: ~48.0 in. (1219 mm), NB: ~48.6 in. (1234 mm)
Wheelbase:
NA: ~89.2 in. (2265 mm), NB: ~89.2 in. (2265 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 4.4 cu ft (125 L)
Curb Weight:
NA: ~2160-2300 lbs (980-1045 kg), NB: ~2300-2450 lbs (1045-1110 kg)
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact Na:
4/5 Stars (Early models)
IIHS Side Impact Na:
Acceptable (early models)
ABS:
Optional on NA models (standard on later NA and most NB models)
Airbags Driver:
Standard (dual stage on later NB models)
Airbags Passenger:
Standard (on most NB models, optional/unavailable on early NA)
Roll Hoop Structure:
Integrated into windshield frame and behind seats for occupant protection.
Na Audio System:
Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD player. Upgradeable for modern head units.
Nb Audio System:
Upgraded AM/FM/CD player, optional Bose premium audio system.
ABS Availability:
Optional on earlier NA, standard on later NA and NB models.
Traction Control:
Available on some higher-spec NB models.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards; focused on core driving experience. Auxiliary input and modern infotainment system upgrades are common owner modifications.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Timing Belt Replacement Na:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, due to interference engine design.
Timing Chain Replacement Nb:
NB engines use a timing chain, generally considered maintenance-free for the life of the engine, but inspection is recommended.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Type Na:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Type Nb:
API SJ or SL, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (FL22) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or Mercon automatic transmission fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Na Common Issue 1:
Oil seal leaks (crankshaft, camshaft).
Na Common Issue 2:
Radiator and hose degradation.
Na Common Issue 3:
Window regulator failure.
Na Common Issue 4:
Sludge buildup in engine due to infrequent oil changes.
Nb Common Issue 1:
Camshaft sensor failure (NB1).
Nb Common Issue 2:
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) issues (NB2).
Nb Common Issue 3:
Seat fabric wear and tear.
Nb Common Issue 4:
Headlight pop-up mechanism issues.
Brand Focus:
Mazda historically produced practical and reliable vehicles, but the Miata marked a return to affordable, pure sports cars.
Concept:
Inspired by classic British roadsters like the Lotus Elan and MG MGB, aiming for lightweight, balanced handling and driver engagement.
Na Generation Launch:
February 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show.
Nb Generation Launch:
1998, retaining the core philosophy but with updated styling and engineering.
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan.
Sales Figures Global:
Over 500,000 units produced across both generations.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times (NA and NB generations).
Road And Track Recognition:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling and driving purity.
Value Retention:
Excellent, especially for well-maintained examples, due to its enduring appeal and cult status.
Automotive Hall Of Fame:
Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame as a milestone vehicle.
