Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Roadster
Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one) - focusing on driver connection and agility.
Key Competitors Era:
Honda S2000, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z Roadster.
Powertrain Layout:
Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive (FR)
Body Style:
Two-door convertible
Top Type:
Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT)
Driving Experience:
Lightweight construction, balanced handling, responsive steering, open-air motoring.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust.
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission operation (if applicable to PRHT trims), clutch operation.
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, lighting, instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, power accessories, security system.
Body:
Doors, locks, windows, seats, safety restraints, power retractable hardtop mechanism.
Operation:
Starting and driving, operating climate controls, lights, infotainment, power windows, locks, and the PRHT system.
Maintenance:
Fluid checks and refills (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), air filter replacement, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning.
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system explanation, child restraint system installation, reporting safety defects.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for warning lights, common operational issues.
Depth:
Consumer-level information for daily operation, scheduled maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in service manuals.
Readability:
Requires PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader).
Quality:
Digital reproduction of original factory manual, expected to be clear and legible.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital format)
Type:
Not Applicable (Digital format)
Original Source:
Original MAZDA Factory Manual
Engine Code:
MZR LF-VDS (based on Ford Duratec)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16-valve, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Horsepower:
167 hp @ 7000 rpm (for US market)
Torque:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for US market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane (AKI)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.5 quarts (with filter change)
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Sequential Sport Shift
Manual Gear Ratios:
Various ratios depending on specific model/market, but a closely spaced set for sporty feel.
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Manual Transmission Fluid - consult manual for specific Mazda part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Mazda ATF JWS 3309 or equivalent (consult manual for specific Mazda part number)
Length:
Approximately 167.7 inches
Width:
Approximately 67.7 inches
Height:
Approximately 49.4 inches (with roof up)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 91.1 inches
Curb Weight Manual:
Approximately 2,500 - 2,550 lbs
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approximately 2,575 - 2,625 lbs
Trunk Volume Cubic Feet:
Approximately 4.4 - 4.5 cubic feet (with roof up, significantly less when stowed)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (front occupants, models with side airbags)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, available side airbags.
Body Structure:
Reinforced A-pillars and cross-car bracing for rollover protection (especially with PRHT).
Restraints:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input jack, optional Bose premium audio system.
Navigation:
Optional hard-drive based navigation system.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, multi-information display with trip computer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge.
Lighting Controls:
Automatic headlights (on some trims), fog lights.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or based on Oil Maintenance Monitor (OMM) system.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 15,000-30,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first.
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 52,500 miles or 3.5 years thereafter.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent pre-diluted silicate-free OAT antifreeze)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon ATF or Mazda Genuine ATF (if applicable, some models may have electric power steering)
Power Hardtop:
Potential for motor issues, sensor failures, or misalignments in the PRHT system over time. Requires proper lubrication and care.
Clutch Wear:
As with any manual transmission sports car, clutch wear is dependent on driving style.
Oil Consumption:
Some early NC models experienced higher than average oil consumption; monitoring oil level is crucial.
Rust:
Potential for rust on the chassis, particularly in salt-belt regions, especially around wheel wells and sills.
Engine Oil Filter:
Mazda B6Y1-14-302 (check specific fitment)
Brand Legacy:
Mazda has a long history of producing lightweight, engaging sports cars, most notably the Cosmo Sport and the original RX-7.
Nc Generation Debut:
The third generation (NC) MX-5 Miata debuted for the 2006 model year.
Prht Introduction:
The Power Retractable Hardtop (PRHT) was introduced for the 2007 model year as an option.
2010 Updates:
Minor styling tweaks, chassis enhancements, and revised suspension tuning for improved handling. The PRHT system remained a key feature.
Assembly Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
Production Years Nc:
2006-2015
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Car and Driver 10 Best list multiple times across generations, including the NC generation.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
Not a typical award winner for COTY but consistently praised for its driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for reliability and owner satisfaction, though specific model years can vary.