Segment:
Compact rear-wheel drive sports car
Key Selling Points:
Lightweight, agile handling, affordable performance, open-top driving experience
Primary Competitors:
Honda S2000 (older generation), Nissan 350Z/370Z, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster (higher tier)
Design Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (horse and rider as one), focus on driver engagement and feedback
Convertible Options:
Soft-top convertible and optional retractable hardtop (PRHT)
Handling Focus:
Near 50/50 weight distribution, independent front and rear suspension
Primary Coverage:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
Secondary Coverage:
Safety systems, comfort controls, infotainment, vehicle specifications
Estimated Pages:
Approx. 250-300
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system basics
Chassis:
Braking system fundamentals, steering system basics, suspension overview
Electrical:
Instrument cluster, lighting controls, power windows, locks, basic warning lights
Interior:
Seating adjustments, seat belts, climate control, infotainment operation, dashboard layout
Safety:
Airbag system operation, child restraint system (CRS) installation, seat belt usage
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement guidance
Operating Procedures:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, convertible top operation (if applicable)
Troubleshooting:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights, basic troubleshooting for common operational issues
Cleaning And Care:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations, convertible top care (if applicable)
Level:
Owner-level information, not a professional service manual
Diagnostic Capability:
Limited to identifying dashboard warnings and basic operational checks
Engine Code:
LF-DE (for early NC)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1999 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Aspirated:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower Pse:
170 hp @ 6700 rpm (approximate for US market)
Torque Pse:
140 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approximate for US market)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 recommended for optimal performance)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Lubrication System:
Forced lubrication with wet sump
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 specification (e.g., Mazda Genuine Oil API GL-5 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ or equivalent
Length:
167.7 inches (4260 mm)
Width:
68.1 inches (1730 mm)
Height:
49.4 inches (1255 mm) (soft top)
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches (2310 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2473 - 2600 lbs (1122 - 1180 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically listed prominently for this class of vehicle, but implied by chassis design
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (2007 Model Year)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2007 Model Year)
Brakes:
Front ventilated disc, rear solid disc; ABS, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and integrated roll hoops behind seats
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary audio input. Bose premium audio available on higher trims.
Display:
Central LCD display for audio and climate information. Basic trip computer functions.
Connectivity:
Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth and navigation were often optional or unavailable on base models.
Cruise Control:
Available
Headlights:
Halogen projector headlights, available HID (High-Intensity Discharge) on some trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions)
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (concurrent with oil changes)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 3 years, regardless of mileage
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 75,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified (Mazda Genuine Oil 5W-20)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mazda Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III equivalent (if applicable, some NCs have electric power steering)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (especially for spirited drivers), rear differential bushings, soft top wear (latches, seals)
Potential Electrical Issues:
Occasional issues with power window motors or convertible top mechanisms (especially on PRHT models).
Engine Related:
Generally reliable; oil consumption can occur with higher mileage, but not typically a major concern like older rotary engines.
Oil Filter:
e.g., Mazda B6Y1-14-302, Wix 57270, Fram PH10575
Engine Air Filter:
e.g., Mazda LF71-13-215, Wix WA10059, K&N 33-2143
Cabin Air Filter:
e.g., Mazda GJ5C-61-J6X, Bosch CF10092
Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
Successor to the iconic Mazda RX-7 and the original NA/NB MX-5 Miata, known for accessible sports car driving
Nc Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year, significantly revised chassis and bodywork from previous generations.
2007 Updates:
Minor updates, typically related to features or packaging; the fundamental NC platform was established.
Production Location:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times in its generation for its driving dynamics.
Auto Express Award:
Often praised by automotive publications for value and driving fun.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, particularly the powertrain.