Vehicle Segment:
Lightweight Sports Car / Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, owners seeking DIY maintenance and repair capabilities
Key Competitors:
Porsche Boxster (later), Toyota MR2, BMW Z3
Unique Selling Proposition:
Affordable, reliable, pure driving engagement, excellent handling dynamics, open-top motoring
Vehicle Philosophy:
Jinba Ittai (Horse and Rider as One)
Design Highlights:
Lightweight construction, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, pop-up headlights (early models)
Engine:
1.8L BP-Z3 (DOHC, 16-valve), Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emission Control
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (FS5W71C, 6-Speed Manual - if applicable for late 97 models), Automatic Transmission (optional), Clutch System, Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differential)
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (Vented), Rear Disc Brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - if equipped, Parking Brake System, Brake Lines and Hoses
Suspension Steering:
Front Independent Double Wishbone, Rear Independent Multi-link, Power Steering System, Steering Gearbox, Suspension Components (Shocks, Springs, Bushings), Wheel Alignment Specifications
Electrical:
12V Electrical System, Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Lighting System (Headlights, Taillights, Interior), Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays, Instrument Cluster, Gauges, Audio System, Power Windows/Locks (if equipped)
Body Chassis:
Chassis Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk Lid, Convertible Top System, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Glass and Seals
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC System, Air Conditioning (A/C) System, Heater Core, Blower Motor, Controls, Refrigerant Specifications
Safety Security:
Airbag System (if equipped), Seat Belts, Anti-theft System (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Routine Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspections and Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Fluid Checks and Top-offs
Repair:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Repair/Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement, Convertible Top Mechanism Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Schematics for Diagnosis, Component Testing Procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Fluid Capacities, Technical Data Tables, Schematics, Exploded Views
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and illustrations
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16 Valves
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1839 cc)
Horsepower 1994 1995:
133 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque 1994 1995:
114 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Horsepower 1996 1997:
140 hp @ 6500 rpm (minor updates, possibly revised ECU calibration)
Torque 1996 1997:
117 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (minor updates)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Multi-point injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating specified in manual, typically 87+)
Ignition System:
Distributor-less Ignition System (DIS) - Coil-on-plug for some variants, Electronic Ignition
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-star (for models with driver airbag)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags, though less common in this generation)
ABS:
Optional on most trims, standard on some later models or performance packages
Traction Control:
Rarely equipped on this generation
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard from 1994 model year onwards. Passenger airbag optional/not available on some early models.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars, roll hoop behind seats (integrated)
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM Cassette player with optional CD player integration. Typically 4-6 speakers.
Gauges:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge. Warning lights for oil pressure, battery, brakes, check engine.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models
Power Windows Locks:
Optional on base models, standard on higher trims or R-Package
Original Connectivity:
Limited to analog systems. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity from the factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for specific oil type/viscosity)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (CRITICAL - interference engine)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron-II or equivalent.
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (for LSD: use specific LSD friction modifier additive if required)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, brake wear, suspension bushings, O2 sensors, radiator, soft top seals, window regulators.
Engine Specific Concerns:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced at intervals - catastrophic damage), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and rear main seal.
Body Concerns:
Rust in common areas like rocker panels, wheel wells, and sills, especially in salt-belt regions. Soft top fabric degradation.
Mazda Sports Car Legacy:
Built on the legacy of lightweight, driver-focused sports cars like the Cosmo Sport and RX series.
Generation Na Introduction:
The MX-5 Miata (NA) was introduced globally in 1989, with North American sales beginning in 1990.
Facelift Mid Cycle:
This period (1994-1997) represents the later years of the NA generation, which saw minor updates like increased horsepower, revised interior touches, and airbag inclusion.
Production Period Na:
1989-1997
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
