One problem related to manual transmission has been reported for the 2002 Mazda MX5. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Upon morning starts while turning on the ignition the car does not go into reverse. There is a sound metal roaring and feels as though the emergency break is on but it is not. Car has been taken 4 times to authorized repair at kona Mazda dealership where purchased and they deny any problems. They suggested using synthetic oil and to warm up the car in the mornings which I do already. There are witnesses to this intermittent problem but kona Mazda cannot duplicated the problem in their service problem. Ts.