Owners of other Mazda vehicles such as the Mazda2 (Demio), Mazda3 (Axela), Mazda5, Mazda6 (Atenza), CX-3, CX-5, CX-7, CX-9, RX-8 and MPV may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful.

The tools needed to remove the door panels include a small plastic pry bar tool and a Phillips head screwdriver.

To remove the OEM door speakers, you'll need a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet.

Then use a plastic pry bar tool to gently remove the plastic trim cover located behind the door opener handle and the door lock rocker switch.

Set the trim cover aside in a safe place.

Then move to the middle of the armrest and locate the rubber cover in the bottom of the well in the door pull handle.

Gently pry out the rubber cover at the bottom of the well.

Remove the single screw located behind the door opener handle by turning it in the counterclockwise direction with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Set the screw aside with the plastic trim cover.

Then remove the screw in the bottom of the well in the armrest by turning it in the counterclockwise direction with the Phillips head screwdriver.

Set the screw aside with the rubber cover.

Firmly pull out the bottom edge of the door panel to release the white plastic pop rivet friction fasteners.

Continue releasing the pop rivets all along the bottom edge and both sides of the door panel.

Tilt the top edge of the door panel towards yourself and support the bottom edge with your legs.

Push in the release tab on the white plastic electrical connector on the underside of the switch panel.

Then locate the metal cables with black vinyl insulation that operate the door lock rocker switch and the door opener handle.

Carefully pull the rear of the black plastic bracket out of the rear of the door panel.

Remove the door handle and door lock rocker switch cables bracket out of the back of the door panel.

The OEM door speaker is located at the bottom inner corner of the door frame.

The OEM front door speakers can be replaced with aftermarket car speakers in the following sizes: 6 1/2" (6.5") and 6 3/4" (6.75").

The speakers are held in place by three 10mm bolts.

Remove the bolts by turning them in the counterclockwise direction with a 10mm socket and a 1/4" drive ratchet.

I highly recommend applying some Dynamat sound deadener to the metal door frame and the back side of the plastic door panel to help prevent rattles and vibrations when you crank up the volume.

To replace the plastic door panel, hold it near the door frame and tilt the top edge towards yourself.

Lower the back side of the cables bracket towards the door panel and push it into the mount.

The bracket should "click" securely into the mount.

The plugs should click securely into place.

Lower the top of the door panel on to the upper lip on the metal door frame.

Firmly tap in the pop rivets all along the bottom side and both edges of the door panel.

Then replace the screw in the armrest by turning it in the clockwise direction with the Phillips head screwdriver until it is snug.

Snap the plastic trim piece behind the door opener handle back into place.

Sit inside the car, close the door and verify that the door opener handle, door lock rocker switch, power window switch, power door lock switch and speaker all still work properly.

Be sure to record the speaker upgrade or other procedure in your car's service records.

For more, check out all of my 2016-2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides.