A Look at the History of the Mazda MX-5 Miata

You'd be forgiven for thinking the Mazda Miata must be a brand new idea. It's so perfect for the styles and performance we love today. Yet, it's not new at all. In fact, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is over 30 years old! Let's take a quick look at this cool sports car to learn more about it.

 

Despite three full redesigns and a span of over 30 years, Mazda's MX-5 Miata vibe hasn't changed much at all. It debuted at the 1989 Chicago auto show. From then until now, it remains a tiny, lightweight, and rear-wheel drive. An inline-four cylinder engine is under the hood, there are two seats in between its axles, and its convertible. In fact, it's pretty much the perfect archetype of what a convertible should be! It is a simple, fun, affordable sports car. It is no wonder it became the best-selling roadster of all time some years ago.

 

The Beginning

Back in 1989, Japanese car company worked on an American design that had its roots in a British style. The small, fast sports car was rear-wheel drive with the engine in the front. The original Miata was officially released as a 1990 model and somewhat resembles a 1960s-era Lotus Elan remastered for the new millenium. It was powered by a 116-hp 1.6-liter engine and offered solely with a five-speed manual transmission. Upgrades such as power windows and aluminum wheels were optional.

 

The Looks

Many people have said the front bumper and wide headlights make it look like it's smiling. You'll be smiling too when you're behind the wheel! Inside, it is snug but roomy enough to enjoy the drive. The Mazda MX5 interior features two-seats in the cabin with a surprising amount of passenger space. The center console is narrow enough to not take up too much room in the Mazda MX5 interior, and the footwells are surprisingly boxy and roomy.

 

Upgrades and Refreshes

Mazda has upgraded the Miata three different times in the past 30 years, in addition to small refreshes for every model year. In 1999, Mazda redesigned the Miata for the first time and introduced the 10th Anniversary Edition. In 2006, the third-generation Miata was released. The exterior looks largely unchanged but upgraded, while it takes a big leap forward inside with a slightly roomier cabin with upscale aspirations.

 

Rare and Unique Options

If you love your car to be one-of-a-kind, the Mazda Miata is for you. For example, in 1992, Mazda released a striking Sunburst Yellow hue. Only 1500 vehicles are painted this way, and the color is only available for one year, making Sunburst Yellow quite rare today. In 1991, a British Racing Green special edition was released. Beyond purchasing a limited edition vehicle, there are tons of Mazda MX5 interior products, racing products, and other upgrades you can purchase on your own to make your car unique.

 

There's a good chance someone you know has one, has had one, or wants one. Maybe it's you!