Mazda MX-5: 4 Generations and 6 Reasons This Small Roadster Is So Loved

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat open-top sports car launched in 1989, also known as the Miata in North America and the Roadster in Japan. It is not the most powerful or the fastest car around, yet it holds the Guinness record as the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world.

So what makes a small car with modest power so loved for more than three decades? This guide looks back at the 4 generations of the Mazda MX-5, the key specs of the current model and the 6 reasons behind its reputation.

1. What kind of car is the Mazda MX-5?

The MX-5 debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1989, inspired by the small British roadsters of the 1960s but built with Japanese reliability. The recipe has barely changed across generations: two seats, an open top, an engine in front, rear-wheel drive and low weight.

According to Wikipedia, the one-millionth MX-5 was built in April 2016. That is a rare number for a two-seat sports car.

2. The 4 generations of the Mazda MX-5

Generation	Years	Hallmark
NA	1989–1997	Pop-up headlights, classic styling
NB	1998–2004	Fixed headlights, stiffer body
NC	2005–2015	Bigger and wider, folding hardtop option
ND	2015 to present	Light again, Skyactiv engines, RF version

Note: Years are production periods as listed on Wikipedia; on-sale dates can differ by market.

The ND marked Mazda’s return to the original idea: it is shorter and lighter than the NC. In 2016 it won both World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

3. Key specs of the ND Mazda MX-5

Item	Spec
1.5L Skyactiv-G engine	131 PS, 150 Nm
2.0L Skyactiv-G engine (from 2019)	184 PS, 205 Nm
Transmission	6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Drive	Rear-wheel drive
Weight	From about 990 kg; the RF adds about 50 kg
Length, wheelbase	3,915 mm, 2,310 mm

Note: Specifications vary by market and model year; check the manufacturer’s figures for the version you are interested in.

4. 6 reasons the Mazda MX-5 is so loved

Reason 1: Lightness comes first

At around one tonne, the MX-5 does not need a big engine to feel lively. Low weight also means brakes, tyres and fuel last longer than on a heavier sports car.

Reason 2: Rear-wheel drive with near 50:50 balance

The engine sits behind the front axle, so weight is split almost evenly between the two axles. The front wheels only steer and the rear wheels push, which lets the driver feel clearly what the car is doing in a corner.

Reason 3: The Jinba ittai philosophy

Jinba ittai means “horse and rider as one”. Mazda uses the image to describe the goal of the MX-5: a car that responds exactly as the driver intends, rather than chasing horsepower figures.

💡 A common view: Many enthusiasts say that driving a slow car near its limit is more fun than driving a fast car you can never fully use. The MX-5 is the familiar example of that idea.

Reason 4: Naturally aspirated engines

While many sports cars have moved to turbocharging, the ND MX-5 still uses non-turbo engines. Power builds steadily with revs and the throttle response is direct, which suits a light car.

Reason 5: A widely praised manual gearbox

The six-speed manual with its short shift is one of the points reviewers mention most often. An automatic is still available for people who drive mostly in town.

Reason 6: Two roof styles to choose from

The soft top is light and simple, and can be opened or closed with one hand from the driver’s seat. The RF (Retractable Fastback), introduced in late 2016, uses a power-folding hard roof that gives a coupé look when closed and better sound insulation, at the cost of a little extra weight.

5. Things to consider

• Only two seats: not suitable as a family’s only car.
• Small boot: enough for a few soft bags, not for bulky items.
• Tight cabin: taller drivers should sit in one before deciding.
• Low ride height: take care with speed bumps, ramps and flooded roads.
• Noise: the soft top is louder than a closed car at high speed.
• Availability: depending on the market, it may not be sold through official dealers.

💡 Quick tip: If you buy used or a grey import, check the service history, the condition of the roof and how easy parts are to find.

6. Summary: who is the Mazda MX-5 best for?

The Mazda MX-5 is for people who value driving feel over seat count or horsepower. If you want a second car to enjoy weekend roads, it is a choice proven over four generations and more than a million cars. If you need to carry the whole family every day, treat it as an extra car rather than your main one.

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Frequently asked questions about the Mazda MX-5

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Which Mazda MX-5 generation is your favourite? Share it in the comments! 🚗💨