Mazda MX-5 Miata
JDM · Mazda
The world's best-selling roadster. Light, balanced, RWD, manual standard. Four generations of the Miata formula since 1989.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the world's best-selling roadster, in continuous production since 1989 across four generations (NA, NB, NC, ND). The Miata revived the affordable two-seat roadster category that British makers had abandoned, providing a lightweight, balanced, manual-transmission RWD sport coupe at a price point accessible to typical enthusiasts. Over a million Miatas have been built, making it the most-produced two-seat roadster in history. The Miata formula has remained largely unchanged across generations. Light weight (under 2,400 pounds for ND, under 2,200 pounds for NA). Front-mid-engine layout. Rear-wheel drive. Manual transmission as standard (with automatic optional). Naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines (with horsepower growing from 116 in the original NA to 181 in the ND). The NA Miata (1989-1997) is the original. Pop-up headlights, 1.6 or 1.8-liter engines, manual rack and pinion steering, no power assist on early cars. The NB (1998-2005) refines the formula with revised body and chassis. The NC (2005-2015) is larger and more refined; widely considered the most spacious Miata. The ND (2015+) returns focus to the original lightweight character with revised styling and the modern Skyactiv-G engine. Modified Miatas are extremely common. Common modifications include forced induction (turbo or supercharger), engine swaps (K-series, LS V8), and various chassis upgrades. The car is the most autocrossed in the world, with strong community support for any kind of modification or use case. On WhipJury, MX-5 Miata submissions are particularly active. Stock and modified examples across all four generations appear regularly. Track-prepped Miatas (with sticky tires, big brake kits, lightweight wheels) reliably do well in voting.
Generations
NA (1989-1997). The original. Pop-up headlights, 1.6 or 1.8-liter four-cylinder, simple rack and pinion steering. Defined the formula.
NB (1998-2005). Revised body, fixed headlights, slightly larger. The formula maintained.
NC (2005-2015). Bigger, more refined, more spacious. Power retractable hard top option introduced.
ND (2015+). Returns to focus on lightweight character. Revised styling. Skyactiv-G engine.
The Miata formula
Light weight (under 2,400 lbs in ND), front-mid-engine layout (engine behind front axle), RWD, manual transmission, naturally aspirated. The formula has remained essentially unchanged since 1989; subsequent generations refine but don't fundamentally change the core character. The result is one of the most engaging driver experiences available at any price point.
Miata on WhipJury
Stock and modified Miatas across all four generations submit regularly. Forced induction builds (turbo, supercharger), K-series swaps, LS swaps, and track-prepped examples are common. The community recognizes the Miata as one of the most fundamentally good driver cars produced.
Frequently asked questions about Mazda MX-5 Miata
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