Mazda MX-5 Miata

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.