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Culture & Lifestyle • Automotive

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat roadster produced by Mazda since 1989.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat roadster produced by Mazda since 1989. It is sold as the Miata in North America and as the Roadster or Eunos Roadster in Japan. The MX-5 is known for its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive layout and is the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history.

Development and launch

The MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was developed as a modern interpretation of classic lightweight roadsters. Its design emphasized low weight, simple mechanics, and accessible driving enjoyment.

Design and layout

The MX-5 is a two-seat roadster with rear-wheel drive and a focus on balanced handling. Its proportions and minimalist approach drew comparisons to earlier British and Italian sports cars.

Generations

The model has been produced across four generations, commonly identified by internal codes such as NA, NB, NC, and ND. The fourth generation entered production in 2015.

Market names

The car is sold under different names in different markets. In North America it is commonly known as the Miata or Mazda MX-5 Miata, while in Japan it has been sold as the Mazda Roadster and Eunos Roadster.

Key facts

  • The MX-5 was introduced in 1989 and has remained in continuous production.
  • It is a lightweight, two-seat sports car designed around simplicity and balanced handling.
  • The MX-5 has sold more than one million units, making it the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history.
  • The model has been produced in four generations, with the current generation introduced in 2015.
  • It is commonly associated with the design idea of *jinba ittai*, or unity of horse and rider.
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Canadian context

The Mazda MX-5 is sold in Canada under the Miata name and is a familiar model in Canadian sports-car and enthusiast markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Miata?
Miata is the North American name for the Mazda MX-5, a two-seat roadster produced by Mazda since 1989.
Is the MX-5 still in production?
Yes. Mazda has produced the MX-5 continuously since 1989.
Why is the MX-5 popular?
It is known for being lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, simple to drive, and relatively affordable compared with many sports cars.
How many generations of MX-5 are there?
There are four generations, usually identified as NA, NB, NC, and ND.
What kind of car is the MX-5?
It is a two-seat convertible sports car, also described as a roadster.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5
    Supports: Production history, naming, debut, class, and general description
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5_(NA)
    Supports: Miata naming for North America and first-generation identification
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5_(ND)
    Supports: Current generation, production start, body styles, and assembly location