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Drawing of the Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5

The roadster revival that reached 1 million cars—and a Guinness best-seller record.12

Researched October 22, 2026 from 37 sources

Also called

  • MiataIts North American name comes from Old High German for “reward.”3
  • Eunos RoadsterThe original Japanese-market name used Mazda's newly introduced Eunos marque.4
  • Black and TanThe 1992 Black Miata earned this nickname from its black paint and tan leather cabin.5

At a glance

0100200
89–200 hpPower
0510
6–9.6 s0–100 km/h
0125250
180–219 km/hTop speed
0150300
134–280 N·mTorque
07501,500
940–1,153 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3478914

Layout
NA/NB: front-engine RWD; NC/ND: front-mid-engine RWD3
Gearbox
NA: 5MT/4AT; NB: 5/6MT/4AT; NC: 5/6MT/6AT; ND: 6MT/6AT48913
Built at
Ujina Plant No. 1, Hiroshima, Japan3
Units built
1 million reached on April 22, 20162

The story

Bob Hall pitched an affordable roadster to Kenichi Yamamoto. The MX-5 put rear-wheel drive at the heart of Jinba Ittai, “rider and horse as one,” then made its public debut in Chicago in 1989.1236

1989: Chicago meets the original roadster19892000: 531,890 cars earn a Guinness record20002004: Mazdaspeed adds factory turbocharging20042006: NC gains a 12-second folding hardtop20062014: Fourth-generation ND breaks cover20142016: 1 million built; RF joins the family20162019: 181 hp and a 7,500-rpm redline20192024: New steering rack and asymmetric LSD2024 Mazda MX-5 (NA) (NA): 1989–1997NAMazda MX-5 (NB) (NB): 1998–2005NBMazda MX-5 (NC) (NC): 2005–2015NC 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones3489
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1989–1997Mazda MX-5 (NA) (NA)
1998–2005Mazda MX-5 (NB) (NB)
2005–2015Mazda MX-5 (NC) (NC)
1989Chicago meets the original roadster
2000531,890 cars earn a Guinness record
2004Mazdaspeed adds factory turbocharging
2006NC gains a 12-second folding hardtop
2014Fourth-generation ND breaks cover
20161 million built; RF joins the family
2019181 hp and a 7,500-rpm redline
2024New steering rack and asymmetric LSD
  1. 1989

    Chicago meets the original roadster

    The MX-5 debuts at Chicago with a 1.6-liter four, pop-up headlights and a standard five-speed manual.23

  2. 2000

    531,890 cars earn a Guinness record

    Guinness recognizes the MX-5 as the world's best-selling two-seat sports car, with production already at 531,890.2

  3. 2004

    Mazdaspeed adds factory turbocharging

    The NB Mazdaspeed pairs a turbocharged 1.8-liter with 178 hp, a six-speed manual, Bilstein dampers and 17-inch Racing Hart wheels.378

  4. 2006

    NC gains a 12-second folding hardtop

    The NC's power hardtop debuts in July. Its roof folds in 12 seconds, adding 36 kg over an equivalent soft top while preserving trunk space.9

  5. 2014

    Fourth-generation ND breaks cover

    The ND is unveiled ahead of production in 2015, returning to a smaller, lighter package than the NC.37

  6. 2016

    1 million built; RF joins the family

    Production reaches 1 million on April 22. The RF also debuts, adding a retractable fastback roof without sacrificing soft-top trunk capacity.210

  7. 2019

    181 hp and a 7,500-rpm redline

    The US 2.0-liter gains lighter pistons and rods, reaching 181 hp. Redline rises from 6,800 to 7,500 rpm; total weight increases by just 3.2 kg.11

  8. 2024

    New steering rack and asymmetric LSD

    A revised steering rack reduces friction. The Club adds an asymmetric limited-slip differential and DSC-Track stability-control mode.12

Every generation

  • Lotus Elan
    Lotus Elan
  • Mazda MX-5 (NA)
    NA1989–1997
  • Mazda MX-5 (NB)
    NB1998–2005
  • Mazda MX-5 (NC)
    NC2005–2015

Power over the years

From 116 hp to 200 hp in 13 years.

050100150200 1990199520002005201020152020 hp 1989 · 116 hp · NA 1.6 at launch1994 · 89 hp · NA budget 1.6, Europe1994 · 128 hp · NA 1.81996 · 133 hp · NA 1.8 update1999 · 140 hp · NB 1.82001 · 152 hp · NB 1.8, Japan/UK/Australia2002 · 200 hp · NB SP turbo, Australia2004 · 178 hp · NB Mazdaspeed 1.8 turbo2009 · 167 hp · NC facelift 2.0 manual2016 · 155 hp · ND 2.0 Club, US2019 · 181 hp · ND revised 2.0, US 200 hp NB SP turbo, Australia 116 hp NA 1.6 at launch
347891115
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1989116NA 1.6 at launch
199489NA budget 1.6, Europe
1994128NA 1.8
1996133NA 1.8 update
1999140NB 1.8
2001152NB 1.8, Japan/UK/Australia
2002200NB SP turbo, Australia
2004178NB Mazdaspeed 1.8 turbo
2009167NC facelift 2.0 manual
2016155ND 2.0 Club, US
2019181ND revised 2.0, US

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Miata Sport, Club and Grand Touring

    2024

    181 hp

  • Performance

    R-Package (US)

    1994–1997

    1,841 built

  • BBR Turbo and Le Mans (UK)

    Performance

    BBR Turbo and Le Mans (UK)

    150 hp
  • Mazdaspeed MX-5 (US)

    Performance

    Mazdaspeed MX-5 (US)

    2004–2005

    178 hp

    5,428 built

  • Special Editions, Sunburst and M-Editions (US)

    Special

    Special Editions, Sunburst and M-Editions (US)

    1991–1997

  • 10th Anniversary, Special Editions and Shinsen

    Special

    10th Anniversary, Special Editions and Shinsen

    1999–2003

  • NC Limited Edition and 25th Anniversary

    Limited

    NC Limited Edition and 25th Anniversary

    2006–2015

  • 30th Anniversary Edition

    Limited

    30th Anniversary Edition

    2019

  • Limited

    35th Anniversary (US)

    2025

    350 built

  • Limited

    Roadster Coupe (Japan)

    2003

    179 built

  • Performance

    Miata Club Sport

    2003

    50 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • NA: pop-up headlights are unique to the first generation.3
  • NB: fixed headlights replace the pop-ups; the soft top gains a heated glass rear window.8
  • NC: pronounced fender bulges sit above the wheel openings.9
  • ND RF: a rigid roof and rear buttresses create a coupe-like profile beside the soft-top version.3

Year by year

  1. 1994 NA

    US cars gain a Mazda badge on the nose; a brace between the seatbelt towers is visible behind the seats.4

  2. 2001 NB facelift

    Look for projector low beams, separate high-beam lenses and clear rear turn-signal lenses replacing amber ones.8

  3. 2006 NC

    The Power Retractable Hard Top joins the range, recognizable by its two-piece folding hard roof.9

  4. 2009 NC facelift

    A larger grille and revised headlights and fog lights update the nose; side skirts, rear bumper and taillights also change.9

  5. 2019 ND

    An optional brown canvas roof and new black metallic 17-inch wheels provide visible clues to the update.11

  6. 2024 ND

    Updated headlights integrate LED running lights; LED taillights and wheel designs change, and the cabin gains an 8.8-inch display.12

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mazda MX-5
    MX-5
    Photo of a Fiat 124 Spider / Abarth
    Fiat 124 Spider / Abarth

    Fiat 124 Spider / Abarth

    Look for longer overhangs and a more upright nose. The Abarth also has large badges and four exhaust outlets.19

Against its rivals

  • Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017)

    MX-5 vs Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    MX-56.2 s
    Fiat 124 Spider Abarth (2017)6.7 s
    19

Prices

Value today $15.0K–$20.0K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 19901995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $15,000–$20,000 1990 · $13,800 · US base, NA1999 · $19,770 · US base, NB2006 · $20,435 · US base, NC2016 · $25,735 · US base, ND2025 · $36,250 · US 35th Anniv.; +$1,185 dest.2026 · $30,430 · US Sport 6MT; +$1,315 dest.2026 · $33,930 · US Club soft top; +$1,315 dest.2026 · $41,900 · US RF Club 6MT; +$1,315 dest.2026 · $35,730 · US GT soft top 6MT; +$1,315 dest.2026 · $39,420 · US RF GT 6AT; +$1,315 dest. 1990 · $13,800 · US base price, 1990 model year 2022 · $14,250 · 1991 Miata, 17k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $8,800 · 2001 LS automatic, 66k miles, BaT2025 · $17,500 · 2013 Club 6-speed, 28k miles, BaT2025 · $18,500 · 1991 Special Edition, 18k miles shown, BaT2025 · $7,600 · 1991 automatic, 90k miles shown, BaT2026 · $15,000 · 1990 Miata, 40k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $20,000 · 2004 Mazdaspeed, 16k miles, one owner, Bring a Trailer2026 · $30,500 · 2019 RF 30th Anniversary, 15k miles, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 2005 Mazdaspeed, 52k miles, BaT $30.5K BaT, 2026
131727282930323334353637
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1990Launch price$13,800US base price, 1990 model year
1990Price when new$13,800US base, NA
1999Price when new$19,770US base, NB
2006Price when new$20,435US base, NC
2016Price when new$25,735US base, ND
2025Price when new$36,250US 35th Anniv.; +$1,185 dest.
2026Price when new$30,430US Sport 6MT; +$1,315 dest.
2026Price when new$33,930US Club soft top; +$1,315 dest.
2026Price when new$41,900US RF Club 6MT; +$1,315 dest.
2026Price when new$35,730US GT soft top 6MT; +$1,315 dest.
2026Price when new$39,420US RF GT 6AT; +$1,315 dest.
2022Auction sale$14,2501991 Miata, 17k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$8,8002001 LS automatic, 66k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$17,5002013 Club 6-speed, 28k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$18,5001991 Special Edition, 18k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,6001991 automatic, 90k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0001990 Miata, 40k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$20,0002004 Mazdaspeed, 16k miles, one owner, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$30,5002019 RF 30th Anniversary, 15k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5002005 Mazdaspeed, 52k miles, BaT
2026Value today$15,000–$20,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “One million after 27 years”
    • “Spec Miata's first champion—and first tied title”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 5 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 37 sources
  1. MX-5(1989～) | HISTORY OF MAZDA | ABOUT MAZDA | MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE mazda.com
  2. Mazda Produces One-Millionth Mazda MX-5 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  3. Mazda MX-5 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Mazda MX-5 (NA) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Your Guide To Every Special Edition Mazda Miata Ever Sold In America jalopnik.com
  6. Bob Hall tells his story on the Mazda MX-5 development whichcar.com.au
  7. Mazda MX-5 Miata: Buyer's Guide for Every Generation roadandtrack.com
  8. Mazda MX-5 (NB) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. Mazda MX-5 (NC) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda MX-5 RF with Retractable Hardtop Makes Global Debut｜NEWS RELEASES newsroom.mazda.com
  11. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata Packs More Punch, Features - June 20, 2018 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  12. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pricing and Packaging | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  13. 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Pricing and Packaging - Jan 27, 2026 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  14. Mazda MX-5 review – the last surviving affordable sports car | evo evo.co.uk
  15. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Review - Long-Term Verdict motortrend.com
  16. Mazda Unveils MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition in Racing Orange | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  17. Mazda Announces 2025 MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary - Jan 24, 2025 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  18. MAZDA:Backnumber | News Releases newsroom.mazda.com
  19. 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth vs. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club caranddriver.com
  20. Mazda MX-5 (NA) buyer’s guide: what to pay and what to look for | Classic & Sports Car classicandsportscar.com
  21. Buyer's guide: Mazda MX-5 Mk2 | Classic & Sports Car classicandsportscar.com
  22. The History of Spec Miata – Spec Miata spec-miata.com
  23. New Faces on Final Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Podium of 2025 | IMSA imsa.com
  24. Record-Breaking Mazda MX-5 Parade With 707 Vehicles Held In Italy | Carscoops carscoops.com
  25. All-new Mazda MX-5 makes its virual debut in Forza Horizon 2 on Xbox One uk.mazda-press.com
  26. Mazda's First to the Finish Docuseries Now Streaming on Prime Video - Mar 25, 2025 | Mazda USA News news.mazdausa.com
  27. You're Paying Less For A New Miata Now Than 36 Years Ago | Carscoops carscoops.com
  28. 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on April 5, 2026 (Lot #236,421) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 16k-Mile, One-Owner 2004 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on August 28, 2026 (Lot #260,209) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1991 Mazda Miata Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day caranddriver.com
  31. Mazda MX-5 (Mk3) buying guide - Mazda MX-5 (Mk3) buying checkpoints | evo evo.co.uk
  32. No Reserve: 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,600 on April 22, 2025 (Lot #192,549) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 15k-Mile 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF 30th Anniversary Edition 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,500 on September 5, 2026 (Lot #261,691) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 Miata for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on February 9, 2026 (Lot #229,430) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata LS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,800 on September 16, 2025 (Lot #210,312) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 28k-Mile 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on May 26, 2025 (Lot #193,323) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: Single-Family-Owned 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special Edition 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,500 on May 1, 2025 (Lot #189,884) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • mazda.com
  • news.mazdausa.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • jalopnik.com
  • whichcar.com.au
  • roadandtrack.com
  • newsroom.mazda.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • classicandsportscar.com
  • spec-miata.com
  • imsa.com
  • carscoops.com

Photo credits

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