If the RX-7, introduced in 1979, was the car that put Mazda on the map (at least as far as US buyers were concerned), the MX-5 Miata was the car that solidified the automaker's “Zoom Zoom” appeal. Introduced in the summer of 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5 Miata was designed to continue the tradition of the classic British roadsters of the 1950s and '60s, such as MG, Triumph, and Austin-Healey roadsters.

From its inception, the MX-5 Miata was a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive convertible two-seater. It was initially available with a manually operated soft top, although a removable hardtop was an option from the beginning. In 2007, Mazda improved its drop-top by introducing a power-retractable hardtop, which raises and lowers at the push of a button. The lightweight, three-section hardtop folds and stows itself into the Miata's trunk in just 12 seconds. A new Z-fold soft convertible top is also available on current MX-5 Miatas.

The original engine in the MX-5 Miata was a 116-horsepower, 1.6-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine with multi-port electronic fuel injection. Power was increased through the years and through two redesigns (in 1999 and 2006). Currently, the MX-5 Miata is powered by a 166-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with variable valve timing.

In its first year, the MX-5 was available only in a base trim. In later years, higher-end LS and SE versions were added. Currently, the MX-5 Miata is offered in SV, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim packages, with a wide range of standard and optional features available, including power windows, dual front and side airbags, power exterior mirrors, a glass rear window, anti-lock brakes, a CD player, air conditioning, power door locks, and leather seats.

The Miata competes in an odd segment, with cars that span a huge price range. The Toyota Supra and Nissan Z, though both coupes, are solid alternatives. The BMW Z4, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, and others could also be considered.

Since its second generation, the Miata has been offered with upgrades the original car could only have dreamed of. Tech and luxury options added over the years include a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Recaro seats, a Bose audio system, BBS 17-inch wheels, spoilers, MazdaSpeed packages, Brembo brakes, and sportier dampers.

Today, the Miata’s appeal remains as strong as it was in the first-generation cars. It’s the best-selling two-seat car of all time, and it offers handling and performance that can’t be matched. Its design responds well to upgrades, and its low curb weight gives it incredible cornering. The car has reasonable specs and delivers a solid driving experience, so no matter which generation Miata you choose, you’re in for a good time.

Generations: Four

• Mazda MX-5 Miata 1st Generation
• Mazda MX-5 Miata 2nd Generation
• Mazda MX-5 Miata 3rd Generation
• Mazda MX-5 Miata 4th Generation

Pros: Performance with a reasonable MSRP, playful good looks, incredible handling
Cons: Only two seats, loud with the top up

Mazda Miata 4th Generation (2016-Present)

The fourth-generation “ND” Miata debuted for the 2016 model year as a more refined and luxurious MX-5. The cars initially got a 155-horsepower four-cylinder engine, but Miata increased power to 181 in 2019. Though the car is more grown-up than its predecessor, the ND Miata is still lively and athletic, and its suspension offers a friendlier ride quality than before.

Mazda offers both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission for the ND Miata, and the car comes standard with a cloth roof. The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF features a removable hardtop with buttresses and a beefier appearance than the standard convertible.

Though the Miata is one of its signature achievements, Mazda shared the model with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now known as Stellantis) in 2015. The partnership resulted in the Fiat 124 Spider and the Abarth 124 Spider. Several special editions have been released along the way, though some have been limited to specific countries.

Mazda Miata 3rd Generation (2006-2015)

The NC Miata, or third-generation car, was the first to have a power-folding hard top, which greatly improved appeal for buyers who didn’t want to commit to a dedicated convertible. The US-market car got a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that made 170 horsepower and sent it to the rear wheels through either a five-speed or a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic variant was available, too, but it got only 158 horsepower.

The NC is larger than other Miatas, which has given it a bit of a black eye among enthusiasts. This disdain is misplaced, however, because the third-gen car is just as lively and worthwhile as its counterparts. A big upside to the NC is that its cabin is more spacious and can accommodate taller drivers. Mazda also managed to program enough fun into the car that it still felt engaging and sporty even with the automatic transmission.

Mazda Miata 2nd Generation (1999-2005)

The NB Miata hit the streets in 1999 with styling that initially came as a surprise. The Miata’s lovable pop-up headlights, which nearly defined the NA generation, were gone. The car was made more powerful than before, however, securing it a place as one of the better enthusiast’s choice in the group. It got a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that made 140 horsepower.

Mazda offered anti-lock brakes for the car, and two wheel options were available, including 14- and 15-inch options. A 10th Anniversary Model, available in 1999, got upgraded Bilstein suspension, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. The model was quicker and faster than the five-speed Miata and came in a unique blue color.

Mazda Miata 1st Generation (1989-1998)

The original Mazda MX-5 Miata landed in 1989 as a Japanese take on the classic British two-seater sports car. Mazda sold the Miata in Japan as the Eunos Roadster, and it became known by its NA production code. The MX-5 got a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that made 115 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque. It came paired with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. An optional automatic transmission lowered engine output to 105 horsepower.

A limited-slip differential was available, but even the standard car delivered razor-sharp handling and an engaging open-top driving experience. Mazda claimed a zero-to-60-mph time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of around 117 mph—both strong numbers for a car as small as the Miata.

Mazda overhauled the Miata for 1994, giving it a more powerful engine, better safety features, and structural improvements that could better protect occupants in the event of a crash. The automaker fitted a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which increased output to 129 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. Mazda again increased power in 1996, to 133 ponies.

Initially, the MX-5 was a basic car that lacked most creature comforts. It had no power steering or air conditioning, though its low price of $14,000 likely made up for that in the minds of many buyers. Mazda offered options packages to improve the situation and created several special editions over the years.