1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
First generation · NA 1990–1997
The pop-up-headlight original — a lightweight, rear-drive roadster inspired by classic British sports cars but built with Japanese reliability. It single-handedly revived the affordable-roadster class. Launched with a 1.6L four, later a 1.8L.
Photo: “1990-1991 Mazda MX-5 (NA) Limited Edition convertible 01” by Original uploader was Mightyrollaman at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain . Cropped to 16:9.
The 1990 model year
Overview
Unveiled in 1989 and sold in the US as a 1990 model, the first Miata (NA) revived a class everyone had written off: the affordable, lightweight, rear-drive roadster. With pop-up headlights, a slick manual gearbox, and near-perfect balance, it borrowed the spirit of classic British sports cars but added Japanese reliability — and became an instant icon.
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 1.6L B6 inline-four 116 hp
- Body styles
- Roadster (convertible)
Year over year
What changed
- US launch of the MX-5 Miata (NA) as a 1990 model.
- Lightweight, rear-drive, pop-up-headlight roadster with the 1.6L B6 four.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Famously durable mechanicals; rust (rockers, frame rails) is the main concern on early survivors.
Worth knowing
Notable
- Revived the affordable two-seat roadster class single-handedly.
- Would become the best-selling two-seat sports car in history.
Sources
Other First generation years
Explore the NA generation → All First generation · NA years →