First-generation MX-5 Miata (NA, 1990–1997)
1990–1997
The first-generation MX-5 Miata (chassis NA) is the car that revived the affordable roadster. Unveiled in 1989 and sold in the US from 1990, it paired pop-up headlights and a featherweight rear-drive chassis with a slick five-speed and near-perfect balance. It launched with a 1.6L four (116 hp) and gained a 1.8L during the run, and went on to become the best-selling two-seat sports car in history.
Photo: “1991 Mazda MX-5 1.6i” by Rutger van der Maar / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
1990–1997
Overview
The first-generation MX-5 Miata (chassis NA) is the car that revived the affordable roadster. Unveiled in 1989 and sold in the US from 1990, it paired pop-up headlights and a featherweight rear-drive chassis with a slick five-speed and near-perfect balance. It launched with a 1.6L four (116 hp) and gained a 1.8L during the run, and went on to become the best-selling two-seat sports car in history.
Milestones
Highlights
- Sold in the US from the 1990 model year (unveiled 1989).
- Pop-up headlights and a lightweight rear-drive chassis.
- Launched with a 1.6L four; a 1.8L was added later in the run.
Model years in this generation