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The Mazda MX-5 (also known as Miata in North America and Roadster in Japan) is a sports car built by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, since 1989. more...

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Its introduction revived the roadster segment and as such it was a significant development in the motoring industry, with other companies promptly introducing roadsters to their model ranges, like the MG F and the second-generation Toyota MR2. As of 2006, the MX-5 was one of the world's best-selling sports cars, with over 750,000 cars sold in total.

The MX-5 was envisioned by its designers as a small roadster with a minimum of unnecessary weight and complexity, a direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire, Austin-Healey 3000, MG Midget, and especially the Lotus Elan, but using modern technology.

As a result, the MX-5 was designed with a traditional FR (front-engine, rear-wheel-drive) layout and 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It comes with a longitudinally mounted four cylinder engine coupled to a manual transmission (an automatic transmission is available as an option).

The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell. The MX-5 also incorporates a unique trusswork called the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and creating a tight, responsive feel. Many MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and antilock brakes. Traction control is an option available on some models.

With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has very neutral handling, which makes it easy to drive for the beginner, and fun for the advanced driver. Inducing oversteer is easy and very controllable, thus making the MX-5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing, including, in the USA, the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross and Spec Miata race series.

There have been three generations of the MX-5, consisting of major stylistic and mechanical upgrades. The first generation, designated NA, sold over 400,000 units. It was produced from 1989 to 1997, initially with a 1.6-liter straight-4 engine, and from 1994 with a 1.8-liter engine. The NA can be recognized by its distinctive pop-up headlights. The second generation NB was introduced in 1999 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights. The third generation NC was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0-liter engine; it can be recognized by the fender bulges over the wheel wells.

Beginning with the third generation, Mazda consolidated worldwide marketing using the MX-5 name, though enthusiasts in the USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means "reward" in Old High German.

The MX-5 has won over 150 awards in its history, including making Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times; Wheels Magazine 's Car of the Year for 1989 and 2005; Sports Car International's "best sports car of the 1990s" and "ten best sports cars of all time"; 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan; and 2005 Australian Car of the Year.