Mazda MX-5
miata is always the answer
Every place you go to know the history of the Mazda MX-5 Miata will tell you the same thing, so there is no need for us to sound more intelligent than what's already known. Taken from the Wikipedia.
The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-person sports car manufactured and marketed by Mazda with a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The convertible is marketed as the Mazda Roadster or Eunos Roadster in Japan, and as the Mazda Miata in the United States, and formerly in Canada, where it is now marketed as the MX-5 but is still commonly referred to as Miata.
Manufactured at Mazda's Hiroshima plant, the MX-5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show and was created under the design credo Jinba ittai (人馬一体), meaning "oneness of horse and rider". Noted for its small, light, modern, balanced and minimalist design, the MX-5 has frequently been called a spiritual successor to 1950s and '60s Italian and British roadster sports cars. The Lotus Elan was used as a design benchmark.
Each generation is designated by a two-letter code beginning with the first-generation (NA). The second generation (NB) launched in 1998 followed by the third generation (NC) in 2005, and the fourth generation (ND) in 2015. The MX-5 is marketed globally and, with more than 1 million sold, is the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in history. The name, Miata derives from Old High German for "reward".
Overview
The original MX-5 was launched when small roadsters had almost disappeared from the market, with the Alfa Romeo Spider as one of the few comparable models still in production, though at a significantly higher price. That left the Mazda as the spiritual successor to a host of discontinued sports cars, including the MG-B, Triumph TR-7, Triumph Spitfire, and Fiat Spider.
The MX-5 was officially introduced in February 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The first-generation MX-5 sold 228,961 units between 1989 and 1997. The lightweight, unibody NA MX-5 boasts responsive handling and a curb weight under 940 kg (2,070lbs). Its longitudinal truss, marketed as the Powerplant Frame (PPF), provided a rigid connection between the engine and differential to minimize flex and improve balance. Some MX-5 models feature a limited-slip differential, traction control, and an anti-lock braking system.
With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. Inducing oversteer is easy and controllable, making the MX-5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing, autocross, and club racing.
Conception
In 1976, Bob Hall, a journalist at Motor Trend magazine who was an expert in Japanese cars and fluent in the language, met Kenichi Yamamoto and Gai Arai, head of Research and Development at Mazda. Yamamoto and Gai Arai asked Hall what kind of car Mazda should make in the future. "I babbled how the simple, bugs-in-the-teeth, wind-in-the-hair, classically British sports car doesn't exist anymore. I told Mr. Yamamoto that somebody should build one inexpensive roadster."
In 1981, Hall moved to a product planning position with Mazda USA and again met Yamamoto, now chairman of Mazda Motors, who remembered their conversation about a roadster and in 1982 gave Hall the go-ahead to research the idea further. At this time Hall hired designer Mark Jordan to join the newly formed Mazda design studio in Southern California. There, Hall and Jordan collaborated on the parameters of the initial image, proportion and visualization of the "light-weight sports" concept. In 1983, the idea turned concept was approved under the "Offline 55" program, an internal Mazda initiative that sought to change the way new models were developed. Thus, under head of project Masakatsu, the concept development was turned into a competition between the Mazda design teams in Tokyo and California. The California team proposed a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, codenamed Duo 101, in line with the British roadster ancestry, but their Japanese counterparts favored the more common front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout or the rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The first round of judging the competing designs was held in April 1984, with designs presented on paper only. The mid-engine car appeared to offer favorable qualities, although it was known at the time that such a layout would struggle to meet the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) requirements of the project. It was only at the second round of the competition in August 1984, when full-scale clay models were presented, that the Duo 101 won the competition and was selected as the basis for what would become the MX-5.
The Duo 101, so named as either a soft top or hardtop could be used, incorporated many key stylistic cues inspired by the Lotus Elan, a 1960s roadster, including the door handles, tail lamps and grille opening as well as engine appearance and center console layout. International Automotive Design (IAD) in Worthing, England, was commissioned to develop a running prototype, codenamed V705. It was built with a fiberglass body, a 1.4 L (85 cu in) engine from a Mazda Familia and components from a variety of early Mazda models. The V705 was completed in August 1985 and taken to the US where it rolled on the roads around Santa Barbara, California and got positive reactions.
The project received final approval on 18 January 1986. The model's codename was changed to P729 as it moved into the production phase, under head of program Toshihiko Hirai. The task of constructing five engineering mules (more developed prototypes) was again allocated to IAD, which also conducted the first front and rear crash tests on the P729. While Tom Matano, Mark Jordan, Wu-huang Chin (秦無荒, also on the RX-7 team), Norman Garrett, and Koichi Hayashi (林 浩一) worked on the final design, the project was moved to Japan for engineering and production details. By 1989, with a definitive model name now chosen, the MX-5 was ready to be introduced to the world as a true lightweight sports car, weighing just 940 kg (2,070 lbs).
Although Mazda's concept was for the MX-5 to be an inexpensive sports car, at introduction the design met strong demand, with many dealers placing customers on pre-order lists and several dealers across North America increasing the vehicle markup.
Our Thoughts
Opinions on the best sports car will always vary. The Miata may not be the fastest, but it is arguably the most enjoyable for the price. If speed is your goal and you wish to rival sports cars like Corvettes or Supras, investing more money and time can help you achieve that; a stock Miata won't suffice. For a realistic comparison of your Miata's acceleration against other sports cars, you can refer to specific comparison links.
While performance figures are exciting, remember they are theoretical. Actual performance on the road also depends on the skill of the driver and any modifications they may have made to their vehicle. For instance, you might encounter an '81 Corvette with a stock horsepower of 190, but it could be housing a powerful GM LS7 427 engine. Underestimating such a car could lead to an unexpected outcome. For those Miata owners curious about upgrades, it's possible to install a 302 or an LS engine, offering promising options.
The acronym Miata stands for 'Miata Is Always The Answer.' It was designed for those desiring a sports car without the financial burden. The Miata replaced the failing British roadsters, a move that was controversial. Some British roadsters may be preferred for their looks, which is subjective. However, considering the overall package – aesthetics, stock performance, customization options, aftermarket support, reliability, fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, insurance costs, community support, and sheer driving pleasure – no other roadster or sports car offers as much value for the money.
OUR GEN PICKS AND WHY
This does not include specific models like the Mazda Speed, but rather the general classifications such as NA, NB, NC, and ND.
NA - The lightest and simplest to operate with minimal distractions. Highly customizable with a wide range of accessories, powertrain options, and both partial and full body kits. Known for reliability up to 350k miles, with some reports of even higher mileage. Notably affordable, often under $10k, and famous for its pop-up headlights.
ND - The most robust in appearance and the most technologically advanced. Lighter than the NC, it offers a spacious interior with modern technology, and a solid range of aftermarket options. After about five years, it becomes even more affordable. Its reliability is excellent, although there's insufficient data to compare it to the NA.
NB - The second lightest, essentially an NA without pop-up headlights and with a few modifications. An excellent choice for converting into a track car. With a hardtop and lowered stance, it resembles the RX-7. Its reliability is on par with the NA.
NC - Ranked last due to its heavier weight. Nonetheless, it's a reliable vehicle with numerous features and ample space.
As for the best years to purchase a Miata, they are 1994, 1999, 2005, and 2006. The year to avoid is 2008, which drivers have reported as the least favorable. Regarding the 1993 model, it was discontinued due to the recession. We own a '93 model that has clocked 180k miles and still runs excellently.