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. Its introduction was a significant development in the motor car industry that revived the roadster segment of sports cars, with other companies promptly introducing roadsters to their model ranges, such as the MG F, and the third-generation Toyota MR2.

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 1993 with a 1.6-liter straight-4 engine, and from 1994-1997 with a 1.8-liter engine. The NA can be recognized by its distinctive pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights, and the glass rear window. 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.

The MX-5, as envisioned by its designers, is a small roadster with minimal necessary weight and mechanical complexity ? technologically modern, but a direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire, Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget and Lotus Elan.

As a result, the MX-5 was designed with a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It has a longitudinally-mounted four cylinder engine coupled to a manual transmission (5 speed for NA, 5 or 6 speed in NB & NC); an automatic transmission is a cost option.

The body is a conventional, but very light, unibody shell or "monocoque", with a (detachable) rear subframe. 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 anti-lock braking system. Traction control is an option available on NC models. Referred to by its designers as "lightweight", the earlier MK1 cars weighed in at just over a ton, with engine power output usually 115 - 125 BHP. The later cars were heavier, with higher power engines.

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.

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.[1]

The MX-5 has won over 150 awards in its history,[2] 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.

In Japan, the car was not badged as a Mazda, as the company was experimenting with the creation of different marques for deluxe models, similar to Nissan's Infiniti and Toyota's Lexus. Instead, the Mazda MX-5 was sold as the Eunos Roadster in that market.

The body shell of the NA was all-steel with a light-weight aluminium hood. Overall dimensions were 3970 mm (156.3 inches) in length, 1675 mm (65.9 inches) in width, and 1235 mm (48.6 inches) in height. Drag coefficient was indicated as 0.38, reasonably aerodynamic. Suspension was an independent double wishbone on all four wheels, with an anti-roll bar at the front and rear. Four wheel-disc brakes, ventilated at the front, were behind alloy wheels with 185/60HR14 radial tires.

The original MX-5 came with a 1.6-litre double overhead cam inline four-cylinder engine, producing 90 kW (120 hp) and 136 N・m (100 ft・lbf) of torque. The engine employs an L-Jetronic fuel injection system and a camshaft angle sensor instead of a distributor.[ citation needed ] This engine, codename B61P, had been previously used in the 323 series. Standard transmission was 5-speed manual. Japan and the USA got an optional automatic transmission which proved unpopular; these markets also received an optional viscous limited slip rear differential, although were only available for cars with a manual transmission.

The NA could reach 96 km/h (60 mph) in 9.4 seconds and had a top speed of 190 km/h (119 mph). This first generation of Miata (often referred to as the M1) included a special edition in 1991, produced in British Racing Green with the first use of tan interior.

1500 LE (Limited Edition)cars were produced in 1993. This model featured red leather interior, upgraded stereo, Nardi shift knob, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise, limited slip differential, power windows, power mirrors, power steering, a/c BBS 8.5 lb wheels, Bilstein shocks, front and rear spoilers, ABS brakes, stainless sill plates and Harley style peanut tank door speaker trim. All '93 LE cars came in black.

For the 1994 model year, the first-generation MX-5 was freshened with the introduction of the more powerful 1.8-litre BP-ZE engine, dual airbags and a geared, torque-sensing limited slip differential in some markets. The chassis was substantially braced to meet new side-impact standards, most visibly by adding a "track bar" between the seatbelt towers inside the car, but also to the front and rear subframes. Also, the 1994 year was the only year in which Mazda offered a light metallic blue paint (Laguna Blue Mica), making these cars rare collectors cars to some. 1994 also saw the introduction of the "R" package, a sport-themed package with Bilstein shocks. No body style changes were made, though. This is called the NA Generation 1.5 (or M1.5).

The new 1.8-litre engine produced 98 kW (130 hp), which was then increased by 1 kW (134 hp) for the 1996 model year. The base weight increased to 990 kg (2180 lb). Performance was improved slightly, the additional power being partly offset by the extra weight. In some markets such as Europe, the 1.6 engine continued to be available as a lower-cost option, but was detuned to 66 kW (88 hp). This lower-powered model did not receive all the additional chassis bracing of the new 1.8. Japanese and US cars were fitted with an optional Torsen LSD, which was far more durable than the previous viscous differential.