We have the Americans to thank for the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, the Mazda MX-5 roadster. It was their enduring passion for the concept of the classic English roadster that persuaded Mazda to update the formula, critically adding reliability to the mix. The company regarded it as a bit of a gamble at the time, but combined production of its four generations topped the million mark back in 2016, and sales of the little Japanese convertible are still going strong.
In fact, so popular was the first Mazda MX-5 Miata, that it directly inspired Toyota to turn its third-gen MR2 into a roadster, and for BMW to create the Z3.
Today, the early versions of the first-generation MX-5 (also known a the Miata in the US and the Eunos in Japan), are significantly older than the flawed two-seat British roadsters that inspired them (MGB, Triumph Spitfire, etc) were when the Mazda was first conceived. In fact, many consider them now to be a classic in their own right.
But while early MX-5s were still pretty basic cars, the model has had plenty of high-tech upgrades over the years, including a retractable hardtop model in the third-generation ‘NC’ car, and the sleek Mazda MX-5 RF ‘retractable fastback’ coupe of the fourth-generation ‘ND’ car.
The modern MX-5 also still features many of the creature comforts we’ve come to expect in our cars, including infotainment with DAB digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and sat-nav, as well as other new car features like automatic wipers, cruise control, stability control and lane-keep assist.
Read on for all you need to know aboutMazda’s MX-5 models over the years.
Mazda MX-5 Generations
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mazda MX-5 years are the best?
If you like your creature comforts, then the later the MX-5 you buy, the better. The early ones were pretty basic, especially by todays standards, and as time went on, more and more features and tech were added.
Which Mazda MX-5 years are the worst?
Early versions of the mk3 MX-5 from between 2005 and 2008 lost some of their handling edge due to slightly wooly steering, but this was fixed during a facelift in 2009. So, it's those early mk3s we'd avoid if possible.
Is a used Mazda MX-5 a good deal?
Yes. Whatever age of MX-5 you buy, you'll get a great-looking two-seat sports car that's great fun to drive and relatively affordable to buy and run.
Mazda MX-5 Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Glamorous looks
- Great fun to drive
- Relatively affordable to buy and run
Cons:
- Not hugely practical
- Early versions were basic
- Early mk3s lost some handling sparkle
Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (2015-present)
Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk4
- Remains small and lightweight – it’s 100kg lighter than the Mk3 car
- RF Targa-style folding hard-top model introduced in late 2016
- 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines available; 2.0 uprated from 158bhp to 181bhp in 2019
- 2021 sees introduction of ‘Kinematic Posture Control', which helps cornering by braking individual rear wheels.
- Referred to internally as the MX-5 ND
The Mk4 MX-5, known as the ND internally, demonstrates the importance Mazda places on its popular little roadster in attracting attention to the brand as a whole. It’s even more compact than the original and almost as light despite a plethora of safety-related equipment. Its Skyactiv-G engines – a 1.5 and a 2.0-litre, the latter uprated in 2019 to 181bhp – are refined and lovers of high revs, in true sports car fashion. They’re superbly economical, too, keeping running costs low: even when driven hard you’d be unlucky to see less than 40 mpg. And the chassis is so flickable, so responsive to steering inputs, that you’re having a ball whatever the road, whatever the speed.
Oh, and if you don’t fancy a Mazda badge, then this generation of MX-5 also happens to be the basis for the Fiat/Abarth Spider, which has its own turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engines. However, that model was not as popular as the evergreen Mazda, and Fiat canned the car after just three years on sale.
Downsides? The cabin is on the tight side for taller and bulkier folk, and the boot is bijou, but sometimes that’s the price you pay for an outstanding driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Mk4 review
Mazda MX-5 Mk3 (2005-2014)
Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk3
- Top-spec engine grew to 2.0 litres
- Folding hardtop RC Roadster Coupe joined the line-up
- 2009 facelift sharpened up the steering and restored handling to its lively best
- Referred to internally as the MX-5 NC
When the third-generation MX-5 (NC) was launched in 2005 there was outcry from the MX-5 faithful: it was wider, longer, heavier, plusher. A betrayal of the model’s core values, some said. Mazda argued it was what buyers wanted, however: a roomier, more modern MX-5. Fans snapped back that despite more powerful engines (a 124bhp 1.8 and 148bhp 2.0), some of the car’s joie de vivre had gone walkabout.
Actually, it’s not so much a lack of sparkle from the engines that’s the issue with early Mk3s, it’s woolly steering that steals the immediacy from the handling. Facelifted models from 2009 onwards sorted out the chassis deficiencies and brought extra zip to the 2.0-litre engine. If you’re on the hunt for a sports car that gives the full MX-5 experience yet feels contemporary in terms of convenience (central locking, good air-conditioning, decent headlights, and on some versions a retractable metal roof rather than the traditional soft-top), then these later Mk3s are the ones to look for.
Mazda MX-5 Mk3 review
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Mazda MX-5 Mk2 (1998-2005)
Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk2
- Pop-up lights no longer a feature
- Mazdaspeed special edition model (not sold in the UK) was only official turbo model
- 2001 facelift brought sharper front-end styling
- Referred to internally as the MX-5 NB
We’ve detailed the core strengths of the Mk1 because they’re the fundamental building blocks of the subsequent three generations. At least, their dynamics and soul. The second generation MX-5, or NB, debuted in 1997, and its underpinnings – chassis and engines – are updated versions of those of its predecessor. Unsurprisingly the driving experience is familiar but, thanks in part to a stiffer bodyshell, it feels more sophisticated and is faster point-to-point.
But with that refinement comes a sense that a little of the original’s edge has been lost, in the form of a few degrees of driver involvement and purity. On the other hand, the Mk2 is more amiable on long journeys, with scant sacrifice of fun. It doesn’t look as charming as the Mk1, though, the pop-up headlights victims of safety legislation, the cutesy door handles ditched, and the overall styling evolved but not in an entirely successful manner.
Top-spec models featured 16-inch alloys, a limited-slip differential, leather seats, Bilstein dampers and a six-speed manual gearbox.
Mazda MX-5 Mk2 review
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Mazda MX-5 Mk1 (1989-1997)
Notable features and facelifts of the MX-5 Mk1
- S Special model introduced with stiffer chassis and Bilstein dampers
- A more powerful 1.8-litre engine came along in 1993
- BBR aftermarket turbo kit offered
- Referred to internally as the MX-5 NA
What made the original MX-5 an instant winner when it was launched at the Chicago Auto Show in 1989 was the fact that Mazda got every element right first time. Its styling evoked the past but wasn’t a slave to it, and has since proven timeless. The detail touches are superb. Chromed finger-pull door handles. Teardrop door mirrors. Alloy wheels that perfectly suit the car. Pop-up headlights: who doesn’t love those?
The attention to detail continues under the bonnet: the camshaft cover is styled to ape that of the Lotus Elan, a further example of how the designers wanted everything just-so. The interior is basic yet not Spartan, and the early UK cars boasted electric windows and a Momo leather steering wheel, but no clock. The cabin is cosy but comfortable, and with judicious packing you can stuff a reasonable amount of clobber in the boot. And once you’ve unzipped the plastic rear screen, the hood can be flicked back one-handed.
What seals the deal for the MX-5 Mk1 (also referred to as the NA, Mazda’s internal code for the car) is that it’s a cracking good drive and remains as much so today as it did back in the late eighties. At less than a tonne it’s light, too, which always helps, it has rear-wheel drive, which makes it entertaining, and it possesses quick, precise steering and one of the sweetest-shifting manual transmissions you'll ever encounter. And even though the 1.6-litre engine has a puny 114bhp, that’s enough in a car so nimble and thrilling, and one that's very much not about top speed. (The later 1.8-litre produced 128bhp.) The Mk1’s other great talent is feeling joyously spirited at low speeds, whilst also being composed and rewarding – and really quite quick – in the hands of experienced drivers.
Mazda MX-5 Mk1 review
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