Which 1989 car launched a two-seat roadster that became the world’s best-selling sports car?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, launched in 1989, became the world’s best-selling sports car.

Mazda introduced the lightweight two-seat roadster at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Its design followed a simple formula: front-engine, rear-wheel drive, low mass, compact dimensions, and a manually operated soft top. The Japanese-market name was Roadster, while Miata became the name used in North America.

The MX-5 drew inspiration from classic British roadsters but aimed to provide stronger reliability and more consistent manufacturing quality. Its handling and affordability made open-top sports-car driving accessible to a broad audience.

The car is sold under different names in different markets, which can cause confusion. “MX-5,” “Miata,” and “Roadster” refer to the same model family rather than three separate Mazda cars. Mazda has continued the line through multiple generations.