The Mazda MX-5 Miata is produced by Mazda. Known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan, it is a lightweight two-seat convertible designed around simple, responsive driving.
Mazda unveiled the first-generation MX-5 at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, reviving the small British and Italian roadster concept that had largely disappeared from the market. Its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, low mass, compact dimensions, and near-50:50 weight distribution made it engaging without requiring a large engine.
The first generation is identified as NA and is famous for its pop-up headlights. Later generations are NB, NC, and ND; the fourth-generation ND arrived in 2015. In North America, Mazda added the “Miata” name, while other markets generally use MX-5 or Roadster. “Miata” is not a separate automaker or model family.
A frequent mix-up is assuming the car is related to the Toyota MR2, Honda S2000, or Nissan 350Z simply because they are Japanese sports cars. The MX-5 is Mazda’s own roadster, though the fourth-generation car was also closely related to the Fiat 124 Spider through a development partnership. More than one million have been sold worldwide.