Mazda MX-5 Miata History | Bedford, OH
MX-5 Miata Inventory | Miata Model Overview | 30th Anniversary Edition
When a vehicle model has stood the test of time, you know it speaks to the heart of a variety of drivers. 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the MX-5 Miata, and its long history includes a legion of fans and cutting-edge engineering and design. The days of sleek, lightweight roadsters are not yet over, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to impress.
Early Days of the Mazda MX-5 Miata
In the years following World War II, modern mechanical innovations began appearing in beautifully designed sports cars. By the 1960s, this trend had extended to more affordable, fun-to-drive roadsters. As the prevalence of these vehicles waned in the following decades, automakers and drivers still dreamed of a modern, compact vehicle that offered unparalleled performance and agility on the road. In the 1980s, Mazda engineers decided to pursue this lofty goal, and developed the MX-5 Miata.
The MX-5 Miata debuted in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle featured the classic, British sports-car design: a rear-wheel drivetrain and the engine in the front. When the vehicle was released for sale in 1990, it featured a sporty exterior design with rounded contours and pop-up headlights. The vehicle came equipped with a 116-horsepower 1.6-liter engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Its two-seat cabin made for a spacious cockpit, allowing front passengers to comfortably recline. Upon release, the Mazda MX-5 Miata was a sensation.
The second generation of the MX-5 Miata arrived in 1999, and it saw significant design changes. For instance, it featured new bodywork, fixed headlights, and an updated powertrain.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata Today
The Mazda MX-5 Miata entered its fourth generation in 2016 — the latest generation to date. The new MX-5 Miata features a wonderfully contemporary design and powertrain. For 2019, the Mazda MX-5 Miata features an all-new engine option: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 181 horsepower, a faster 0- 60 mph time, and cutting-edge driving dynamics. To celebrate the MX-5 Miata’s 30th anniversary, Mazda revealed a 30th Anniversary Edition at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. The flashy edition features a Racing Orange exterior, 17-inch wheels, and other fun design accents. Only a limited number were produced for the U.S., and they sold out immediately upon release.
Even with 30 great years in the rearview, the best is likely yet to come with America’s favorite roadster. Get behind the wheel of your very own dream machine at Mazda of Bedford.