History

• The first generation 1990 Mazda Miata with hidden pop-up headlights.
  
  The Miata was based on the classic British sports car of the late 1950s and 1960s, such the Austin-Healey and Triumph Spitfire, with bulbous front fenders, tight cab quarters and low-profile windshield. The roadster debuted in 1989 and continues today.
  
  

Significance

• The 1996 Mazda convertible
  
  The Miata was designed as a low-cost two-seater sports car to fall within stringent U.S. safety standards that had previously forced many automakers to abandon those vehicles.
  
  

Identification

• The Miata features a long, sloped hood, short deck, a low ground clearance and a retro-style roadster body.
  
  

Types

• The 2006 Mazda Miata retractable hardtop.
  
  The roadster came in a coupe convertible, a hardtop, and, in 2006, a retractable hardtop.
  
  

Features

• Interior of the Miata gives enough room for two adults but is generally tight.
  
  The vehicle has several option packages that offer aluminum alloy rims, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seats and a limited edition celebrating Mazda's victory at Le Mans.
  
  

Size

• The four-cylinder Miata engine gives a modest, fuel-efficient output.
  
  The 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata sits on an 89.2-inch wheelbase, is 155.4 inches long and powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The Miata was born following an off-hand comment to a Mazda executive by a journalist who complained that cars like the old-style British two-seaters no longer existed.