Japan · First generation introduced 1989
Mazda MX-5 Miata
A small roadster that made a big impression—with pop-up headlights.
Exterior · Photo shows Mazda MX-5 NA.
Mazda MX-5 NA.jpg · Ondroeu · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mazda MX-5 NA.jpg · Ondroeu · CC BY-SA 4.0
A place in vehicle history
More than a set of wheels.
The MX-5 Miata debuted at the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989. In Japan, it was introduced as the Eunos Roadster. The early car used a 1.6-liter engine; Mazda added a 1.8-liter engine to the Japanese range in 1993.
Look a little closer.
MX-5, Miata, and Eunos Roadster are names you may see for this same car family in different places.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Where these facts come from
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 28, 2026.