Mazda Miata Side Splitter

The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Mazda Roadster or Miata, is a celebrated lightweight two-seat sports car that emphasizes a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. Since its debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, the MX-5 has garnered a reputation for its nimble handling, minimalist design, and responsive driving experience. These characteristics reflect Mazda's design philosophy of Jinba ittai, which translates to "oneness of horse and rider," symbolizing the strong connection between driver and vehicle.

Produced at Mazda's Hiroshima facility, the MX-5 has gone through four distinct generations, each identified by a two-letter code: the first generation (NA), the second generation (NB) launched in 1998, the third generation (NC) introduced in 2005, and the current fourth generation (ND) which debuted in 2015. The model's design pays homage to classic British and Italian roadsters from the 1950s and '60s, with the Lotus Elan serving as a key design influence.

With over 1 million units sold worldwide, the Mazda MX-5 holds the title of the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car ever. The name "Miata" is derived from Old High German, meaning "reward," reflecting the joy and satisfaction that driving this car brings to enthusiasts. While the car is commonly referred to as the Miata in North America, it retains the names Mazda Roadster and Eunos Roadster in Japan.