Miata History: From 1989 to the Upcoming 2016 MX-5 Miata Release Date

There aren’t many cars in the world that have a legacy like the Miata, and with the 2016 MX-5 release date approaching, we thought it would be a great time to look over the history of this remarkable sports car.

We are particularly proud that the history of the Miata is tied to our community, right here in Chicago. That’s why its 25^th anniversary will be celebrated in the Windy City. The new 2016 MX-5 Miata will show up at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. We’ll begin taking preorders around February 2015.

Reinventing the Sports Car (1989-1997)

We think it’s only fitting that the first glimpse the world was given of the Miata was in 1989 at the Chicago Auto Show, just a quick trip from our dealership. Of course, the Miata can be traced back to the late 1970s when journalist Bob Hall sketched the rough idea that would become the Miata for Kenichi Yamamoto, head of Mazda R&D.

It took a decade to convince the higher ups at Mazda that an affordable sports car was something the world needed, but when those first models hit the street in ’89, the long-term success of the Miata was set in stone. While many folks guessed the Miata’s initial price to be around $20,000, it debuted at only $13,800, and Mazda has made sure to keep the Miata affordable ever since.

This first generation ran from 1989-97, and while its initial 1.6L engine was good for 115 hp, by the end of the generation it carried a 1.8L engine with 131 hp. Those numbers may seem small, but remember that this roadster is a small car. 131 hp is quite the kick for a little two-seater.

The Second-Gen Miata (1998-2005)

One of the first things drivers noticed about the second-gen Miata was that its old 1.8L four-cylinder managed 140 hp—9 hp more than it had on previous models.

Mazda updated quite a few different features for this generation, but the most notable were the headlights. Due to new pedestrian safety laws, the retractable headlights of the first-gen Miata had to be replaced, but we think it worked out alright in the end. After all, those rounded headlights are some of the most iconic in the auto world.

For the 10^th anniversary of the Miata, a limited-edition model was released with Bilstein shock absorbers and a six-speed transmission. Nicknamed the 10AM or 10AE by enthusiasts, this Miata is most easily identified by its sapphire blue mica color with two-tone blue alcantara and black leather seating. 7,500 anniversary models were produced.

2001 saw a significant facelift to the second-gen Miata that led to a more aggressive, sportier look and feel, and in 2002 the Miata MX-5 SP debuted with the vehicle’s first (but certainly not last) supercharged engine.

The Mazdaspeed MX-5 ran from 2004-05 to give drivers an even sportier, more high-power take on the now classic two-seater with a 180-hp engine and a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.

The Third Generation MX-5 (2006-2015)

Debuting in the 2006 model year, this Miata went back to quite a few of the old styling elements from the first generation, while leaving behind almost all of the second generation’s components. A new suspension, traction control, and stability control were added, and the engine was replaced by a 2.0L 4-cylinder capable of 170 hp.

A 2008 facelift of the Miata gave us a glimpse of what’s coming in the 2016 model: a larger grille, an elongated front end, and new side skirts, bumpers, and taillights. The 20^th anniversary saw a special Mazda Roadster edition produced, though it wasn’t with the same fanfare as the 10^th anniversary model.

And while Mazda kept updating the Miata, the third-gen models end with the 2015 MX-5. It’s an impressive vehicle, no doubt, but we’re a bit anxious to get our hands on the 2016 model. Aren’t you?

Drive Home a Miata

We have the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata in stock now, and if you’re feeling impatient, you can certainly come check it out. But if you can wait just a bit until the 2016 MX-5 Miata release date, well, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by everything this car has achieved in 25 years. Contact Biggers Mazda to learn more about the Miata.