Few cars have captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts quite like the Mazda MX-5. It’s the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car, a true motoring icon, and for many owners, it’s more than just a car, it’s a way of life. Whether you call it an MX-5, a Miata, or an Eunos Roadster, this little roadster has carved out an incredible legacy over more than three decades.
We’ve pulled together some of our favourite MX-5 facts, a mix of the obvious, the obscure, and a few that might even surprise long-time owners.
1. It’s officially the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car
This one might not surprise anyone in the MX-5 community, but it’s worth celebrating. The MX-5 holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car of all time, with over 1.2 million units sold since its launch in 1989. That’s an incredible achievement for a car that was never designed to dominate in raw performance, but rather to capture the pure joy of driving.
2. Its roots lie in British sports cars
The MX-5 wasn’t born from Japan’s racing circuits, its soul actually comes from Britain. The car’s original concept was inspired by lightweight British roadsters like the Lotus Elan, MG B, and Triumph Spitfire.
Mazda’s engineers wanted to recreate the spirit of those cars, the balance, simplicity, and connection between driver and machine, but with the reliability that British classics often lacked. The result? The “Jinba Ittai” philosophy (horse and rider as one), a principle that still defines the MX-5 today.
3. There was a secret competition to build it
When Mazda first floated the idea for a small sports car in the early 1980s, three teams competed internally, one from Japan, one from the US, and one from Europe.
The California design team, led by Bob Hall and Tom Matano, eventually won with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive concept, beating the mid- and rear-engine alternatives. That decision shaped the DNA of every MX-5 since.
4. It wasn’t always called the MX-5
Depending on where you were in the world, the MX-5 went by different names.
· In Japan, it launched as the Eunos Roadster (under Mazda’s premium Eunos sub-brand).
· In North America, it became the Mazda Miata, derived from an Old High German word meaning “reward” or “prize.”
· In Europe, we simply called it the MX-5, short for “Mazda Experimental project number 5.”
These days, “MX-5” has become the global nameplate, but plenty of enthusiasts still affectionately call it the Miata.
5. The NA’s pop-up headlights weren’t just for looks
Ask any MX-5 fan what they love most about the original NA model, and chances are “pop-up headlights” will make the list. But here’s the thing, they weren’t just a design flourish.
Mazda’s engineers originally planned to use fixed headlights, but Japanese height regulations for headlights meant they had to sit higher than the sleek bonnet line allowed. The ingenious solution? Pop-up lights that kept the car’s low, aerodynamic profile without breaking the rules.
Fun fact: the NA’s headlights can be “half-popped” using a specific switch trick, a party piece many owners still love to show off.
6. It’s one of the most balanced cars ever made
Perfect weight distribution is key to great handling, and the MX-5 has always been engineered around a near 50:50 balance between front and rear.
This is one reason why the MX-5 is often used in track days and club racing, it delivers sublime cornering feedback that’s forgiving yet thrilling. It’s not about brute force; it’s about balance, precision, and feel.
7. You could buy it as an automatic (yes, really!)
While most purists swear by the slick-shifting manual gearbox, the MX-5 has been offered in automatic form across all generations, particularly for markets like Japan and the US.
In the UK, autos have always been rare, but they’re out there. Many owners consider them perfect for relaxed cruising or city driving, even if they miss out on some of that hands-on engagement that defines the manual experience.
8. It has a surprisingly practical side
You might not think of an MX-5 as practical, but compared to most two-seater sports cars, it’s actually pretty usable. You can fit two carry-on suitcases in the boot of an ND, it’s easy to service, and parts are remarkably affordable, even if we may say so!
Add to that excellent reliability and fuel efficiency (up to 45mpg from some later models), and you’ve got a car that can be both a weekend toy and a daily driver.
9. There’s a model for every type of enthusiast
From the early 1.6-litre NA that started it all to the sharp and lightweight ND 2.0 Sport, there’s an MX-5 for every kind of driver.
Over the years, there have been hundreds of special editions, from the Le Mans Edition with its orange and green livery to the 25th Anniversary ND with unique badging and Bilstein suspension. Collectors love the variety, and some of the rarer editions are now becoming highly sought-after classics.
10. It’s more aerodynamic than you might think
The latest ND model might look classic in silhouette, but it’s a modern aerodynamic marvel. Mazda spent over 100 hours in wind tunnel testing to ensure the airflow was optimised, even down to how the soft top folds to reduce drag.
That means even though it’s light and compact, the ND’s drag coefficient rivals much larger cars for efficiency and stability at speed.
11. The MX-5 is a racer’s favourite
From grassroots club racing to international competitions, the MX-5 has become one of the most raced cars in the world. The Mazda MX-5 Cup has its own dedicated series in multiple countries, with identical cars competing on skill alone.
In the UK, the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 Championship attracts huge grids of enthusiastic racers, proving you don’t need big budgets to have big fun.
12. It’s been featured in games, films, and even anime
The MX-5 has appeared in countless video games from Gran Turismo to Forza Horizon, and even popped up in popular culture. In Japan, the Roadster has featured in anime and manga as a symbol of freedom and youth. It’s one of those rare cars that’s transcended motoring to become part of pop culture itself.
13. The ND’s Skyactiv engine revs beyond its rivals
Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.0 engine in the ND model loves to rev, with the later 184PS version reaching 7,500 rpm. Despite modern emissions rules, it’s a naturally aspirated unit that delivers that classic linear power band that MX-5 fans adore.
No turbo lag. No artificial sound. Just pure mechanical connection.
14. There’s an MX-5 Owners Club older than some of the cars
The MX-5 Owners Club was founded in 1994, and today it remains one of the most active car clubs in the UK. From local meets to national rallies (like the brilliant MX-5 Owners Club National Rally each summer), the sense of community is unmatched.
If you own one and haven’t joined yet… what are you waiting for?
15. It’s proof that less really is more
At its heart, the MX-5 has always been about simplicity. No huge horsepower figures, no unnecessary tech — just a light, balanced, beautifully engineered sports car that makes every journey fun.
As Mazda themselves put it, the MX-5 isn’t about getting from A to B. It’s about the smile between them.
Which of these facts did you already know?
Whether you’ve owned one MX-5 or five, we’d love to know your favourite facts and stories. Join the conversation on our Facebook page or share your photos and memories, because every MX-5 has a story worth telling.
And if your pride and joy deserves some TLC, you’ll find everything you need for every generation, from performance upgrades to genuine Mazda parts, right here at MX5parts.co.uk.
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