Mazda Miata MX-5

Ethan Hall

History• The MX-5 is a rear wheel drive, two seated, sports

car introduced to the public at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show.

• It was designed by Bob Hall, a journalist at Motor Trend magazine at the time.

• Hall was looking to design a small, affordable English style roadster.

• During engineering it had various codenames including: Duo 101, P729, and V705.

• Mx-5 was the final name for the car; meaning “Mazda Experiment, Project number 5”

Design Influences• One of the main influences on the MX-5’s style

was from the Lotus Elan, a 60s roadster.

First Generation (1989-1998)

• The first generation Miatas were a huge success, becoming an almost overnight sensation.

• It was offered in either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission and either a 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine.

• Top speed was around 120 mph.• These cars are a great candidate for modifying

with an extreme amount of performance and stock parts readily available.

Second Generation (1998-2005)

• This generation included a major face change with non pop up lights, a slicker design and larger body.

• It also included either a 1.6 or 1.8 liter engine.• Unlike previous years, this generation was

produced with either a 5 or 6 sped manual transmission and the same 4 speed automatic transmission as before.

• As before, there is a cult following for this generation, but not as much as the first generation

Third Generation (2005-present)

• This generation has a slight facelift from the last generation, and a major difference in appearance from the first generation.

• It is offered in either a 1.8 or 2.0 liter engine.• Like the last generation, it is available in a 5 and

6 speed manual and a 6 speed automatic transmission.

• In 2009, it got another facelift, varying slightly from the previous look.