Since its debut in 1989, it has rewritten the rulebook for affordable sports cars, ignited a passionate fan base, and become the best-selling two-seater roadster of all time, with over 1.2 million sold globally. Its story is about a unique philosophy that made driving fun again.
Born from a dream to recreate the pure joy of lightweight British roadsters from the 1960s, Mazda’s engineers and designers embraced a fresh blend of simplicity and precision. Tom Matano, the chief designer, sketched a timeless coupe with flowing lines, pop-up headlights, and a perfectly balanced stance. Underneath, Chief engineer Toshihiko Hirai focused on minimalism, keeping weight under 2,100 pounds and combining a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with responsive suspension and an outstanding 50-50 weight distribution.
The MX-5 embodies the Japanese philosophy of 'jinba ittai' translated as horse and rider as one. This captures the core experience of the car: a perfect harmony between driver and machine. It rewards every steering input, every gear change and corner carved with a blend of agility, feedback, and pure emotion. Driving an MX-5 is all about connectedness and joy rarely found in modern cars weighed down by tech.
Awards and accolades have followed effortlessly over four generations. It was named Car of the Year multiple times, hailed as one of the best sports cars of the 1990s, and is a regular on Car and Driver’s 10 Best list. Even automotive legend Jeremy Clarkson praises it as the perfect driver’s car, celebrating its balance of excitement and everyday usability.
The MX-5 continues to thrive in the modern era. Recent models preserve the light charm while benefiting from advanced safety and refined engines, offering spirited drives whether on twisty backroads or urban boulevards. The manual gearbox remains a driver favorite, and the open-top design lets sunlight and sound flood in for an unmistakable open-air experience.
The MX-5 has become a cultural icon that rekindled the flame of enthusiast driving when most sports cars were becoming bulky or pricey. It inspired countless other manufacturers to chase the spirit rather than the gadgetry. It rewrote what a sports car could be.
Today, Mazda’s lightweight roadster still holds it head high among performance machines for one simple reason: it stays true to the joy of driving.
We're thankful for the MX-5, millions of drivers found happiness with a simple but brilliant blend of design, engineering, and soul. A 'proper' driver’s car for the ages!
