First released in 1989 as a 1990 model car, the Mazda Miata entered the market as a roadster with some electronic controls and accessories left out on purpose to project a 60s roadster that was considered as the best vehicle in terms of handling. This convertible sports car came with a 1.6 L inline four-cylinder engine combined with a manual transmission.

Refreshments were made in 1994 as the Miata that include the addition of the 1.8 L BP engine, dual airbags, a geared limited slip differential, and other options. The refreshed Miata were offered in several trim levels: the base or the A Package, B Package with additional models, C Package with tan interior and top and leather seats, the special R Package as the racing edition, and the annual racing edition, the M Editions which included all of the luxury options from the C package as well as special paint and, sometimes, special wheels.

In 1997, the Miata was renewed and was known as the NB or Mark 2. As was expected, the new Miata became more powerful and stylish compared to the previews designs.

Four years later, the Miata NB was redesigned possessing a bit more edgy exterior and racing cockpit inspired interior. The old 1.8 L BP-Z3 engine was slightly modified that now featured variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. The 6-speed transmission has become available for the top models. The addition of the 16 in rims and larger brakes added the attitude to the Miata.

The third generation Miata was released in May of 2005 and was based on the RX-8 chassis. It used a 1.6 L 2.0 L MZR I4 engine. It was offered in automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and manual 6-speed transmissions.