Mazda MX-5 Miata | The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car with a convertible top. It is made by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan

 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car with a convertible top.  It is made by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan.

The MX-5 is nicknamed "Miata" after the old Italian word for reward.

The first generation MX-5 was introduced in 1989 and was produced until 1997. The second generation MX-5 was introduced in 1999 and was produced until 2005. The third generation MX-5 was introduced in 2006 and is still in production.

As of 2012, over 950,000 Mazda MX-5s have been sold worldwide.

Design

The Mazda MX-5 Miata was designed to be a lightweight, simple, and affordable sports car.

The first generation MX-5 was available with a 1.6 liter engine or a 1.8 liter engine. The 1.6 liter engine was dropped after the 1994 model year.

The second generation MX-5 was available with a 1.8 liter engine or a 2.0 liter engine.

The third generation MX-5 is available with a 2.0 liter engine.

The MX-5 has a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

The MX-5 is available with a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

Safety

The Mazda MX-5 Miata has a number of safety features, including front and side airbags, side-impact door beams, and a collapsible steering column.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the MX-5 its "Top Safety Pick" award for the years 2009, 2010, and 2011.

The MX-5 has a 4-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Performance

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is known for its good handling and braking.

The MX-5 has a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 136 mph.

Fuel economy for the MX-5 is 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Price

The base price for the Mazda MX-5 Miata is $24,495.