When Mazda introduced the MX-5 Miata in 1989 for the '90 model year, buyers had several choices in the affordable sports car segment, including the Nissan 240SX, Toyota MR-2, and the Alfa Romeo Spider. These cars offered a traditional sports car experience reminiscent of older British cars such as the MGB and the Triumph Spitfire with moderate power, an open-top, and handling suitable for negotiating a mountain road at moderate speeds.

Some critics classified the Miata as a "chick's car," but the first generation, known as the NA, delivered an unadulterated sports-car driving pleasure with the perfect balance between a vintage feel and modern reliability.

At the time, European high-performance sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster, the Mercedes SLK, and the BMW Z3 offered superior performance characteristics, but none matched the MX-5 Miata for sheer bang for the buck.

1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (First Generation)

8.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Traditional sports car driving experience
  • Convertible
  • Excellent fuel economy
Specifications
  • Engine/Motor: 1.6-/1.8-liter inline-four
  • Horsepower: 116/133 hp
  • Torque: 100/114 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
Pros
  • Lightweight for respectable acceleration
  • Balanced weight distribution
  • Responsive handling
Cons
  • Small trunk and luggage space
  • Plastic rear window rather than glass

A Traditional Sports Car Feel From A Naturally Aspirated Four Cylinder

Green 1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (First Generation)
via Mazda

Mazda equipped the early first-generation Miatas (1990-93) with a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produced 116 hp at 6500 rpm and 100 lb-ft of torque at 5500 rpm.

For the 1994 model year, Mazda upgraded the engine to a 1.8-liter engine, producing 128 hp at 6500 rpm and 110 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm, and eventually increased the power to 133 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque.

The MX5 power output compares favorably to the Toyota MR2 2.0-liter inline-four producing 119 hp at 5600 rpm, and maximum torque of 130 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. However, the 1990 Nissan 240SX produced more power fitted with a larger engine, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generated 155 hp at 5600 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.

The Miata engine sends power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox that features short throws and clear, solid gates for quick gear changes.

On the 1994 and later models, Mazda offered a mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, as a replacement for the less effective and reliable viscous limited-slip differentials offered on early models.

Related: Evolution Of The Mazda MX-5 Miata

Respectable Acceleration, Handling, And Fuel-Efficiency

Red 1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (First Generation)
via Mazda

Despite the minimal power, the Miata, with a weight of only 2094 lbs (950 kgs), offers respectable performance. The sports car accelerates to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, reaches the quarter mile in 16.8 sec at 83 mph, and achieves a top speed of 116 mph.

When pressed, the engine produces a classic growl and the car's response seems quicker than the specs would indicate, especially with the top down. The 1.8-liter equipped Mazda reaches 60 mph a full second faster at 8.2 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 122 mph. An added benefit of the smaller engine is fuel consumption, getting an average of 22 to 24 mpg.

An independent suspension with double wishbones, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar both upfront and in the rear provide the MX5 road handling and ride comfort.

Vented discs at the front and the rear provide stopping power to the 14-inch tires and rims. Braking from 70 to 0 mph requires 195 feet.

The steering, both manual (on some early models) and power-assisted, is responsive making cornering a pleasure, and road holding, measured on a 300-ft-dia skid pad, is 0.82 g, nearly equal to the Nissan 240SX at 0.83 g.

Related: The Resilient Roadster: How The Mazda Miata Continues To Dominate Its Class For Over 30 years

Black interior 1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (First Generation)
via Mazda

With a body shape reminiscent of the early Lotus Elan, the Miata is a tiny roadster, but the interior offers more passenger room than expected. The spare tire and battery occupy space in the trunk leaving luggage room for a weekend trip. Some owners install trunk-mounted luggage racks for longer trips.

For 1997, the final model year of the first generation MX5, Mazda offered a new Touring Package which includes power steering, power windows, power mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, and door map pockets (the era before cell phone GSM mapping apps). Mazda offered air conditioning and antilock brakes as options.

Today, collectors often look for a specialty version of the MX5. One popular model is the M-Edition, available in Marina Green, which included unique gauges, sporting wood interior trim, leather interior, a premium sound system with CD player, air conditioning, and chromed alloy wheels.

The other sought-after MX5 is the STO-Edition, of which, Mazda produced only 1,500 units. Painted Twilight Blue, the limited production sports cars featured a tan top, matching tan leather interior, Nardi leather shift knob, headrest speakers, and the Touring Package.

Related: Check Out This Modded Mazda Miata MX5

Mazda MX5 Miata Resale Prices Are Still Reasonable

Blue 1990-1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (First Generation)
Mazda

According to miata.net, Mazda built over 215,000 first-generation Miatas from 1990 to 1997. When the Japanese automaker launched the MX5 Miata in 1990, the car sold for $13,800.

The high production rate and availability have kept the resale price stable. According to Classic.com, today the average resale price for a first-generation Mazda MX5 Miata is $11,070 while the lowest recent sale is $1,100 and the highest recent sale is $41,250. Plus, Mazda announced in 2019 a parts program for first-generation Miatas.

Milage and special editions are significant factors in determining the Miata's price. Typically, $7,500 is sufficient to purchase a clean 100,000-mile car, $10,000 for a 50,000-mile car and $30,000 to $40,000 will buy a special edition.