Today, Mazda is one of the biggest automakers that produces the highest-quality cars – but it started out with humble beginnings. At its inception, it began as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., LTD that was founded in 1920. The company experienced financial troubles and accepted help of several banks to save itself from bankruptcy. Toyo Kogyo specialized in making machine tools. In 1931, they switched to automobiles and released the first Mazda-Go Autorickshaw.

As production increased, Mazda began exporting cars. They manufactured both piston-powered and rotary-powered vehicles, finding their automobiles being sold around the world. In 1971, Mazda entered the American market. They created the Rotary Pickup, which was targeted at buyers in the US. The Mazda MX-5 was originally the Roadster that debuted in 1989. Launched in 1999, the second generation MX-5 became the best-selling two-seat convertible in the world. Here are 30 years of the Mazda MX-5 in 15 pictures.

15 The First Mazda MX-5: 1989

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After analyzing design proposals from both Japanese and American design teams, the company went for the American option, which became the MX-5 Miata. Unlike the Japanese version, which was mid-engine and rear-drive, the American design team went for a classic British sports-car layout. The car was rear-drive and had its engine in the front.

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14 It Revived The Market For Two-Seat Convertibles: 1990

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To ensure optimal weight balance, the engine sat behind the front axle and featured an independent double wishbone suspension and dual anti-roll bars that increased torsional rigidity. The only available transmission was the 5-speed manual. The car was a big hit, and the MX-5 revived the market for two-seat convertibles.

13 The First-Gen MX-5 Hit 60 MPH In 6.8 Seconds: 1990

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The original MX-5 got a 1.6-liter I4 engine that delivered 116 hp. The driver had to wind the car out in each gear to make the most of its power. Mazda says the first-gen MX-5 could hit 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. At that time, it was plenty for a car that weighted 2,100 pounds.

12 The First Special Edition: 1991

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In 1991, the company took the roadster's theme to its zenith with a British Racing Green special edition. It featured the Great Britain's Grand Prix color that looked great on a little car. Only 4,000 units were made in America. Beyond green paint, it got leather seats, wood handbrake grip and a special badge.

11 The Limited Edition MX-5: 1993

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In 1993, Mazda introduced the Limited Edition MX-5. An original collection of changes included a black paint job and deep-red leather interior. Other highlights were Bilstein dampers, BBS aluminum wheels, polished aluminum grilles, and a new Mazda Sensory Sound system. The Limited Edition MX-5 was only offered for one year.

10 The First Major Performance Upgrade: 1994

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The first big upgrade came in 1994, when Mazda fitted the MX-5 with a 1.8L engine that upped power to 128 hp. New safety regulations meant the car gained weight, tipping the scales up to 2,300 pounds. New front discs increased its stopping power, and a new Torsen limited-slip differential became an option.

9 Two Special Editions: 1997

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For the final year of the first-gen MX-5, the company generated two special-edition models: the STO and the M Edition. The former had 15-inch five-spoke Enkei wheels, Twilight Blue paint and STO badging. Only 1,500 units were made. The latter featured Marina Green Mica paint, a tan interior and top.

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8 The Second Generation: 1999

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The second-generation MX-5 ditched the pop-up headlights of the first-gen, mostly because of crash safety standards. It had the old engine but the power was increased to 140 hp. The new car weighed around 2,350 pounds. Paired with an optional 6-speed manual transmission, it could hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

7 The Turbocharged MX-5: 2004

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The big change came in 2004, when the turbocharged Mazdaspeed version was introduced. The turbo only put out 7.25 psi of boost, but it could increase the power output to 178 hp. The car also featured a 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch wheels and wider tires, new springs and Bilstein shocks.

6 The NC Generation: 2006

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The NC MX-5 got an increase in power – 170 hp from a 2.0L engine – but it was heavier and bigger than previous models, tipping the scales at 2,400 pounds. Three transmissions were offered: a standard 5-speed manual, and optional 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The car took a leap forward with a roomier cabin.

5 The Club Spec: 2013

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For 2013, the company introduced the Club spec that wore rocker-panel stripes, dark-finished 17-inch wheels, black headlight trim, a black roof, red contrast stitching for the seats and new fender badges. The new Retractable Hard top gave the roadster extra levels of protection and class normally reserved for more expensive vehicles.

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4 25th Birthday Anniversary Edition: 2015

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To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the MX-5 offered a black-painted windshield surround, a new Soul Red paint, dark-finished wheels and black door mirrors. The seats got almond-colored leather. Even though this edition wasn't more powerful than the regular MX-5, Mazda says they handpicked each engine component to ensure the internals were most balanced.

3 The ND Generation: 2016

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With the 4th generation, Mazda takes the car back to its roots. The 2.0L engine offers only 155 hp, but it's packed in a car that's lost a lot of weight. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while the 6-speed automatic was optional. A huge step up was the switch from hydraulic to electric steering.

2 A Retractable Fastback: 2017

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In 2017, the MX-5 Miata RF was introduced. When the driver presses the button on the console, the roof panel flips up and retracts into the rear deck. With the roof raised, the car is quieter than softtop models. Top up or down, the RF is one of the best-looking MX-5s of all time.

1 The 30th Anniversary Edition: 2019

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In 2019, Mazda introduced a limited run of 30th Anniversary Edition MX-5 Miatas. Buyers can buy it in both RF and roadster forms. The special MX-5 got a Racing Orange paint job, orange-colored interior accents, the special Miata wears a numbered plaque showing its place in the 3,000-unit production run.

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