Mazda Miata starts an empire

Car enthusiasts are always looking for an affordable sports car. Over the years, many companies have tried to fill that niche, with varying success. In fact, it takes a brave and smart manufacturer to create an attractive, enjoyable and affordable sports car. Fortunately, Mazda was able to do just that.

Plans for a single open two-seater began around 1981. With a team based in California and Japan, a design centered around a compact, aerodynamic, easy-to-drive, and overall unpretentious sports car began to take shape. Around 1989, to the delight of millions of people around the world, the Mazda Miata was born.

The first Miata was extremely small in size and the full effect was certainly remarkable. Take the wheelbase, which was just 89.2 inches and stretched to a total of 155.2 inches. The highly engineered steering combined with the smaller disc brakes worked like a charm. Interior amenities were minimal, but sufficient. The idea was to keep the design simple and clean. The first models were upgraded with air conditioning and a good sound system. All in all, it was a durable sports car equipped with the necessities.

The light weight of the car was a huge advantage when considering engine options. At just over 2,000 pounds, the Mazda Miata didn’t need a large engine to produce the speed and excitement of a large sports car. Initially, the Miata featured a 116-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. Obviously by today’s standards this doesn’t seem all that incredible, but at the time it was a remarkable achievement that guaranteed a good time.

In fact, the popularity of the Mazda Miata spans the world. This is evidenced by a growing number of Mazda Miata clubs in places like Sweden, England, and New Zealand. Come see for yourself what all the fuss is about.