April 16, 2014: Mazda Honors a Quarter-Century of Driving Joy with the 25th Anniversary MX-5 Miata

On April 16, 2014, the vibrant floors of the New York International Auto Show bore witness to a celebration 25 years in the making. Amid flashing cameras and reverent applause, Mazda unveiled the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition—a tribute not only to one of the most beloved sports cars of all time, but to the enduring spirit of fun, lightweight motoring it represents. Limited to just 100 units for the U.S. market, the Anniversary Edition was a deeply symbolic gesture, blending past and future in a gleaming Soul Red Metallic package.

But to truly understand why this moment mattered, we must rewind the tape back to the late 1970s—when the idea of the Miata was little more than a spark in the minds of enthusiasts and designers seeking to recapture a fading golden age.

A Dream Reborn: The Miata’s Genesis

The post-war decades had been kind to small roadsters. British and Italian makes like the MG B, Triumph Spitfire, and Fiat 124 Spider delivered open-air thrills to a generation of American drivers. But by the early 1980s, these cars had vanished, casualties of tightening emissions regulations, rising costs, and waning reliability.

Enter Bob Hall, an American automotive journalist-turned-product planner for Mazda. In 1979, during a fateful conversation with Mazda execs in Hiroshima, Hall pitched a simple yet revolutionary idea: build a small, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster inspired by the best of the British classics—but with Japanese reliability and engineering discipline.

Mazda took the idea seriously. By 1984, development had begun under the codename “Project Phoenix.” The task of bringing the Miata to life fell to a talented team, including Tom Matano, head of Mazda’s California design studio, and Masao Yagi, who worked on interior design. Engineering was led by Toshihiko Hirai, who envisioned a vehicle that embodied the Japanese philosophy of “Jinba Ittai”—the unity of horse and rider.

1989: A Legend Is Born

The Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, instantly capturing hearts with its curvaceous lines, pop-up headlights, and unmistakable resemblance to classic roadsters of the past. Under the hood was a 1.6-liter inline-four making 116 horsepower, mated to a crisp 5-speed manual gearbox. Weighing just over 2,100 pounds, the Miata wasn’t about raw power—it was about balance, simplicity, and joy.

Sales exceeded expectations. By the early 1990s, the Miata had become a global phenomenon and revived the roadster genre.

Generations of Joy: Evolving the Miata

NA (1989–1997):
The original Miata, now known as the NA, featured pop-up headlights, razor-sharp handling, and a purity of design that made it an instant classic. A 1.8-liter engine was added in 1994, improving power slightly while retaining the car’s lightweight charm.

NB (1998–2005):
The second-generation NB Miata ditched the pop-ups for fixed headlights but sharpened the chassis and refined the cabin. Mazda introduced innovations like variable valve timing and optional six-speed transmissions, gradually boosting output while retaining its playful character.

NC (2006–2015):
With the NC, the Miata grew in size and weight, now riding on a modified RX-8 platform. It introduced a power retractable hardtop (PRHT) option and 2.0-liter engines with more torque, yet critics debated whether it had lost some of its original agility.

2014: The 25th Anniversary Edition
Limited to just 100 units for the U.S., the special edition was based on the NC-generation PRHT model, featuring Soul Red paint, hand-fitted black leather with red stitching, Bilstein shocks, and a numbered badge. It was a last hurrah for the NC—and a bridge to the next chapter.

ND and Beyond: The Spirit Endures

ND (2016–present):
Mazda returned to form with the ND, cutting over 200 pounds and refocusing on agility and engagement. With modern styling, SKYACTIV engineering, and a lower center of gravity, the ND rekindled the original’s magic. The RF (Retractable Fastback) added a new twist on the open-top experience. Updates since 2016 have included power increases, improved ergonomics, and more safety tech, all without compromising the Miata’s soul.

What’s Next? The Miata’s Future

Mazda has confirmed that a next-generation Miata is in development, and though few specifics have been released, the company has hinted that electrification will play a role—likely in the form of a mild hybrid or lightweight EV system. But fear not, purists: Mazda remains steadfast that the Miata will continue to emphasize lightweight design, driver engagement, and the Jinba Ittai philosophy.

As carbon regulations tighten and sports cars become increasingly rare, the Miata stands as both a survivor and a defiant symbol of joy. Whether powered by gasoline or electrons, its mission remains the same: to make driving fun again.

The 25th Anniversary Edition of the Mazda MX-5 Miata was more than just a special trim—it was a rolling love letter to a quarter-century of backroad bliss, autocross victories, and wind-in-the-hair motoring. As we look toward the future, one thing remains clear: the Miata isn’t just a car. It’s a feeling. And in a world that’s always changing, that feeling—of joy, simplicity, and connection—is timeless.

Do you remember your first Miata drive? Share your story with us in next month’s reader spotlight