The best Mazda MX-5 ever is… not the one you’d expect!

Dan Prosser drives one example of all four generations of the Mazda MX-5 and decides which one is the best of the lot. The MX-5 (or Miata in North America and Eunos Roadster in Japan) is the best-selling two-seat convertible sports car in the world with 1.2 million having been built since 1989.

But why did it become so popular, how has it evolved over the years and which is one the most fun to drive today? Watch to find out.

#mazda #mazdamx5 #cars

0:00 Introduction
1:05 First generation
5:22 Second generation
8:45 Third generation
12:43 Fourth generation
17:42 Conclusion

[dumanimjo]

*still* a Revy 4-cylinder engine up front
*still* a snicky manual gearbox
*still* rear wheel drive
*still* a mechanical limited slip differential
*still* just two seats
*still* very compact dimensions and lightweight construction
*still* one of the purest driving experiences going

*Still* Dre...

[DanTheMailman]

My father told me when i was 10 years old in the late 1980s that it's way more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.
Sage advice, old man.
I recently sold a 400 hp 1986 mustang for a mostly stock '92 Miata and dont regret it one bit...

[tonyireland]

Got an ND3 in May.Its brilliant.Makes being a pensioner worth the 40+ years dicking about with metal in a factory finally worth while.

[pucs]

I've been dailying a manual 1.5litre ND1 for the last 6 years and I have zero regrets. Reliable, fun and still draws looks after all these years. Cheap to maintain and repair if anything actually breaks. 6 ft 2 and I fit with no issues. Don't think I'll ever sell it.

[FlesHBoX]

26 years ago a friend let me drive her new Miata. First year for the NB. It was my first time ever driving one, and I immediately fell in love with it. It sat there on my bucket list as I always made the "responsible" choice. Finally, in late '23 after a long period of unemployment that resulted in losing my previous car, I finally made the decision to get a Miata. I picked up a '15 Club and every time I walk up to it I think "damn that's a good looking car". Every time I get out of it I think "Damn, that's a fun car" and have to look back at it. Even if all I did was drive into town to get groceries.

Truly, Miata Is Always The Answer.

[xkimopye]

I own a manual V8 Holden SSV ute. But this year bought a beautiful red NA MX5 1.6 and the MX5 is so much more fun, and you can enjoy it without encouraging the attention of the law enforcement. My happiest purchase of anything in my life.

[samlymber]

I still use my 2000 NB as a daily driver with 224, 019 on the odometer. Still puts a smile on my face every time I'm in it.

[grahampenny]

I recently purchased an NC and have to say that driving it is an absolute delight, so engaging and fun to drive, even after driving Boxsters for years I would have to say in many ways this is preferable, sure, it hasn’t got the sheer grunt but on Britain’s country roads it’s pretty much the perfect roadster …

[StokesMusicStudiosOnline]

I had an 83 Mazda rx7 gsl when I was 15 years old. I'm 52 now and just got a new 2024 mx5. It's almost like I've died and gone to heaven. It's what I've dreamed of for the last 37 years. Thank you God of sports cars and the universe. I don't feel I deserve it. I forget it's a miata and I think I'm in my rx7 again and I'm 15. Then I have to get out of the car and I realize I'm a 52 year old 5'10" over weight bald man with a Santa Claus beard. Tmi?

[amospizzey]

I’ve been lucky to own several “ serious “ drivers cars including 458 / 3 911’s / Aston etc,
I recently got an ND2 Club ( only my ego had held me back ) honestly on a mountain road it’s by far the best “ road drivers car “ I’ve owned,
I’m still finding it hard to believe
It’s a masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[heidis]

Owned a NC hardtop for years, absolutely loved it. It’s wide wheel arches made it look more masculine. And the practical folding handtop in winter can’t be understated.

[FizzyMotors]

one of the best journalists. crystal clear communication

[peterfrost]

We ( my wife included ) have had every model since 1990 .
I finally sold our 2014 ND3 2 litre last September and said goodbye to Mx5’s at 76!
This April we added a new Homura 2.0 these do recuperate into a capacitor and are incredibly efficient.
I just need to grow up 😂

[davidschultz]

What a fantastic video, and spot on feedback. I'm on my fourth NA, my dad has a NC (bought to replace his NA after it was destroyed by a driver looking at her phone rather than the road). We both love the NA the most, but the NC is much better than its reputation. I would love to do a multi-thousand mile road trip in his NC, it would be the best Miata ever for that trip.

[ConquerDriving]

I absolutely adore my MX5, I used to over look them but once I drove one I wanted one.

[beauthestdane]

Still driving my '93 I bought new in '93. Still love driving it.

[Youtubedotcomma]

Had my NA for 21 years now. It’s still my benchmark of how A car should should make you feel when you drive it

[padreron]

Hi guys, I've owned an '99 NB and currently drive a 2007 NC that I bought in 2008, and it's still wonderful as the calendar turns to 2025. After listening, I wish I had the $$ to bring ND into my family. I am in my 83rd year. My car will belong to my daughter when I can no longer drive. Hope she takes me out for a weekly spin.

[wanakoplays]

I just bought my '24 ND3 RF last week and have been having the time of my life with it. What a magnificent little car.

[barneyrubble]

Had the absolute pleasure of driving a Rocketeer NA recently...what a glorious machine...ive been grinning for days.