Yeah...They made the design so approachable you kind of have two different buyers. Somthing cute and easy to drive...But it's a drivers car at its core.
People that say that have probably never driven one. I owned an NB and currently own a NC. Miatas are the joy of my life going on three decades now. I’m gay, but that has nothing to do with why I love my Miata. I also own a 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission that I also love. Does that make me more macho? No, it doesn’t. Lol! I’m just an auto enthusiast. I’m a school teacher. Neither of my cars have anything to do with my chosen career. I feel bad for anyone who dismisses a Miata because of a foolish stereotype. I feel sorry for them missing out on the pure joy of driving a Miata. I just simply have higher standards and better tastes than those who lambaste the Miata as a hair dressers car.
Thanks for this video. A good perspective on what was - and is - a sports car. In 1989, I had saved enough money to purchase a Miata. On the day they were introduced, I learned the meaning of ADM (additional dealer markup) when they wanted an extra $4000 to buy a $14,000 car. After months of that, I was so done with dealers, I took a different route. Flash forward to early 2004, and I again went on the hunt for a Miata. I wound up finding a leftover '03 Shinsen version at the dealer, getting $7000 off the MSRP, totaling under $17,000. Best car deal ever. Cheaper than a 1990 would have cost in 1989! I've still got the Miata and will keep it as long as I can press a clutch pedal!
@Pauley_in_GP Its unfortunate about Dealer markups...But limited supply and high demand often leads to that as you know. I love NB MX5s, and it's great you still have it. Mine I bought new 3 years ago.
Mazda is only updating the Miata for a new generation it has never been discontinued and relaunched like some other cars have I.E. Chevrolet Camaro original run 1967-2002 then from 2010-2024 and coming as an SUV for 2025 Mazda Miata hasn't reached 500,000 units sold in the US yet where as in its storied 73 year production the Chevrolet Corvette has sold around 1.9 million units in the US where as for ex between 1999 and 2008 the Toyota Camry sold 4.3 million units in the US
@courtneypuzzo2502 It is the best selling 2 seater convertible sports car with over 1.2 million sold Worldwide. Best thing about them is the basic formula hasn't changed since they launched.
You can't exactly define what a sports car is, but those who own and drive one know. Sports cars are about having fun with the driving experience, especially when the road gets curvy. Mazda hit the bullseye dead center when they introduce the Miata, a true sports car at heart without the mechanical niggles and oil leaks which had been typical of it's predecessors. Now you didn't have to own even a screwdriver to daily drive a sports car, and that opened up market appeal to customers who'd never before considered one. A sports car is something like a motorcycle; it hauls you and a little bit of your stuff around, which a lot of times is all you need. My personal beef is that Mazda strayed away from being just an unapologetic sports car into a more luxurious and less honest car to cater to that different class of buyers though you could theoretically buy a stripped-down version if you could find one on a dealers lot. Heater/defrosters are practical and necessary in many regions and a basic sound system is OK for the more boring moments of being stuck in traffic gridlock, but IMHO an auto trans is heretical and A/C a cardinal sin in a sports car. Well maybe a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters but not a 'set-and-forget' kind where you are encouraged to select "D" and leave it alone afterward. That crap did sell more cars, so it's understandable I guess. The Miata is the most perfect sports car ever made, just not all of them fit that description. I had something of an 'inside track' with the local dealer; not really friends but more like good neighbors with a shared interest in cars and motorcycles and racing. Gearheads both. He offered to slot me in at the front of the line if I wanted one without mark-up but alas. I didn't have anywhere near the money available for even a down-payment so it never happened.
Now that's the Sports car spirit I was talking about! I'm just happy Mazda still makes them and I understand they need to sell a bunch of CX5s to pay the bills.. It's on a dedicated platform so it can't be thrifty to manufacturer (unless you go long times between generations which they do).
@@autochatter Wishing all the best for Mazda, but times are tough for car sales. Miata doesn't need frequent new versions because it really has no direct competition anymore for those wanting a true sports car,and it's platform is about perfected. Only styling changes might be needed and those can be done in detail to please the people who want something to make their new car distinctive from last year's version. It's kind of like Ford's Model T was, only Miata doesn't get outdated. Against it are the modern performance coupes and sedans which have drawn away some who would have bought a Miata as they're practical for a single-car family, which is where most people are economically. I'm sure Miata carries it's own weight at Mazda though it might not do more.
@P_RO_ The lower the volume...The longer you make production on them to recoup the R&D. The first and second gen were basically on the same platform, and the third gen was a shortened version of the RX8, sharing development costs.
It's a shame that this is cliche'd as a "middle aged bald man car...." because I actually want one... but I hate to play into the middle aged bald man trope even harder.... especially since I still have never married....
Have you driven one? If not, I challenge you to do so. You can do it in disguise so no one will think you’re fruity. I’d love to hear your honest opinion. One fact about the Miata is that it it is the single most used automobile in racing competition to date. I guess that must mean racers are fruity too, huh? Lol. Not that I need to defend the sexuality of Miata drivers in the least here. That isn’t the point I’d like to make. I just hate for you to miss out on a fantastic driving experience that automotive journalists the world over consistently rank as one of their favorites just because of a stereotype. Try one sometime just to prove me wrong even. Don’t worry. No one is going to make you buy one just like fruity guys like me do not want to recruit you to our team (btw I also own a Tacoma; what a contrast right?). Do cars really make one gay? Trust me. I knew I was gay long before I ever bought one. I bought one in 1999 because it and the Honda Accord were the two cars on Car and Driver’s Top 10 List that I could afford. The convertible top sold me on it. I’m with Mr. Autochatter on this. If driving one makes me fruity in your eyes, the you can call me Toucan Sam. lol!
Always hated that these were dismissed as hairdresser cars.
Yeah...They made the design so approachable you kind of have two different buyers. Somthing cute and easy to drive...But it's a drivers car at its core.
People that say that have probably never driven one. I owned an NB and currently own a NC. Miatas are the joy of my life going on three decades now. I’m gay, but that has nothing to do with why I love my Miata. I also own a 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma with a manual transmission that I also love. Does that make me more macho? No, it doesn’t. Lol! I’m just an auto enthusiast. I’m a school teacher. Neither of my cars have anything to do with my chosen career. I feel bad for anyone who dismisses a Miata because of a foolish stereotype. I feel sorry for them missing out on the pure joy of driving a Miata. I just simply have higher standards and better tastes than those who lambaste the Miata as a hair dressers car.
@@JJF1973 Well said! I catch some light criticism about my MX-5 from time to time. Need to drive one to know.
@@autochatter, btw, really enjoy your channel. You have a great voice for narration and your content is top notch!
@@JJF1973 Thank you very much! You have great taste in cars and RUclips channels to watch 😀
I remember when the Miata came out. Dealers had long waiting lists in Kentucky. I enjoy learning about automotive history.
Yeah..I didn't get into it, but there was wait lists, and the cars were selling for over sticker. I enjoy Automotive history myself!
ahhhh the inevitable Miata episode. I'll check back in after I watch it.... 🍿🍿🍿
Had to happen eventually LOL.
Found your channel just now because of this video, was absolutely worth watching!
- A proud 2024 MX-5 Owner 😃
That's awesome! Thank you!
I owned a 1968 MGB at age 20 and today I own a 2023 MX-5 GT at age 67. I am true to my roots.
Nice! Mine is. GT as well.
Thanks for this video. A good perspective on what was - and is - a sports car.
In 1989, I had saved enough money to purchase a Miata. On the day they were introduced, I learned the meaning of ADM (additional dealer markup) when they wanted an extra $4000 to buy a $14,000 car. After months of that, I was so done with dealers, I took a different route. Flash forward to early 2004, and I again went on the hunt for a Miata. I wound up finding a leftover '03 Shinsen version at the dealer, getting $7000 off the MSRP, totaling under $17,000. Best car deal ever. Cheaper than a 1990 would have cost in 1989!
I've still got the Miata and will keep it as long as I can press a clutch pedal!
@Pauley_in_GP Its unfortunate about Dealer markups...But limited supply and high demand often leads to that as you know. I love NB MX5s, and it's great you still have it. Mine I bought new 3 years ago.
Thank you for the video. I saw that Oldsmobile Ninety eight use to show convertible models. It was interesting to learn what you own and drive.
Thanks Olds! When I was thinking of which vert to put there, I thought of you!
Excellent video!
@MotorMaster_Stunticon Thanks Rob!
Miata is a car one must drive to understand. I have yet to see an unhappy face behind the wheel of one.
💯
How did I know you drove a miata? Is it the red one you pictured?
WAIT, hold up.... Miata is a high German word!? AHHHH yes I must buy one now.
I have a 21 Red RF..Looks exactly like it. I was going to capture some vid of mine today, but it's been raining all day.
Mazda is only updating the Miata for a new generation it has never been discontinued and relaunched like some other cars have I.E. Chevrolet Camaro original run 1967-2002 then from 2010-2024 and coming as an SUV for 2025 Mazda Miata hasn't reached 500,000 units sold in the US yet where as in its storied 73 year production the Chevrolet Corvette has sold around 1.9 million units in the US where as for ex between 1999 and 2008 the Toyota Camry sold 4.3 million units in the US
@courtneypuzzo2502 It is the best selling 2 seater convertible sports car with over 1.2 million sold Worldwide. Best thing about them is the basic formula hasn't changed since they launched.
You can't exactly define what a sports car is, but those who own and drive one know. Sports cars are about having fun with the driving experience, especially when the road gets curvy. Mazda hit the bullseye dead center when they introduce the Miata, a true sports car at heart without the mechanical niggles and oil leaks which had been typical of it's predecessors. Now you didn't have to own even a screwdriver to daily drive a sports car, and that opened up market appeal to customers who'd never before considered one. A sports car is something like a motorcycle; it hauls you and a little bit of your stuff around, which a lot of times is all you need.
My personal beef is that Mazda strayed away from being just an unapologetic sports car into a more luxurious and less honest car to cater to that different class of buyers though you could theoretically buy a stripped-down version if you could find one on a dealers lot. Heater/defrosters are practical and necessary in many regions and a basic sound system is OK for the more boring moments of being stuck in traffic gridlock, but IMHO an auto trans is heretical and A/C a cardinal sin in a sports car. Well maybe a 6-speed auto with paddle shifters but not a 'set-and-forget' kind where you are encouraged to select "D" and leave it alone afterward. That crap did sell more cars, so it's understandable I guess. The Miata is the most perfect sports car ever made, just not all of them fit that description.
I had something of an 'inside track' with the local dealer; not really friends but more like good neighbors with a shared interest in cars and motorcycles and racing. Gearheads both. He offered to slot me in at the front of the line if I wanted one without mark-up but alas. I didn't have anywhere near the money available for even a down-payment so it never happened.
Now that's the Sports car spirit I was talking about! I'm just happy Mazda still makes them and I understand they need to sell a bunch of CX5s to pay the bills.. It's on a dedicated platform so it can't be thrifty to manufacturer (unless you go long times between generations which they do).
@@autochatter Wishing all the best for Mazda, but times are tough for car sales. Miata doesn't need frequent new versions because it really has no direct competition anymore for those wanting a true sports car,and it's platform is about perfected. Only styling changes might be needed and those can be done in detail to please the people who want something to make their new car distinctive from last year's version. It's kind of like Ford's Model T was, only Miata doesn't get outdated. Against it are the modern performance coupes and sedans which have drawn away some who would have bought a Miata as they're practical for a single-car family, which is where most people are economically. I'm sure Miata carries it's own weight at Mazda though it might not do more.
@P_RO_ The lower the volume...The longer you make production on them to recoup the R&D. The first and second gen were basically on the same platform, and the third gen was a shortened version of the RX8, sharing development costs.
It's a shame that this is cliche'd as a "middle aged bald man car...." because I actually want one... but I hate to play into the middle aged bald man trope even harder.... especially since I still have never married....
@raymond_sycamore Ehh..Ignore the clichés and just drive what makes you happy...Like a Miata.
Never liked the Miata. Too fruity for my tastes. 😂
@jrussellcase Well call me Mr Citrus, cause I love mine!
Have you driven one? If not, I challenge you to do so. You can do it in disguise so no one will think you’re fruity. I’d love to hear your honest opinion. One fact about the Miata is that it it is the single most used automobile in racing competition to date. I guess that must mean racers are fruity too, huh? Lol. Not that I need to defend the sexuality of Miata drivers in the least here. That isn’t the point I’d like to make. I just hate for you to miss out on a fantastic driving experience that automotive journalists the world over consistently rank as one of their favorites just because of a stereotype. Try one sometime just to prove me wrong even. Don’t worry. No one is going to make you buy one just like fruity guys like me do not want to recruit you to our team (btw I also own a Tacoma; what a contrast right?). Do cars really make one gay? Trust me. I knew I was gay long before I ever bought one. I bought one in 1999 because it and the Honda Accord were the two cars on Car and Driver’s Top 10 List that I could afford. The convertible top sold me on it. I’m with Mr. Autochatter on this. If driving one makes me fruity in your eyes, the you can call me Toucan Sam. lol!