I hate how Wikipedia and everywhere else just kind of retconned it being called the "MX-5" like it was ever called that when it was released. It's the fucking Miata. They didn't start this MX-5 bs until like the ~~5th~~ 4th generation.
It has had both names since the beginning, but which badge was on the car varied by market. Here's a 1990 Australian-spec car with an MX-5 badge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5_(NA)#/media/File:1990_Mazda_MX-5_(NA)_hardtop_(2015-07-24).jpg
There are only four generations so far.
My personal theory is they wanted to get away from the Miata punchlines, but that was half its brand, I have heard people say they like/want/have Miatas, never heard of MX-5 outside of seeing it in print.
MX-5 is the way they’re commonly referred to in racing, but I hear most people call the older street cars Miatas
My dream toy car if I had enough disposable income to own and maintain one.
Maintenance on a Miata is dirt cheap
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