Convertibles and roadsters come and go just like any other sort of vehicle. But it's the ones that do something a bit special and unique that gather owner loyalty, develop a reputation, and pass the test of time.
Mazda's Miata MX-5 began production back in April 1989, when it "reinvented the small, open-top sportscar", according to Mazda's CEO Jim O'Sullivan.
It managed to capture the style, performance and thrills of similar British roadsters without all of the reliability problems and catching fire.
Now, some 17 years after the original unit rolled off the assembly line, Mazda is once again celebrating the MX-5's success. Not because of any of the countless awards it's won this time, but rather the fact that on January 30th, the cumulative production volume reached a whopping 800,000 units.
"The car business is a marathon, not a sprint, and only those vehicles with timeless styling, outstanding value and the very example of 'fun-to-drive' become icons. MX-5 is one of those" adds O'Sullivan.
The current model was launched in August 2005, 5 years after the Miata was certified as the worlds top selling two seat sports car by the Guinness Book of World Records. A powered hardtop model was added in 2006, featuring a revolutionary electric roof that retracts in a few seconds and doesn't penalize trunk space.
Mazda says they will continue to evolve the MX-5 to appeal to more and more drivers.
Mazda's Miata MX-5 began production back in April 1989, when it "reinvented the small, open-top sportscar", according to Mazda's CEO Jim O'Sullivan.
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It managed to capture the style, performance and thrills of similar British roadsters without all of the reliability problems and catching fire.
Now, some 17 years after the original unit rolled off the assembly line, Mazda is once again celebrating the MX-5's success. Not because of any of the countless awards it's won this time, but rather the fact that on January 30th, the cumulative production volume reached a whopping 800,000 units.
"The car business is a marathon, not a sprint, and only those vehicles with timeless styling, outstanding value and the very example of 'fun-to-drive' become icons. MX-5 is one of those" adds O'Sullivan.
The current model was launched in August 2005, 5 years after the Miata was certified as the worlds top selling two seat sports car by the Guinness Book of World Records. A powered hardtop model was added in 2006, featuring a revolutionary electric roof that retracts in a few seconds and doesn't penalize trunk space.
Mazda says they will continue to evolve the MX-5 to appeal to more and more drivers.
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