The Mazda MX-5 Miata Is Now America’s Oldest New Sports Car

If you’ve been wondering which new sports car has been on sale the longest in the United States, the answer has just gotten clearer. For years, the Nissan GT-R held that title, seemingly running on autopilot since 2009. But Nissan finally pulled the plug in 2024, joining the Jaguar F-Type and Audi R8 in retirement.

That leaves one model standing — and it’s been in continuous production since 1989. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is now the longest-running single-generation sports car you can buy fresh off the lot.

The current fourth-generation ND Miata arrived for the 2016 model year and hasn’t changed its winning formula. It’s a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive two-seater with a standard manual transmission and a curb weight of just 2,366 pounds. 7 seconds. More importantly, the naturally aspirated engine responds instantly and loves to rev.

The chassis is tuned for pure driving joy, with a front-midship engine layout that gives near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. You can get an automatic transmission, but most enthusiasts see that as a last resort.

Over the years, Mazda has kept the Miata fresh with steady updates. The 2019 model year bumped power from 155 to 181 horsepower, raised the rev limit to 7,500 rpm, and added a backup camera. Later years brought Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a revised limited-slip differential, and a subtle facelift for 2024.

The 2025 model introduced a 35th Anniversary edition, and for 2026 you can order one in Zinc Green Metallic — a nod to vintage primer rather than British Racing Green. Three trims are available: Sport, Club, and Grand Touring, starting at $30,430. The Club trim is widely considered the sweet spot, adding a sport-tuned suspension and limited-slip differential.

The Miata’s nine-year run on the current platform is impressive, but it’s not unheard of. The Jaguar F-Type lasted 11 years, and the Nissan GT-R soldiered on for 17. Yet the Miata’s charm lies in its refusal to chase trends. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s a focused, affordable roadster that’s at its best on a winding back road with the top down.

As long as Mazda keeps building them, there’s nothing else quite like it.