Poll: Which generation of Mazda MX-5 is best?

1989 was a crazy year. George H.W. Bush came to power, the Berlin Wall fell, and Tim Burton’s Batman was released. That same year, Mazda began selling the MX-5, also known as the Eunos Roadster and Miata, depending on the market. Now, 35 years later, we’re counting on you to tell us which generation is the best.

It would be easy to give all the credit to the latest (and perhaps greatest) MX-5, known internally as the ND. Currently producing 181 horsepower (135 kilowatts) in North American spec, it’s available as a roadster or coupe. It’s undoubtedly the fastest and most refined version, and it still maintains its lightweight design and affordable price.

MORE: This Mazda MX-5 confuses its NA with ND

But perhaps it’s the NC that truly deserves the honor, as it truly modernized the MX-5. Introduced in 2005, the NC weighed more than enthusiasts expected, but don’t overlook that. The little MX-5 was the first to feature a hardtop. It came standard with more interior space than the NB, and obviously had more modern creature comforts. For a car that’s driven a lot, these are valuable additions.

Still, the NB took everything most people loved about the original MX-5 and improved upon it. The car was wider, the engine was more powerful, and it was more practical. The sometimes problematic pop-up headlights were gone, and the rear windshield was glass with a defroster, not plastic. Sure, it was a bit heavier than the NA, but it went some way toward establishing the roadster’s dominance in the segment.

Yet none of this would have happened without the original NA. Designed to emulate the experience of a cheap, light, fun British roadster, the first production MX-5 weighed just 2,070 lbs (940 kg). It set the standard for the MX-5 and continues to play a role in the way Mazda builds cars.

Is this the best? Vote for it below!

polling

Note: Model years cited in the survey are specific to North America. For example, the first generation model went on sale in 1989 as the 1990MY.