Used Mazda Roadster for sale

If you're looking for a sports car that is lightweight, cheap, and fun to drive, the Mazda Roadster is a name we want to suggest for you. Known as the MX-5 Miata, the Roadster is the world's bestselling 2-seat roadster and the only remaining true lightweight sports car. Today we're reviewing the Roadster, and we'll show you the many quirks and features of this sports car icon.

A Quick History Of Mazda Roadster

The Mazda Roadster, better known as the Mazda MX-5 and Miata in the United States, has been a lightweight sports car manufactured by Mazda since 1989. From humble beginnings in the form of British roadsters, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has grown through four generations to establish itself as the widely accepted king of cheap, easy, fun-to-drive cars while meeting modern emissions and safety regulations. Let’s look through 4 generations of the Mazda Roadster:

First generation (NA) 

First appeared at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale a few months later as a 1990 model. The original Roadster (NA) just weighed over 2,000 pounds; it was a true lightweight sports car. It became so popular, so fast, that it basically single-handedly revived the market for small, fun roadsters, forcing other car companies to start building them again.

The first Roadster was Mazda's love letter to the Lotus Elan. They copied some of its best features, like the pop-up headlights that make the NA model so unique, and the thin chrome door handles, as a tribute to that legendary British sports car.

Second generation (NB)

The second-generation Roadster was introduced in 1998 and was in production until 2005. The biggest thing people notice about the second-generation Roadster is that the pop-up headlights are gone. Mazda had to get rid of them to pass stricter new pedestrian safety tests. Aside from that major change, the car kept the same classic size and shape as the original. Additionally, the NB models saw several limited editions, including a high-performance turbocharged model and a coupe version in Japan.

Third generation (NC)

Launched at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2005 and in production until 2015, the third generation came with Retractable Hard Top (PRHT), a variant featuring a folding hard top mechanism that does not encroach on trunk space.

Fourth generation (ND)

The latest iteration of the MX-5, the fourth generation (ND), was unveiled in September 2014. The original design goal of the 4th generation MX-5 was to be both classic and modern, providing a unique Japanese look but still suitable for the global market. Therefore, many styling lines from the previous generation were retained, adding Kodo design to create a smooth look. The ND generation introduced a Retractable Fastback (RF) variant that features a rigid roof and buttresses that give the silhouette a more coupé-like appearance than the soft top convertible. A special point is when the designers added two round LED bulbs in the headlights, creating the effect of the MX-5 "smiling" from some angles.

Almost 40 years and 4 generations, the MX-5 has gained recognition and won many awards, including: "Best sports car of the 1900s", "Ten best sports cars of all time", or Car of the Year Japan... The MX-5 was so successful, it held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling two-seat sports car of all time. It earned that title way back in 2000 when production passed the 531,890 mark.

Mazda Roadster For Sale: Popular Models Breakdown

Since its debut in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has consistently offered driving fun that can only be experienced in a lightweight sports car, and because of this, it has won the admiration of people from various countries, cultures, and age groups. However, many people wonder which models  are most appreciated. Our answer is the second generation (1998-2005 models) - These models were recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s best-selling convertible two-seater sports car. Below is the details of the second generation of the Mazda Roadster: 

Specifications

Mazda Roadster design

The second generation of the Roadster underwent a facelift, which was reflected in minor modifications to the front and rear and a slightly different interior. The most notable changes in its design were the headlights: the first generation's retractable headlamps no longer passed pedestrian safety tests and were replaced by fixed ones in this generation. Other small improvements include a glass rear window with defogger for the convertible top and an optional hinged wind deflector behind the seats.

Mazda Roadster engine 

The Roadster’s engine didn’t have a lot of power, but it's incredibly fun to drive thanks to its small size and tossable dynamics. Compared to the previous generation, the NB offered a slight increase in engine power and improved handling characteristics: the 1.6-liter engine had an output of 81 kW (110 hp), and the 1.8-liter engine had 103 kW (140 hp). The Roadster was also briefly offered in Asia and the USA as a Mazdaspeed version with a 1.8-liter 16v 4-cylinder engine with turbocharger combined with a newly available six-speed manual transmission. This engine gave it a decent amount of power, getting it from 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds and on to a top speed of about 130 mph.

Safety features

The NB Roadster incorporated Mazda's Advanced Impact Distribution and Absorption System (MAIDAS), which included a highly rigid body structure and front and rear crumple zones to absorb impact energy. 

The Euro NCAP Safety Ratings for the Mazda Roadster manufactured in this generation were given 4 out of 5 stars for adult protection but only 1 out of 4 stars for pedestrian protection.

Mazda Roadster Price 

The Roadster prices vary based on model year, trim, and condition. Newer models, like the 2025 Mazda Roadster, start around $29,530. Used Roadsters can be found for significantly less, with prices potentially ranging from $2,073 to $ 58,567 or more, depending on factors like age, mileage, and features. 

As you can see, there's a Mazda Roadster out there for almost any budget. But navigating the used market to find a good one—one without hidden rust or mechanical issues—can be a challenge. That's where a little help comes in handy.

Why search through thousands of questionable listings? Visit carfromjapan.com to browse a wide selection of quality used Roadsters and get the best deal without the headache.