1983
- Mazda begins deliberations on a lightweight sports car program
Nov
- Initial project commences
1986
Feb
- Mass-production model project commences
1987
Apr
- Consumer survey conducted in Pasadena, California, in the U.S.
Sep
- Design approved
1989
Feb
- MX-5 Miata debuts at Chicago Motor Show
Sep
- The Eunos Roadster range (base model, Special Package) announced in Japan. 1.6-liter engine. Priced at 1.7 million yen.
1990
Mar
- Version with automatic transmission added
Jul
- ''V Special' version launched featuring a green exterior and a tan interior, leather seats and a Nardi wooden steering wheel and shift knob.
Oct
- Wins Sports Car of the Year award from Middlesborough North Eastern Gazette (UK)
Dec
- Wins Best Sports Car award from National Roads & Motorists Association (Australia). Named 1990 Car of the Year by the Motoring Writers' Guild (New Zealand)
1991
Jul
- Special limited edition 'J Limited' launched with yellow body paint (800 units)
Aug
- ''V Special' launched with black body paint
Dec
- MX-5-based 'M2 1001' is developed by M2 and launched in limited numbers (300 units)
1992
Jul
- Sporty 'S Special' launched with a strengthened chassis. Equipped with Bilstein dampers, BBS aluminum wheels, Nardi leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler
Nov
- M2's limited edition 'M2 1002' launched with exclusive interior (100 units)
Dec
- Limited edition 'S Limited' launched with chassis from S Special, black body paint and a red interior (1000 units)
1993
Jul
- 1.8-liter engine added to the range (base model, S Special, V Special). Also, 'V Special Type II' launched with tan roof and buffed aluminum wheels. Based on the V Special.
Dec
- The 'J Limited II' launched with yellow body paint and black windshield surround for a more sporty appearance (800 units)
1994
Feb
- M2 limited edition 'M2 1028' launched with performance tuning (300 units)
Jul
- Special limited edition 'RS Limited' launched with 15-inch wheels, Recaro full bucket seats and deep blue-green body paint. Based on the 'S Special' (500 units)
Dec
- Special limited edition 'G Limited' launched with matching navy blue body and roof (1500 units). Also, black body paint was added to the standard range, and white paint made available for the V Special and S Special
1995
Feb
- Special limited edition `R Limited` launched with navy blue body and roof and red interior. Based on the S Special (1000 units). Its driving performance was improved with a final gear ratio of 4.300 and 15-inch wheels
Aug
- Facelift model launched. New features included a lightweight flywheel that enhanced engine response. Range consists of base model, S Special Type I, S Special Type II, V Special and V Special Type II
1996
Feb
- Wins Automobile Magazine's All-Star award for 1996 and Best Value Sports Car from Intellichoice
Dec
- Special limited edition B2 Limited and R2 Limited launched. B2 Limited came with matching navy blue body and roof (1000 units). It featured polished aluminum wheels and chrome door mirrors. The R2 Limited was based on the S Special and had 15-inch wheels (500 units). Driver's side SRS airbag system was a standard feature for both models
1997
Aug
- ''SR Limited' launched with leather and nubuck combination bucket seats, chrome parts and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Based on the M Package (700 units)
1998
Jan
- Second-generation MX-5 further advanced the charm of Mazda's open-top two-seat lightweight sports car
1999
Jan
- Special edition 10th Anniversary Model was launched in Japan, North America, Europe and Australia (7500 units)
2000
Jan
- Special limited edition 'NR Limited' launched (500 units)
Jul
- Facelift model launched. It further evolved the roadster's Jinba Ittai (Rider and horse as one) concept with bolder exterior design, increased body rigidity and a more powerful 1.8-liter engine
Dec
- Limited edition 'YS Limited' launched (700 units)
2001
May
- Limited edition 'Mazdaspeed Roadster' launched (200 units)
Dec
- Entry-level NR-A model added to lineup for motorsports enthusiasts. Also, limited edition 'MV Limited' launched (300 units)
2002
Jul
- Facelift model launched. It further evolved the roadster's Jinba Ittai (Rider and horse as one) concept with bolder exterior design, increased body rigidity and a more powerful 1.8-liter engine
- Limited edition 'SG Limited' launched (400 units)
2003
Sep
- Facelift model launched. The interior was updated with aluminum parts and a new Bose audio system was added.
Oct
- Mazda Roadster Coupe launched (manufactured to order)
2004
Feb
- Mazda Roadster Turbo launched (300 units)
Mar
- Total MX-5 production reaches 700,000 units
2005
May
- Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's best-selling open top two-seater sports car (531,890 units)
Aug
- Third-generation MX-5 launched. Also, limited edition '3rd Generation Limited' launched to commemorate new model (500 units)
Nov
- Mazda Roadster named 2005-2006 Japan car of the Year
2006
Jan
- Special edition 'Japan Car of the Year Award Commemorative Edition' launched
Apr
- Mazda Roadster NR-A launched
Aug
- MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top launched
2007
Jan
- Total MX-5 production reaches 800,000 units
2008
Dec
- Facelift model launched
2009
Jul
- 20th Anniversary Special Edition Roadster launched in Japan
2011
Feb
- Mazda MX-5 production reaches 900,000 units, sets new Guinness World Record
