Mazda MX-5 Miata FAQ

Production Information

Last updated: 15 July, 2014

What do the generational codes, "NA", "NB" and "NC" mean and where did they come from?

These coded are “Model Identifiers” per standard VIN coding convention. The “Model Identifier” code is the 4th and 5th position in the VIN. “NA” is the international code for “Miata”, M1 (Model 1 Miata). “NB” = M2 and “NC” = M3

What were the features and options available for the '99 model?

(Check out '99 Central for more info.)

The Miata underwent a redesign for the 1999 model year, with US availability in early 1998. The highlights of the changes are:

What happened to 1998?

No such animal in North America. The car we now know as the 1999 Miata was originally slated to be the '98. However due to delays in releasing the product, it was not available to the public at the beginning of 1998. Mazda marketing folks decided it would be best to call it a '99. So if you ever see a '98 Miata for sale, you might want to ask some questions.

There was a '98 Model in Europe. We're not sure why.

What factory colors are available, and what model years were they available?

The Miata was available in the following colors in the following model years in the United States:

• Blues
  • Mariner Blue (1990-1993)
  • Laguna Blue (1994-1995)
  • Montego Blue (1994 M Edition, base color for 1995-1997)
  • Starlight Blue Mica (1996 M Edition)
  • Twilight Blue (1997 STO [Special Touring Option] Limited Edition, 1999-2000)
  • Sapphire Blue Mica (1999 10th Anniversary Edition)
  • Midnight Blue Mica (2001-2003)
  • Crystal Blue Metallic (2001-2002)
  • Laser Blue Mica (2002 Special Order)
  • Strato Blue (2003 Special Edition, 2004)
  • Razor Blue Metallic (2005)
  • Winning Blue (2006)
  • Stormy Blue Metallic (2007-2012)
  • Icy Blue Metallic (2008)
  • Nereus Blue (2010)
• Reds
  • Classic Red (1990-2005)
  • Mica Merlot (1995 M edition)
  • Mahogany Mica (2000 Special Edition)
  • Garnet Red (2003)
  • Velocity Red (2004-2005 Mazdaspeed, 2006 Limited Edition, 2012 SE)
  • Black Cherry Mica (2004-2005)
  • True Red (2006-2015)
  • Copper Red (2006-2013)
  • Soul Red (2015 25th Anniversary Edition)
  • Zeal Red (2014)
• Silvers/Greys
  • Silver Stone Metallic (1990 [mid year] -1992)
  • Highlight Silver Metallic (1999-2000)
  • Sunlight Silver Metallic (2001-2008)
  • Titanium Grey Metallic (2002 Special Edition, 2003 Shinsen, 2004-5 Mazdaspeed)
  • Galaxy Grey (2006-2008)
  • Liquid Silver Metallic (2009-2015)
  • Metropolitan Grey Mica (2009,2010)
  • Dolphin Grey Mica (2011, 2013)
  • Meteor Grey (2014-2015)
    
• Whites
  • Crystal White (1990-1993)
  • Chaste White (1994-2000)
  • Pure White (2001-2004)
  • Marble White (2006-2009)
  • Crystal White Pearl (2010-)
• Yellows
  • Sunburst Yellow (limited edition in 1992)
  • Blazing Yellow Mica (2002 Special Edition)
  • Vivid Yellow (2002 Special Order)
  • Competition Yellow (2010)
• Greens
  • British Racing Green (limited edition in 1991, 2001 Special Edition)
  • Marina Green (1997 M Edition)
  • Emerald Mica (1999-2004)
  • Splash Green (2003)
  • Nordic Green Mica (2005-2006)
  • Highland Green (2007-2008)
• Other
  • Brilliant Black (base color for 1992-2004, 2007-2015, Limited edition in 1993, 2006)
  • Evolution Orange (2000)
  • Lava Orange (2005 Mazdaspeed)
  • Black Mica (2005 Mazdaspeed)
  • Sparkling Black Mica (2011, 2013)
  • Jet Black (2014-2015)

Several concept colors were also produced in 1990.

Cars normally have black soft-tops and interior, however both tan and red leather are factory options on specific cars.

Over the years, Mazda has produced several Special and Limited Edition Miatas. Special thanks to John Emerson ( emerson@middlebury.edu) for compiling and contributing this information.

What were the different packages/options available for the Miata?

In 1990 the A package included power steering, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a factory AM/FM cassette. The B package added power windows, power antenna and cruise control. A/C was an option on any car. The optional hardtop required an A or B package in 1990. (The hardtop is now available for any model as an accessory) An automatic transmission was available for any model, and an optional limited slip differential was available for cars with a manual transmission. Packages were all or none decisions, and the individual items were not available individually. (Though you can buy most items and retrofit them yourself)

In 1991, ABS was added as an option.

In 1993 power mirrors became standard and a new C package which included tan leather interior and a tan top became available on all cars.

In 1994 the car was extensively changed. [engine, wheels, airbag, side intrusion, standard features, etc.]

The 1994 R package is a Base 1994 Miata with higher rate springs, special shocks, [different sized] anti-sway bars, torsen limited slip, and spoilers on the chin and trunklid. Air conditioning is the only available option.

The 1994 M Edition is a Montego Blue 1994 B Package Miata with polished aluminum wheels.

In 1995 The A,B and C package designations were dropped in favor of prefered equipment packages. Little change was made from the 1994 Model. The R model continues.

The 1995 M-Edition Features:

• Includes Popular Equipment Pkg and Leather Pkg
• Unique Seats w/Miata Script on Seatback
• 15" BBS Wheels with 195/50R15 tires
• M-Editon Badges
• M-Edition Sill Plate and Floor Mats
• CD Player and Door Tweeter Speaker
• Black Instrument Panel Rings
• Nardi Black Leather Shift Knob
• Merlot Mica Color
• High Quality Cut Pile Carpet
• Air Conditioning
• Anit-Lock Brakes
• Gift Set (Key Fob, Lapel Pin, Badge)
• Headrest Speakers N/A on M-Edition
• Popular Equip. Pkg:
• Power Steering
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Power Mirrors
• Headrest Speakers
• Alloy Wheels w/Locks
• Power Windows
• Cruise Control
• Power Antenna
• (Includes Torsen Limited Slip Differtial on M/T Models)

The 1996 M Edition is a Starlight Mica Blue model.

The 1997 M Edition is Marina Green.

See also:Special and Limited Editions and Chris Lambert's summary of Miatas in America.

How many of my color Miata were built?

Data compiled by John Emerson. Figures provided by Marketing Division of Mazda Corporation, Irvine, CA.

NOTE ¹: A different source lists VINS for exactly 1519 Sunburst yellow Miata, and this figure is likely nore accurate than the 1515 appearing in the table above; it is used below.

NB data compiled by Hawk Conrad and Stephen Foskett. Figures provided by Marketing Division of Mazda Corporation, Irvine, CA.

NOTE ¹: The 2 '99 Evolution Orange cars were for marketing purposes and not for general sale, though one may have been resold.

NOTE ²: A Mazda press release claims that there were 152 Laser Blues made in '02.

How many Special/Limited Edition Miatas were produced?

Data compiled by John Emerson. Figures from various sources; slight inconsistencies with figures  from Mazda US Marketing

• Annual Production by Calendar Year
• Monthly production by Calendar year

How many Miatas were sold in 19xx?

Compiled by Brian Sundue

• Annual Sales - Global
• Annual Sales - North America
• Annual Sales - North America, by Model Year
• Annual Sales - Europe
• Monthly Sales - US
• Monthly Sales - Canada
• Monthly Sales - Mexico
• Monthly Sales - Japan

How many US model XX packages were produced in 19xx?

Compiled by John Emerson. Data from Mazda Marketing, Irvine, CA

What was the sticker price of an XX package?

Compiled by John Emerson.