Mazda MX-5 1989–1997 car dimensions: 3970 mm long, 1675 mm wide and 1235 mm high. Unladen weight is 955 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 135 litres.
The cabin is a minimalist two-seater layout with simple analog gauges and basic controls. Air conditioning is available as an option or on higher packages and special editions. Cruise control comes with the B package or Popular Equipment Package on many models. Power windows and stereo systems are optional on select grades. No electronic driver aids such as cameras or advanced braking systems are fitted.
Boot space measures 135 litres. It takes a couple of soft bags for a short trip. The soft top folds away without using any of the luggage area.
The car has no factory towing capacity and is not designed for trailer use. Payload sits around 240 kg for passengers plus cargo. Sport suspension with Bilstein dampers appears on the R package for firmer handling.
The cabin is a snug two-seater with minimalist design and high-back seats that hold you firmly in place. Low seating puts legs nearly stretched under the T-shaped dash with large easy-to-read gauges. Manual soft top is simple to operate. optional detachable hardtop available. Leather seats, power windows and cruise appear on option packages or special editions only.
Fuel tank 45 litres early models, 48 litres from 1994
EPA around 25 city / 28-30 highway mpg depending on engine and year
Timing belt replacement every 60,000 miles
Driver airbag standard in key markets from launch. dual airbags and side-impact bars from 1994
ABS optional
NHTSA frontal ratings 3-4 stars driver/passenger
The car runs on regular unleaded petrol. Early cars have a 45-litre tank. later 1.8-litre models gain a 48-litre tank. Fuel economy sits in the mid-20s mpg combined under EPA figures, competitive for a lightweight sports car of the period.
Routine oil and filter changes every 3,000-5,000 miles keep the free-revving engines healthy. Timing belt service is due at 60,000 miles and is best done with the water pump. The car is known for reliability when these intervals are followed, with many examples exceeding high mileages.
Safety equipment starts with three-point belts, collapsible steering column and reinforced structure. Driver airbag was standard early in major markets. dual airbags plus door anti-intrusion beams arrived around 1994. Four-wheel discs are standard, ABS optional. Frontal crash tests yield 3-4 star NHTSA results depending on year and airbag fitment.
Living with the car means watching for rust in sills, wheel arches and frame rails, plus soft-top condition. Parts remain widely available and maintenance is straightforward. Regular care rewards with durable, engaging daily or weekend use.
Length 3970 mm, Width 1675 mm, Height 1235 mm, Wheelbase 2265 mm (MX-5 1989–1997)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mazda MX-5 30th anniversary press kit, autoevolution.com and infoclassiche.it.