Have you ever wondered what the longest-running sports car currently on sale in the US is? So have we. We aren’t talking about just the model name, then the Corvette and Mustang would be the default favorites. No. We mean the longest-running single generation currently available to buy new.
It wasn’t all that hard to guess until a few months ago. That’s because Nissan seemed to have set the GT-R factory robots on autopilot and forgotten about them. But the GT-R finally went out of production in 2024, as did some other long-running models like the Jaguar F-Type and Audi R8.
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That leaves one contender still in the running. The model range has been in production since 1989, and revolutionized its segment in a way that few rivals seem to be able to successfully challenge to this day. It’s so popular that you might already have guessed what it is, even if it wasn’t for the little model image inserted just above this text.
We defined ‘the oldest brand-new sports car’ as a model that is currently available for sale in the US. All data and pricing info are from reputable sources.
2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Engine
2.0-liter inline-four
Power
181 hp
Torque
151 lb-ft
0-60
5.7 seconds est
Model Years
2016-on
MSRP
$29,530-$36,250
The Mazda MX-5 Miata seems like it has been around since the dawn of time, and, from the viewpoint of someone born in the ’90s, that’s basically true. The first-generation NA Miata was released in 1989; its timing was perfect, as its only rivals were aging models from companies like MG, Triumph, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat, most of which were last updated at some point in the 1970s. Its disarmingly simple design and purity of purpose endeared it to millions seeking a fun convertible sports car that was also cheap to buy and run.
Mazda hasn’t looked back since, and the current fourth-generation model (ND) still retains the essence of what made the original such a hit. It is rear-wheel drive, has a manual transmission as standard, seats two, and has a curb weight of just 2,366 pounds. The engine is mounted up front in what is called a ‘front-midship’ layout, which means that the bulk of the engine is behind the front axle. This contributes to the 50/50 weight distribution and gives the Miata its trademark feature: superb handling.
You may scoff at the 181 hp power output, but it is the right amount of power for this sort of car, and it matches many 250 hp cars to 60 mph thanks to its ultra-light overall weight. The naturally aspirated engine also offers immediate responses, and loves to rev. And if you’re still feeling shortchanged, bear in mind that some markets got a 129-hp 1.5-liter motor for the base model.
An automatic transmission is available, but we can only imagine it would be chosen for some sort of unavoidable medical reason. Standard roadsters get a simple fabric convertible top, while the pricier RF models get an automatically retractable hardtop, which adds a bit of weight, but sure looks cool.
There is something very desirable about a car that doesn’t try to be a jack of all trades, and while the Miata is a capable commuter, it is at its absolute best blasting along a stretch of winding road with the roof down.
The ND Miata has recently benefited from a mild refresh, and looks as sharp as ever, especially when you consider that it has been on sale for nine years already. While there have been several detail changes over the years, a 2016 Miata is by no means outshone by a 2025 Miata.
Trim Levels
Sport
Club
Grand Touring
35th Anniversary
16-inch alloys
Sport-tuned suspension
Adaptive headlights
Unique exterior color
Smartphone Connectivity
17-inch alloys
Heated seats
Nappa leather interior
Blind Spot Monitoring
Bose Audio system
Navigation
limited-availability
$29,520
$33,030
$34,830
$36,250
The current range is available in four trim levels, although the 35th Anniversary model is more of a limited edition version that is only available by special order. Just 300 have been allocated to the US, and they are differentiated from the rest of the range by unique color and interior options.
The base Sport comes in at under $30,000, but you will want to spend a little bit extra for the Club trim as it is the sweetspot in the range, thanks to the addition of a limited-slip differential and a sportier suspension setup. It is also available in the hard-top RF trim. The Grand Touring builds on the Club’s specification levels and adds a few luxury items, too. It can be optioned with an automatic transmission if you really must.
The beauty of the Mazda Miata is in its simplicity, so it’s best to stick to the Club spec, pick an interesting color, and call it a day. There’s not much out there that offers this driver-centric formula, and certainly nothing with a convertible roof.
Model Year
Notable changes and updates
2015
Global production of Mazda MX-5 Miata ND commences
2016
US production of MX-5 starts
2017
RF model introduced with an electrically-operated hard top.
2018
Rear suspension and power-steering retuned on roadster
2019
Engine power upgraded from 155 hp to 181 hp. Backup camera standard
2020
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on higher trims. Mazda i-Activsense driver assistance features now standard
2021
Smartphone connectivety now standard across the range
2022
Detail color and trim changes. Kinematic Posture Control brakes inner rear wheels during cornering
2023
Zircon Sand exterior color added
2024
Minor facelift including updated head and tail lights, revised LSD, tweaked suspension and new infotainment display
2025
35th Anniversary model introduced. 30 allocated for the US
It may look like Mazda has been selling the same car for almost 10 years, but the Miata has gone through several updates and changes over the years. The one that most enthusiasts will be interested in is the increase in power from 155 to 181 hp for the 2019 model year. Torque was also up by a nominal 3 lb-ft, and the rev limit was raised to 7,500 rpm from 6,800 rpm. While this resulted in better overall performance, the difference isn’t as big as you might think.
The rest of the changes amounted to tinkering with the suspension and steering system, updating the infotainment system, and a few visual updates. If you are looking for a used MX-5, base your decision on mileage, condition, and service history rather than model year.
2024 Jaguar F-Type V8
Engine
5.0-liter supercharged V8
Power
444 hp
Torque
428 lb-ft
0-60
4.4 seconds
The Mazda Miata may be the current sports car production run champ, but it isn’t the first to have an extended production run. The Morgan 4/4 Roadster was in production for an insane 83 years, and the third-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was built for 18 years. But of the more modern sports cars, there are two that currently stand out.
The Jaguar F-Type was in production from 2013 all the way to 2024, and there may still be some factory-fresh examples available to buy. It was available in both roadster and coupe body styles, and was loved for its raucous V6 and V8 engines and great performance. A blast in a supercharged V8-powered F-Type is one that you don’t forget in a hurry.
It was never the best-handling car in its class, but the F-Type was fun to drive and will be remembered as much for its looks and style as it will be for marking the end of an era in Jaguar’s long history. While we may get another Miata, the chances of a hairy-chested gas-guzzling F-Type replacement are very unlikely.
2024 Nissan GT-R
Engine
3.8-liter twin-turbo V6
Power
565 hp
Torque
467 lb-ft
0-60
2.9 seconds est
The Nissan GT-R R35 defined its segment just like the Mazda Miata MX-5 has done, and it was on sale for so long we wondered if it was ever going to go out of production. After years of speculation, the day finally came in 2024, and the R35 was no more. It arrived in the US in 2009, but global production actually began in 2007. When it arrived, the R35 moved the performance bar so high that competitors were left playing catch-up for years.
It, too, has received endless tweaks and updates to keep it competitive, and a Nissan GT-R of any age is still a fearsome machine that will give a fright to far pricier exotics on any road or track you care to mention. While many of the records it set have been eclipsed over the years, its 17-year production run is likely to remain unchallenged for some time. Unless, of course, Mazda forgets to turn off the Miata-making robots…
Sources: Mazda, Jaguar, Nissan.
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