Mazda Miata Documentaries | EP2 1989 The First NA Miata
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- The Mazda Miata MX-5 has existed for over 30 years, in part 2 of the documentary series we look at the NA Miata, originally on sale in 1989 whose production ran for 10 years. We discuss the creation, the design and why it existed. While the US market was the primary buyer Mazda Motors of Japan worked for hand and hand with the American design studio to transform. Despite reviews and lust for modern affordable cars like the BRZ, Civic Type R, WRX, Golf, the Miata remains one of the few pure RWD sports cars for the common car lover.
This is an Independent Project Produced By Savagegeese
Sit back and enjoy the Series.
EP1: Why The Miata Exists • Mazda Miata Documentar...
EP2: NA Miata - The Beginning • Mazda Miata Documentar...
EP3: NB Miata - The Evolution • Mazda Miata Documentar...
EP4: NC Miata - Change in Culture
EP5: ND Miata - Return to Form
EP6: ??? - Авто та транспорт
The cars are great, but wow this documentary is so well done. You really put multi-million dollar companies to shame with how well put together, edited and the question/answers are.
Chris Humphrey it's a privilege to know about this channel, he's a master of the art
You guys are too nice.
well said
You should have your own Netflix special mate..
He is above a Netflix original. More like an HBO series
Netflix has become too political and unpalatable - Savagegeese really is above that nonsense, as this channel is actual art.
What I don't understand is how 30 years later, there are companies making manual transmissions that are below the bar of the NA Miata.
What percentage of cars sold have a manual transmission?
Most cars outside of North America.
@@Gallus-gallus Nah not rlly autos are huge everywhere, it's hard to sell a manual car that isn't sporty or doesn't appeal to enthusiasts.
@@inspirice9844 Here in Germany, more or less all small cars are still sold with manuals. Midrange cars are 50/50, I'd guess, SUVs and upper class cars are mostly autos, too.
I have same thoughts about mid 90s Volvo seats..Most today cars have much worse seats:)
I bought my Miata when I was 21, it was 1990, all theses years later I’ve owned and sold a number of cars but I still have my red Miata with 283,000 bulletproof miles on it. The first generation looks and feels the best; it’s as pure, unadulterated and perfect as can get. It’s the most meditative driving experience imaginable.
well said
My buddy has his 90 miata with about the same miles hes had it sense 2001
~480k mile NA and still ticking. Dailied it for three years and drove it 50k in that time. Including blizzards in the North. I wouldn't say it's reliable at that mileage but I also wouldn't drive anything else.
@@philipdaian8386 it with run as long as you do the work to keep it running its bulletproof
Way to go.
Last summer I flew across the country to get my Miata.
A low mile 1990 NA.
Spent the next 4 weeks driving it from Connecticut to San Diego, AND HAD A BLAST.
It’s such a great car!
Light, nimble, and communicative.
This car is more fun to drive fast than just about anything I’ve ever flogged.
I love its simplicity and the great driving feel it gives me.
Top down always.
That sounds like an amazing trip! I took a 10 day road trip back in September, lots of fun.
GR8 PONY !!! - and what great East County roads we have here! Good on ya’. 🤙🏻 😎 🚗
Similar story. In April 2018 I bought a 1995 NA that had only 24K miles. Flew from Portland, Oregon to Sioux City, Iowa and drove it back home in two days. It was also a blast - often of rain, snow, and wind. :)
You flew from the west coast to buy an east coast car? I would do the opposite to avoid a bunch of rust.
Enjoy and keep it.
I really hope Mazda sticks around, they seem to have a great culture and they are makings some great stuff.
They will, each new mazda model enhances their brand.
They will stick around. The Miata stuck around for 30 years so far. It's a fun car to drive. Car companies compete on Nürburgring times. It's silly. There are no races for any car you drive unless you are a professional race driver participating in a real race. It does not have anything to do with the enjoyment of a purchased car. The only thing that matters is how fun it is to drive.
That's your queue to buy a new ND2. (You won't regret it)
Even though they deny it, I suspect they will be absorbed by Toyota, and their cars will slowly disappear until all that's left is the MX-5 with a Toyota badge.
@@BruceLeedar I fear the same. As the landscape gets more competitive and we move towards electrification and autonomous vehicles, companies are being forced to merge to survive. Mazda makes high quality, reliable, fun to drive, driver's cars... But unfortunately with the move towards SUVs and cars that drive you, rather than cars you drive, Mazda could start to fade away.
Mazda is probably one of the most important and amazing car companies to ever exist for the history of cars.
What about ssangyong?
This is everything you need to know, to get up to speed on Mazda!
Best Miata coverage ever
My little roadster puts a smile on my heart whenever I drive it. It's great to see some more of what happened to make it exist. Thanks for this series!
I'm on my 3rd miata 😁 took me 14yrs to get this one
I love my 1995 m edition miata
Thank you so much for doing this. The level of mastery you have reached over the years is mindblowing. Keep up the great work. I need to send you some money for this. I can not believe this quality is available to the public for free.
Seriously better than you would find from some media production companies, he's the best I can think of to do this kind of docuseries for the 30th anniversary.
Get in his Patreon page!
Given all the commercials we have to see through I would hardly call it free, but the forced commercials are indeed worth it. Please try to keep them under 3 though, otherwise it would be getting seriously annoying. Thank you for the great content
My first car was a first gen RX7. Driving a Miata you can feel the family connection between those cars. There is just a certain feel to those classic lightweight RWD Mazdas.
Edit: haha a few minutes in they talk about the first gen RX7 and how it’s success influenced the Miata development during the 80’s. You drive them both and that influence is noticeable for sure.
RX7 was your first car ?!?! Awesome. Mine was just a Citröen Saxo handed down from my mother.
@@Runco990 most fun you had so you got rid of them?
@Runco990 my first car was was an RX-2 sedan. I don't think my parents realized what they were buying for me as it looked like a clunky little compact used car with a bad (cheap) red paint job. I'm betting they didn't know I could smoke the tires in the first 2 gears and get it over 100mph with ease. I had more fun in that car than any other I've ever owned. I also owned a 2000 Protege ES (first car I bought brand new) that was a great compromise between fun and efficiency and had it for 8+ years until me and a massive rutting white tail buck crossed paths on my way to work one morning. I also had my heart set on buying a Mazda RX8 but never ended up pulling the trigger.
The music was so perfect for this video as well. Just everything about this is world class. Enjoyed this so much. Loved the stories
Totally agreed. Too good for YT !!! Should be on Discovery too.
one of the purest cars ever made
Is there a 2nd?
Sipeo Tough to call a legit 2nd place because the Miata is so far in front but old 911’s and MG’s are a pretty pure driving experience as well.
I'm struck by how humble all of the designers and engineers are. Zero ego. They're all trying to give credit to others on the team.
Great doc, SG!
These interviews are brilliant. Thank you guys.
Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer
😍
Yes.
Haven’t even watched the video yet and I know it’ll be great.
it is.
I’ve been following you for a number of years but you have outdone yourself with the production of these mx-5 retrospectives. I love the more “documentary” style, where the interview subject is left to seemingly tell the story. From the retro late 80’s colour choice on the intro “1989” text through to the 80’s synth soundtrack. I can’t wait for the next three instalments.
Thank you so much Mark , I’m a Mazda nut , my family loves there Mazda’s and I’ve owned 2 RX-7s and now an Nd , plus several other models over the years . My garage is adorned with Mazda flags , and memorabilia. I love this car and car company, seems like they always have the right attitude. I’m a huge fan of your work , keep it up . Your a rock star.
I love that you appreciate Mazda and their epic rotary history!
I have a 95 miata. 98 mpv. And I talked my girlfriend in to buying a 2019 cx5 it really does feel like a fat miata when you put it in sport mode 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Even today, the NA Miata is the one that has the most appeal to me out of all of the generations. It just seems so pure
@@kevindoran4938 Probably the NA. I love my 1990 NA. Had to get paint work and body work done, so I changed the colour. Went with Orange/Yellow. Had the car since 2011. Best car I have ever bought. Drove to Mexico and back to Vancouver back in 2013. Great trip. Only the hills were a problem with the lack of HP. I have 174,000 Miles on it now.
@@seanns1945 get it supercharged!
Watching this in 2024, following a recent purchase of a new ND. 21 years ago I purchased a NB and fell in love. The same feeling exists today, and watching your super documentary just solidifies why the MX-5 is a car with legendary status. Great video, and I'm now moving onto the next episodes.
SG, there's not really much content similar to what you put out. Please continue to do your thing!
My 97 Miata was one of the best (and most memorable) cars I’ve ever owned. 200k+ miles on it (I owned it in Miami, Virginia, Texas and Hawaii). It saw countless autocross Sunday’s and track days and was nearly indestructible. Owned it for 12 fantastic years. I’ve now had several Porsche’s (including my current 991.2 GT3 6MT) and I still miss my old Miata.
Thank you for preserving the value of my 1995 NA.
I have a 95 last of the odb1 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I miss the 80s-90s era of cars. I can’t help but to feel a little disappointed nowadays how cars are evolving.
Sick 80's intro, love the song
Awesome sing indeed!
I travelled hundreds of miles to buy a low mileage NA last summer. I had never driven a Miata before. Driving it back home, with the top down, I was having so much fun that I was smiling and chuckling the whole way... I'm sure people must have thought I was some sort of a nutcase. Of course, those that had driven a Miata before, knew what I was feeling.
This channel has such an amazing blend of journalistic integrity, music and cinematography. Really well done, I cannot recommend this channel enough
I owned 3 miatas: a NA (the original with viscous lsd), a NBFL 1.8 (from factory with lsd) and a NC 1.8 (with lsd ftom 2.0lt and upgraded suspension h&r front and rear antiroll bars).....
That mariner blue NA was so nice....
Monsieur Geese,
Thank you for dedicating your time and skills to such thoughtful, enjoyable content. I love my '90, and appreciate this portal to spend time with the design team. What a great use of the information age.
I keep coming back to this Miata series because it's so damn good. Thank you for the amazing content.
How someone can dislike this is beyond me. It's obvious they do not like the Miata so why waste their time watching this. Can't wait for the rest of the episodes.
Coming back to watch this after picking up my first miata, a 95 M edition. It's an absolute riot to drive and this piece exemplifies all the wonderful things about this incredible little piece of machinery. Thanks for making this.
Getting access to people who worked on the project 30+ years ago is excellent.
This is the best Christmas gift ever :'). The production quality of this video was top notch! Thank yo.
The first generation NA MX-5 is my favorite. It's light, simple, and true to the spirit of a no-nonsense sports car. I know the newer Miatas are faster, more comfortable, etc., but I'd take a good running first gen' instead.
I had an nc which was faster, more refined and safer but I sold it and kept my na. They just got the original so right.
I bought a mint Mazdaspeed Miata with less than 60k miles on it this year for cheap. I ended up having to move across the country and had to sell it to afford the move. I had the car for a month and I still think about it every day. I will get another in the future for sure. It was therapeutic to drive.
The design stories from the engineers are fantastic. It would be great to see more of these in the future!
The story about characterising the exhaust tone of a red sports car is a perfect example of translating the intangible elements of car design (feel, character, driver connection) into tangible criteria that can be realized.
Unfortunately I think these intangibles are much more difficult to market to the average consumer without performance numbers alongside them, so we don't see as much focus on them even in some performance cars.
The NA Miata is cute, handsome, and gorgeous all at the same time. I want one so bad 😩
I love this video! This fueled the fire in my soul that burns for the Mx5 and I cant wait to purchase another one. Thanks a ton for this!!
For anyone who wants to know the song used, it's Zero Gravity by ELFL
Thank you. Shazam was throwing everything from the nutcracker suite, to the macarena at me.
This is better content than Top Gear.
Thank you savage geese, my favorite car channel on YT, keep doing this amazing work
Who's agree we should bring back the 80s/90s?!
I already brought out my tight rolled jeans and my hyper color tee shirts. Ready!
As a child of the 80s, I see them through rose colored glasses… but yeah, the 80s and early 90s were amazing. I feel like the sun was always shining, and people were incredibly excited for the future; everyone seemed so very driven and inspired to make the future even more awesome.
@@Runoratsu Another child of the 80s here, and you're right. Even though not everything about the 80s was great (especially the Cold War), people seemed far more positive back then than they do now and that was reflected in the products we used and the media we enjoyed. The NA Miata seems to embody the spirit of the time and makes me sad that those days are gone.
I was born in 2002, really sad that i didn't get to experience those times... But my god, do I love the cars from the 80s and 90s.
@@klunte2181 My son was born in 2001 and I tell him how great it was growing up in the 1980s, then I realize I sound exactly like my mother saying how great it was to grow up in the 1950s, lol!
I have a 97.... I will never get rid of it. Absolutely love it!
I bought a 99 Miata 5MT with 88k miles about a month ago. It’s such a fun little car and it’s been awesome watching this series and getting insight into the design of these cars
Thank god it wasn’t front engine FWD
n9athan I think if it had been, we wouldn’t be watching a documentary series about it. Agree!
First car I bought when I graduated university was a used Red 90, saw a used 92 Black and Tan and bought that one too (one for each feet). Best cars I have ever owned, especially in Canadian winters. 😀. Great video, this brought me back.
Im eager to see what they say about the NC as a NC owner. I've always got the perception that NCs are the redheaded stepchildren of the miata family.
I own and daily a NC1 and I can't imagine I'll ever get rid of it. I've driven a NA and an NB before and all of them were fantastic to me.
I think people are starting to come around in the NC , I personally didn’t appreciate it until recently, I find myself enjoying the looks and I know it drives well , I think it will get it do .
Current NC owner, coming from a NB, I dare to say NC provides more punch, and thrills, I love them both, they are both miatas.
Agreed. My first "Miata product" was an Exocet (long story) and after owning that for a year I decided I wanted an actual Miata. Ended up settling on an NC2 and I couldn't be happier. I for one love the front & rear refreshed fascias, and always liked the integrated fender flares; with a little drop and some different wheels they really set the car off. It's also the only generation thus far to have a retractable hardtop which is super convenient. A lot of Miataheads like to bash the NC and call it a "boat" which is annoying... sure it's a little bigger but the chassis is better than the previous gens and it's more powerful, despite being a hair heavier. I still love each generation in its own way but for my tastes there's a reason I went for the 3rd!
I have an NA 1.6 for the weekends and an NC2 20th Anniversary as a daily driver. Such enjoyable cars, each with their differences and sweet spots.
An immense sensation of jealously for your getting to visit the heritage center and speak with all of those wonderful contributors to Mazda. You've done an exceptional job telling their story and communicating the personality and spirit of the Miata, beyond the vanity of looks, performance, and stereotypes.
The highest tier of this subject matter on UA-cam. Only Davide Cironi compares.
Picking up a '91 Miata tomorrow to replace my 2013 Honda Accord. Life's too short to drive boring cars. Amazing documentary from one of the highest quality automotive channels on UA-cam.
Love the toys in Tom Matano's workspace....very ecletic
You guys are killing it with this documentary ! Thank you so much for putting in all the hard work on bringing us this content. The level of quality is just unreal. I can’t wait to buy a Miata.
I love this series! I'm a Miata enthusiast anyway, but this is such a nice throwback to the older savagegeese productions, too. I feel the newer ones are sometimes a bit too tangy and sarcastic/bitter; this is "just" overall positive and cheerful. There's criticism, too, but it never seems to dampen the mood. Combined with the ever-awesome production and super beautiful shots, it's just a joy to watch.
Also, the interviews are _amazing_ as well, such knowledgeable, calm and approachable people, and I love that you just let them talk, instead of cutting their answers short.
Appreciate your work on this and glad Mazda gave you the resources for this project. One of the most important cars ever made from one of the most passionate auto makers around. Nothing but respect after owning multiple miatas myself.
Love the heart wipe.
Star wipes are the best.
There is a particular art form to the Miata. So few cars are derived from pure idea, so the cars and the series are rather special. I've sat in all series and driven the NA and ND. I also own the NC derived RX8. These are profound designs, that in theory are unmatched in recent history. Even when you look at super cars, it's things like this that really stands out against the spectrum.
Beautiful work, should be preserved for future, all of this series in fact.
I bought an ND earlier this year, loved every second behind the wheel. Really great seeing these guys reflect on their careers. Hyped for the rest of the series.
I also bought an ND2 this year. It’s just pure fun.
ND2 is gold.
savagegeese I’m curious if you’ll end up owning one in coming years, goose. I especially look forward to the upcoming ND episode.
I think that the nd2 will appreciate in the future. Only Manuel.
I remember this car came out in my sophomore year of high school. It was immediately labeled a girl’s car. I remember being a car valet at 6’1” tall, all torso and average leg, and a Linemen on the varsity football team. One night this car pulled up and everyone was laughing when I had to contort myself into the car with my arms sitting in my knees and my head suck out the window to drive. After that I let Miatas park up front! Funny thing is that I was in love with RX-7s. Later in my 30s I finally got it. The NB was beautiful to me. It was the NC that was finally big enough for me to drive and not feel stuck in a too small a shoe, however, only with the top down or hunched over. I could still look over the top of the windshield if I stretched, so I still relented. . . It was the 2019 LA Auto Show and I finally sat in an ND2 RF and knew I wanted one. So I’m picking up that 2019 next week. I can’t wait to finally join the club. Now if we could get maybe 1-2 more inches of leg room, I’d be even happier, but I understand this car’s need to stay small. Cheers!
Love daily driving my 93 miata it needs some work but it is fun to drive. It does have a whimsical feeling to drive like he said.
This series is absolute gold!
Mr. Goose. It’s me again, Matthew from Toronto Canada. Thank you to you and everyone who participated and was able to help you make this (including us who subscribe and like and watch and support you).
This series truly is a celebration of one of the greatest cars to ever grace this world. Amazing quality and amazing interviews with people from the inside who aided in the development of the car. I can’t wait to see the rest of the series, and what other cars or brands or what have you that you do more series’ on.
Thank you, Mr. Goose.
#honkforlife
One,if not the last one,pure drivers car made affordable to the simple person.
And the quality of this documentary shows how capable the Savagegeese crew is,im impressed.
Cant wait for the next chapter.
This is as good as any documentary with a $500k budget.
Just purchased a 1991 NA with 50K miles. Hands down the best overview of Miata out there! The music, shots, and content is perfect! Keep up the great content, glad I found your channel!
Fantastic history. I've got an interesting tale. In either 1989 or 1990 I was on my commute in San Francisco and I saw the Red, White and Blue Miatas at San Francisco Ocean Beach. It was a foggy morning at 7am and there was a camera crew taking pictures of models in swimsuits next to the cars. I stopped and looked and drove away.
Then.... only a couple years ago I was in the market for a Miata NA. I located a nice looking 1995 M Edition in the SF Bay Area. And it turned out to be owned by a gentleman that worked at Irvine Mazda Design in the 90's. His name is Paul who said the he worked in the same location with Mr. Matano. Anyway, I have an awesome Merlot MIca that came outfitted with Jackson Racing Components and the Wilson Design Audio seats hoops. As well as a wood and black metal JDM Nardi steering wheel. (and a dashboard signed by Mr. Matano)
Thanks again for the amazing documentary.
I daily drove a '94 for 17 years (had a '78 fiat spider 124 before that). Good times.
The quality of this documentary is great Mark...you should be really proud of what you've accomplished here. It's better than 95% of the car stuff available ANYWHERE.
Haha omg, I've driven this road so many times in my white NC2 club when I used to commute to work in Irvine, never thought I'd see Mark there blasting around. Can't wait for the NC video! Fantastic series by one of my favorite channels on youtube. Thanks for this.
I remember the hype for this car when it came out. Reading all the articles in the car magazines just praising it over and over again. I didn’t get it then it wasn’t until I drove a 92 Miata and then it hit me just how great the car was. I’ve never owed one but after denying myself one, having bigger heavier, more powerful cars at one point or another I miss that light weight little corner carver that still tugs at me even now. Just have to figure out what gen i like the most.
Love the synthpop music!
This documentary is a masterpiece.
Great video, thank you. I have a 93 eunos S-limited here in the UK (see Doug Demuros video) Can't wait to get it out of winter hibernation, the perfect car for English country lanes.
Love this little series man!
As an Italian, hearing the name alfa romeo broke my heart. From the 90's companies such as Mazda took inspiration from British and Italian cars, and I'm glad that what doesn't exist anymore in Italy (real alfa romeos, 124 spider, lancia, and the list goes on and on), had a legacy in cars like the miata
A friend of mine drives a 4C roadster, and that thing is glorious. Incredibly pretty, especially in person, and such a gret drive. Not all's lost!
@@Runoratsu the 4c was a great car. It could be a starting point to redime alfa romeo, but at the end of the year its production will be over and it's a shame: first of all because it was a great car, and also because alfa romeo will not have any sports car to offer to the public, and it is an insult to his history
Enrico Mazzoleni Give it a few years. I think they’re gonna be back sometime. At least I hope so!
@@Runoratsu I hope too 🤞🏻
It is so refreshing to listen to an interviewer who understands that it is not about "them" You ask the questions and then let the expert answer uninterrupted . There are a lot of interviewers especially in the automotive realm that could learn a lot from your style. I am anxiously awaiting the next episode! Cheers.
Then you would also like Davide Cironi. He's done long take interviews with many of the fathers of the 1960-1980's Italian supercars.
Great job, can't wait for the next three in the series! Thank you.
This video is spectacular. Really well done, SG.
What a great series! This is so pleasant to watch, thank you
That yellow Maita inside the studio looks fantastic.
This series is really great. So well done, I'm really enjoying it -- great job Goose!
Thanks guys for producing this video. I can’t wait for the next 3 episodes
80ies vibe is strong with this one - love the retro music! To think that what you are showing is but a small outtake of the experience you tell about is insane, because it is already so much and looks so good. Thanks for this insight into the histroy of the design and the people behind it.
Well done. Thank you for all your hard work bringing us a series of this level.
I love this! Learning so much Lotus Elan was inspiration? Makes sense! Loved hearing about the engineer trying to replicate the heart and soul of a sports car.. so cool. 😎
Awesome Video!
This is for sure a documentary, it's very well made, the interviews and the people are so very interesting.
I'm enjoying this series way to much. Thank You!!!! The music was perfect. Cheers.
Ive owned NA, NB, and ND. The NA has by far been my favorite. I still drive it nearly every day.
The Adventure Auto, can you please explain why ?
@@Masterpiece-cn8sg It feels like a classic car. You can feel how much lighter it is compared to the others. And it has the pop up headlights. The NA just has more personality than the others. Plus there is noticably more interior space than the others.
The Adventure Auto thank you for taking the time I also have an Na from 1990 and think the same, just wanted to have your point of view. Thanks my dad have the Nd and this is a great car the only disappointment was the stering, I didn’t get the information and quickness’s I got with the NA ! What do you think ?
I had a 1992 Miata for 2 years, absolutely loved revving out that little 1.6 liter EVERYWHERE
I picked up my first Miata last week (a 1992 NA), and boy are these special.
Great interviews with clearly considered questions, intelligent commentary and presentation. This is fantastic.
I feel like this should be on the History Channel. The production value and professionalism is astounding.
I am so excited about the video series on the Miatas !
Dude your videos never cease to amaze! Absolutely incredible content!
Best Miata content I’ve ever watched and great story telling. Compelling work gents!
Thanks for making such amazing and high quality content, with tons of interesting enthusiast info and no pretentiousness 👍😊
Hey Mark! You guys are absolutely amazing. Loved the content and passion put into these videos. Definitely have invoked a huge desire in me to one day own a Miata of some sort.
Such a great video (and series), congrats!!