On the hunt for an early Miata, but want one with a bit more refinement? Or perhaps you’re just not a fan of pop-up headlights.
Either way, we’ve got good news: The second generation of the Mazda Miata (chassis code NB) is a healthy update from its predecessor and it didn’t dilute any of the magic that made the original NA such a great driver’s car.
And here’s some even better news: If you plan on putting an NB in your driveway, we’ve created this handy-dandy buyer’s guide that highlights the major year-over-year changes to help you zero-in on your perfect Miata.
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Significant Year-by-Year Updates to the NB Miata
1999
The NB Miata hit the scene in the USA in 1998 for the 1999 model year—which, if you read our earlier NA guide, you’ll see that means there was technically no 1998 Miata in North America.
The newly-minted NB broke cover sporting a stiffer chassis, a fresh silhouette, and a host of other updates. The 1.8L from the previous generation was carried over, but received a boost in power (now up to 140 hp) thanks to an increase in compression, some top-end revisions, and the addition of Mazda’s Variable Inertia Charging System (VICS)—an innovative design that varies the effective length of the intake runners for optimized breathing at low and high RPM.
1999 also saw some suspension revisions, with engineered-in bumpsteer correction, bigger sway bars, and upgraded braking capability. Antilock brakes (ABS), power steering, and a Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) were all still available (albeit the LSD was only available on manual transmission cars). Various option packages were offered, with goodies like leather seats, a Bose sound system, and appearance packages for a slightly more aggressive look.
In the performance department, an available Sports Package (again, manual only) included the LSD, Bilstein shocks, 15 inch wheels, front and rear spoilers, a front strut tower brace, and a tri-spoke Nardi steering wheel.
Buyer’s Tip: If you’re used to grabbing for an extra highway gear, scout out a 10th Anniversary example. That’s because, along with the usual smattering of special edition doodads, the 10th Anniversary models also got a six-speed manual transmission and taller rear gear ratio not found in the other trims.
2000
For 2000, performance remained unchanged, but the option packages got simplified. All Miatas could be had with an automatic and ABS, as well as the aforementioned Suspension and Appearance packages. This year also saw the introduction of the LS package, which got you a variety of creature comforts, as well as the manual-only LSD and 15 inch alloy wheels.
Find yourself a Special Edition and enjoy the same six-speed/taller rear gear combo found in the 10th Anniversary car from 1999 (just don’t expect the sport suspension and shock tower brace, as they were removed).
2001
2001 saw a smattering of upgrades, and was the first year of what Miata enthusiasts call the “NB2” (1999-2000 cars are the NB1). The Miata got a mild facelift, some interior revisions (including taller seats with improved bolstering), and the ever-important performance enhancements. Gone was the VICS, replaced with variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. Additionally, another bump in compression as well as a re-engineered intake and exhaust system led to a modest three horsepower improvement. A revised ECU helped with low- to mid-range grunt too.
On top of the power enhancements, 2001 also brought a stronger chassis, as well as optional Sport brakes and 16 inch wheels. The six-speed/taller rear end ratio were optional for the LS, but standard with the Special Edition.
2002
The following year didn’t bring much change to the Miata, with another special edition coming around to keep things fresh. But here’s an interesting footnote: This year only, Mazda graced the lucky shores of Australia with a limited-production run of just 100 MX-5 SP versions (“MX-5”, because it was only called Miata in North America).
These little SP rocket ships carried a smorgasbord of performance enhancing parts, no doubt necessary to support the Garrett turbo attached to the engine, which made 201 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. These cars were effectively market tests for the soon-to-be Mazdaspeed Miata—which we’ll get to momentarily. (Prepare your checkbook for 2027, when the SP can be imported to the US under the 25-year rule.)
2003
2003 saw some more Miata update action, most importantly in the wheel wells and under the floor. All cars now came equipped with the “Sport” brakes, as well as the 16 inch wheels that surrounded them. Out back, the limited-slip diff of choice was no longer the Torsen, but a new Tochigi-Fuji unit.
This year also saw the addition of a Shinsen version, which acted as an intermediate step between a base model and LS, with some unique trim bits at a more affordable price tag.
2004 & 2005
2004 and 2005 didn’t see any major revisions to the Miata, performance-wise, with one teeny-tiny exception: the return of the turbocharger on the legendary Mazdaspeed variant.
Mazdaspeed, Mazda’s in-house performance arm, took what was learned during development of the MX-5 SP and applied it to the Miata for the general public to enjoy. Power and torque both shot up to 178 hp and 166 lb.-ft. thanks to the turbo and intercooler: VVT was removed, but there was no VICS. The six-speed manual came with strengthened gears, and the Torsen was put back in (with a slightly taller ratio and beefed up axles). The radiator, clutch, and exhaust were all revised as well.
Underneath, the Mazdaspeed Miata featured unique Bilstein shocks, springs, sway bars, 17 x 7 inch wheels, steering racks, strut tower braces, and aero packages. These (along with the SP) remain the only factory-turbocharged Miatas ever made.
Which NB Miata is the Best Choice?
While the Mazdaspeed might be the ultimate option for hardcore performance enthusiasts, if you plan on upgrading your little roadster after you scoop one up, we suggest tracking down a 2001-02 model (especially if you want the desirable Torsen LSD).
But as with its NA predecessor, all Miatas are designed to put a nice, wide smile on your face—so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
And if you do decide to pick up an NB Miata to enjoy around town, rip through the twisties, or put into track duty, good news friend—there’s a massive amount of aftermarket support for the NB and all the Miata generations.
Click here to see Miata upgrade & restoration parts at Summit Racing.
More Mazda MX-5 Miata Resources
We’ve got more generation-specific Miata buyer’s guides too, as well as a short history of Mazda’s beloved sports car. Check out the links below.
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