Who builds the Miata?
The Miata, known globally as the MX-5, is built by Mazda Motor Corporation, primarily at the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, for markets around the world.
Since its 1989 launch, the MX-5 has been Mazda’s signature lightweight roadster, with production centered at Hofu in Japan to supply customers worldwide. Mazda continues to produce the MX-5 at Hofu as of 2024, maintaining a centralized approach to quality and efficiency across generations.
Manufacturing overview
The following highlights the core facts about who builds the Miata and where it is made.
- Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corporation
- Primary production site: Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
- Global distribution: MX-5/Miata models are assembled in Japan for worldwide markets
- Model lineage: The MX-5/Miata has been produced since 1989 with continuous updates and refinements at the Hofu facility
In keeping with Mazda’s approach to consistency and efficiency, Hofu remains the central hub for MX-5 production, aligning manufacturing standards across markets to preserve the car’s characteristic balance of light weight, driving joy, and reliability.
Why this matters
Understanding where a car is built can inform perceptions of quality, supply chain reliability, and regional availability for buyers and enthusiasts.
Summary
The Miata/MX-5 is built by Mazda Motor Corporation, primarily at the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi, Japan, for global markets. This centralized production strategy has underpinned the model’s identity and availability since its 1989 debut, continuing into the present day.
