It’s no secret that the first-generation Mazda Miata is one of the most beloved affordable sports cars in the world. It’s light, nimble, and easy to maintain. Overall, it makes for an incredibly fun driving experience that doesn’t break the bank. Some examples, however, are more desirable than others. One of the most sought-after variants of the first-gen Miata is the M Edition.

The Mazda Miata M Edition is a special trim level that was available exclusively in the U.S. They were available from 1994 to 1997 and came with special colors and features depending on the model year. Let’s check out what made the M Edition Mazda Miatas stick out!

Mazda Miata M Edition Models through the years

According to Miata.net, Mazda first introduced the M edition for the 1994 model year. Only available in Montego Blue Mica, the M Edition came fully loaded with options and special components.

1994 Models have a Nardi wood shift knob and matching hand brake handle, polished 7-spoke wheels, air conditioning, and stainless steel M edition door sill plates. It also has M Edition custom floor mats and comes with an M Edition key ring and pin gift set. Finally, it features all available Miata options at the time. Power steering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power mirrors, a Torsen LSD, cruise control, power windows, headrest speakers, and a power antenna were all standard on the M Edition!

While most of that remained the same for the 1995 model year, the M Edition for 1995 did not include the Nardi wood shift knob or handbrake handle. It did, however, get a new finish called Merlot Mica. Another noteworthy feature of the ‘95 M Edition is the BBS wheels unique solely to this model year! Recently, an extremely clean example of this model year sold on Cars and Bids.

The final two years of the M Edition Miata

1996 saw the return of the Nardi wood shift knob and parking brake handle. Out with the BBS Mesh wheels and in with Enkei five-spoke wheels with high-performance tires. The ‘96 models also came with M Edition logos on the seat backs. Finally, the 1996 models came in Starlight Blue Mica.

Finally, the 1997 model year was the final M Edition Miata, as well as the final year of the first-generation Miata overall. These Marina Green Mica M Edition models had polished aluminum 6-spoke wheels. Otherwise, it features the same options as features as the previous models.

Overall, the M Edition Miata, through the years, stayed relatively similar in terms of spec. All of them were available with an optional hard top or an automatic transmission if you hate having fun. Effectively, the only significant change was the paint colors.

If you’re shopping for a first-generation (NA) Miata and you stumble upon an M Edition in your price range, don’t hesitate to pick it up!