Spot the generation in one glance: the headlights and front-end shape give it away instantly.
- NA (1989-1997): Pop-up headlights - the only Miata with them. Rounded, egg-like body and chrome-ringed gauges.
- NB (1999-2005): Fixed, exposed round headlights under smooth teardrop covers. No pop-ups, but still the compact classic proportions. NB2 (2001+) adds a mesh egg-crate grille.
- NC (2006-2015): Noticeably bigger and softer-edged, with a five-point 'smiley' lower grille (NC1) or a more angular nose (NC2/NC3). The only generation offered with a folding metal PRHT.
- ND (2016-present): Sharp KODO styling, slim swept headlights, aggressive low nose. The RF variant has solid rear buttresses and a targa hardtop.
Quick rules: pop-ups mean NA. Fixed round lights on a small body mean NB. A larger car with a folding metal roof is an NC PRHT. Angular, modern, and low is ND. If it has flying-buttress rear pillars, it is an ND RF.
Inside, the NA has the most analog cabin; the ND has a tablet-style infotainment screen atop the dash. Between them, the NB and NC step progressively toward modern switchgear.