2. Mazda Miata
One of the most successful stories in the car industry must be the tale about the Mazda Miata roadster and how this little car changed the world. It became the bestselling open-top model in history, passing the one million mark in 2013. Nobody expected the Miata would become so successful and influential when they presented it in the late ’80s. Soon after the introduction, the industry realized that roadsters are coming back and Miata is completely dominating the market.
The Miata’s secret was simplicity, lightweight and balance. Mazda didn’t try to invent something new. Rather, they just copied the basic concept of a classic British roadster. Then they added modern materials and design elements, making the car dependable and agile. While 116 HP from a twin-cam 1.6-liter engine may not sound impressive, in a 2,200-pound car, it’s more than enough.