The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Mazda Miata, first appeared as a 1990 model during its wintry debut at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. That seems like a long time ago.

In the decades since, the Miata has become a favorite of enthusiasts, club racers and just about anybody who likes cute little convertibles.

The original Miata caused a stir because back in those days there was a dearth of affordable, two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertibles. Memories of drop-tops sourced from Great Britain were fresher in the nation’s collective memory, so many saw the new Mazda as an automotive reincarnation in the spirit of the Triumph Sprite or MG Midget.

Of course, for anyone who owned one of those English gems, the fond memories were highly selective. Compared to the entirely modern and trouble-free Miata, the old Brit cars were as sophisticated as an anvil – but not nearly so reliable.

And they leaked: from the engines, from the transmissions, from the differentials, from the windshields and from the back light. Neither you nor your garage floor was ever guaranteed being dry.

Since 1990, Mazda has carefully polished the Miata/MX-5 to be a gem of a little car. The most recent update came for the 2009 model year. The most noticeable changes were to the resculpted front end that rid the little car of a guppy-like face. The more aggressive fenders Mazda first sculpted into its RX-8 have found a new home. There’s a deeper air intake up front, flanked by reshaped headlamps and foglamps. Lightweight 16- and 17-inch wheels are new for 2009 as well.

Inside, the open cockpit is surprisingly roomy for such a small car. The MX-5’s new seats provide good long-distance comfort, while the center console provides useful storage space. Pop the trunk in the Miata to find enough room for a couple duffel bags – about 5.3 cubic feet – enough for a weekend getaway.

Speaking of tops, my 2009 Mazda MX-5 tester had the power-retractable hard top (first available in 2007). This stands out as a best-of-both-worlds feature. It quickly motors up and down in a no-fuss manner. When shut, it provides fixed-roof interior quietness and weather sealing.

I’ve also driven recent editions of soft-top Miatas; that top goes down just as easily and can be released from the driver’s seat while waiting for a traffic light to change. The hard top weighs about 80 pounds more than the soft top, but the extra pounds don’t impact the car’s sporty performance.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine spins up nicely. Horsepower is 140. Three gearboxes are offered: five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a six-speed automatic.

The six-speed shift-it-yourself variant in our tester had exceptionally short throws and the kind of action that makes it fun to row up and down the gears. With mileage of 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, the little car is fairly frugal, but not as efficient as one might expect given its size. The full-size, two-ton 2010 Ford Taurus with a 3.5-liter V-6 gets the same highway mileage.

Performance-wise, redline on the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is high, 7,200 rpm, and the engine remains composed at those revs.

Above 3,000 rpm, the engine pulls, but don’t expect the power of a 6.2-liter V-8 out of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

The engine delivers the kind of performance that’s perfect for country two-lanes or running through hills or canyons.

On roads like these, the MX-5 comes alive. Its short wheelbase whips around corners effortlessly. Body roll is tightly controlled, and the steering tells you exactly what’s going on at road level. It is no wonder the Miata has its own class in SCCA racing.

When driving at a more sedate pace, the overdrive gearing found in sixth lets the engine settle down nicely, even at an 80-mph cruise.

Standards include a long list that would leave owners of old British cars checking their dictionaries: power windows, power mirrors, a CD player and tilt steering column. Optional features include power door locks, Sirius satellite radio, steering-wheel audio controls and a sport suspension.

Dual front and side airbags, along with antilock brakes, are standard, but stability control is only available on the high-end Grand Touring.

While the dimensions of the Miata have grown along with its features list over the two decades it’s been available, Mazda has kept the focus of the Miata MX-5 the same as it always was: to be a reliable, trouble-free, affordable sports car.

True to its nature, the 2009 Mazda Miata MX-5 was easy to live with when it was in our care. Even during torrential rains, the interior stayed dry. More importantly, as I backed it out of its garage space every morning, the floor was dry too.

Rex Roy is a Detroit-based automotive journalist and author. He can be reached at www.RexRoy.net.

2009 MAZDA MX-5/MIATA

ENGINE: 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder

TRANSMISSION: six-speed manual

DRIVETRAIN: rear-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 22 city/28 highway

BASE PRICE: $26,140

WEB SITE: mazdausa.com