Overview & Reviews
When the Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted for 1990, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Marking a revival of the affordable sports car in a stripped-down roadster format popularized by British automakers in the 1950s and '60s, the MX-5 Miata brought reliability and modern engineering to the concept. Buyers lined up outside Mazda dealerships and gladly paid well over sticker price for the fetching new Miata.
Though the initial mania has long since faded, the Mazda MX-5 Miata continues to be a very popular convertible. Today's third-generation car continues the trend. It still changes direction like a go-kart, communicates the character of the road clearly to the driver and accelerates with an inspiring growl from its inline-4 engine. If you're in the market for an affordable sports car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list.
Current Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat convertible powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 167 horsepower. Depending on trim level, you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic. With the automatic, engine output drops to 158 hp.
The Miata is available in three trims: Sport, Club and Grand Touring. The lightly equipped Sport is aimed at enthusiasts on a budget, while the Club trim's added performance upgrades (strut tower brace, high-performance tires) and styling tweaks kick the Miata character up another notch. The Grand Touring is downright luxurious with its automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated seats.
Customers who like the idea of combining open-air exhilaration with fixed-roof refinement can order a Miata with a power-operated retractable hardtop. The "PRHT" might seem to run counter to the Miata's less-is-more philosophy, but its simple design adds just 70 pounds to the car's curb weight and transforms top-up motoring into a much quieter, more weatherproof experience.
For more than two decades, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has been one of the purest forms of automotive fun, and the latest edition is no different. While we'd probably stick with a lightly equipped version for duty as a weekend toy, the many luxury features and roomier cabin of the latest generation make the Miata a more plausible choice for daily driving duties.
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata Models
The current third-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata dates back to 2006 when it was completely redesigned. A stiffer, more sophisticated chassis, a more powerful engine, a roomier interior and greater interior refinement were key improvements. A change in SAE testing methodology the following year reduced the horsepower rating to 166 from the initial rating of 170, but there is no functional difference. Initially, the lineup consisted of six trim levels: Club Spec, Base, Touring, Sport, Grand Touring and Third-Generation Limited Edition. For 2007, equipment was reshuffled into four trims -- SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring -- and the power-retractable hardtop (PRHT) also arrived that year.
A Special Edition model in Icy Blue paint was offered for 2008. That year also saw a 5-hp drop for cars with the automatic transmission. The following year the Miata received a mild refresh with tweaked exterior styling, engine revisions for a bit more power and fuel economy, a more aggressive suspension and some new convenience features. For '10, the PRHT was discontinued in Sport trim, and the value-oriented SV trim (available from 2007-'09) was dropped. Special editions continued to be offered and were essentially loaded Grand Touring PRHT models sporting unique colors and trim.
Right up through 2011, stability control was only available on the Grand Touring and then only as an option. For 2012 that safety technology became standard equipment across the board.
The second-generation MX-5 Miata was in production from 1999-2005. This Miata was the same size as the original MX-5, so while the cockpit was more cramped, the car felt much livelier and more responsive to drive, though its cornering limits were much lower and its ride was much worse. The addition of a glass rear window to the cloth convertible top made visibility better (the old plastic window would become cloudy from sunlight, requiring replacement).
This second-generation Mazda Miata was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 140 hp and 119 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. As before, base models were sparsely equipped, but items like leather upholstery and Bose audio were available on upper trims. In its second year, a streamlined model lineup including the Miata and Miata LS with three simplified option packages was introduced, while a Miata Special Edition with a six-speed manual debuted. For 2001, the adoption of variable valve timing bumped output to 142 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque, while the Special Edition's six-speed manual became optional on the Miata LS. For '04 a turbocharged Mazdaspeed model arrived featuring a 178-hp turbocharged engine, high-performance suspension and unique exterior styling enhancements.
The original, first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata of 1990 offered a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 116 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque matched with a five-speed manual transmission. Just three colors were initially available: red, white and blue. Detail improvements saw the Miata through its first several years, with revised option packages, more power from a 128-hp 1.8-liter engine introduced for '94, and ultimately even luxuriously appointed M-editions (special paint colors, a tan convertible top, tan leather interior and 15-inch BBS wheels). Competition-minded individuals might want to focus on the Miata R-Package introduced for 1994, which turned the Miata into a race-ready street machine with drivetrain and suspension modifications. The final year for this first-generation model was 1997 (there was no 1998 MX-5 Miata).
User Reviews:
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Harley Davidson Replacement - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By gus38 - July 4 - 1:43 amTraded an 04 Ultra Classic and havent looked back. The MX5 is a 2-dr/4wh replacement. It has all of the thrill of driving with the wind without having to worry about the weather. Top up/top down takes a few seconds. I have the Gr Touring with 7-spkr Bose system. Sound is great all the time. Cloth brown top with 6-spd manual. This car is by far the most fun vehicle i have driven. Past vehicles include Audi A6 & A4 Cab. I do wish there was some better answer for spare than Fix a Flat and run flat tires. Mileage has been 28 MPG combined. All in all it is hard to imagine a replacement for the HD but this car is IT. Decide on the top up/down when you get in the car. Simple
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The car for me! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Joseph J. Palermo - July 3 - 6:53 pm -
Best Fun Factor on 4 wheels - 2006 Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By 2006sonata - July 1 - 4:25 pmThese cars are so awesome. Fun, fun, fun, and reliable as can be. Cheap to fill up (small tank). Dont buy one of these if envious stares annoy you. Dont buy one of these if youd much prefer to spend a lot of money on a true roadster. Dont buy one of these if you are on a first name basis with you auto mechanic and prefer to stay that way. I dont have the top of the line leather version of the car, but slapped on some upgraded 17" alloy wheels, and great tires ( Michelin Pilot Super Sport), and handling actually improves dramatically - didnt think that was possible.
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Fun Daily Driver - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By futurballa - June 27 - 6:03 amI used to have a Miata as a weekend car, but wanted a daily driver. The PRHT made the difference where I dont feel I have to compromise between a fun weekend car and an all-weather, year round daily driver. This car is the most fun to drive that Ive ever owned and Mazda has provided a lot of comforts for a small sports car. The MX-5 even makes driving to work a blast!
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Great sports car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Jose - June 26 - 12:10 pmThis is a great car. It is fun to drive. The interior space is great for a small car. Ive been driving it for a month and have no complaints.
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Simply Perfect - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Dr. Drift - June 26 - 5:43 amI had a car similar to the Miata before I actually bought one and the difference is incredible. Nothing compares to this car! Its an incredible performer, its very easy to work on in your own driveway, and its reliability is outstanding. I didnt know much about working on cars before I bought my Miata; but, soon after, Im pretty handy and do a lot of maintenance and improvements myself. This car makes you want to learn about working on cars. The aftermarket support is great and provides pretty much every type of upgrade or accessory you could think of. I dont know if Ill ever own anything except Miatas. Well, when I have kids I might get a sedan, but the Miata will stay in the garage.
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Zoom Zooming - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By cynduhrella - June 25 - 2:47 amAfter losing my 1991 to flood damage I researched a replacement for two years. Decided on the 2012 PRHT .. Im in heaven.. The Bose Stereo Kicks .. Dont know why they stated other wise. The car runs smoother than a babies buttocks and handles better than expected. This was a Fantastic choice for an upgrade from an NA.. When the time comes, I will go & get another NA..as I do miss the retractable headlights & the simplicity of the the first Miatas made.
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MX5 Sport 6 speed automatic, a zoomer - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Denny - June 17 - 3:16 pmWe bought the car out of state and drove it 750 miles home. It got a good workout. It rides and drives good. The seats though are a little narrow for a wide bottom person. All the gauges are in a good location. On a long trip the car is not ideal because of its limited space on the interior. There needs to be more room inside it so the seats can recline further back. You never feel like you are in a "little" car when passing and being passed by other vehicles. The Miata feels very substantial. For a daily driver the car is great. It is the best stress reliever from a long day at work. Gas mileage on the interstate is over 32 mpg. The top is easy to raise and lower. The trunk is fairy large.
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doesnt get any better! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By drop top - June 10 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd miata and I love every minute I am in it! This car looks like a mini Jag and is more fun to drive. What more can you say about a car that looks good, fun to drive past the pumps and will never leave you stranded on the side of the road! Total miles I put on my 3 miatas is 225,000 and never had to do more than normal service, lets see BMW owners say that!
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Mazda Miata Convertible.......LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By K372 - June 10 - 2:00 amThis car not only gets you to and from work, but on the weekends is your best friend!! All I can say is its fun to drive and a head turner.
