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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  Best Bang 4 the Buck - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rkmebane - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. If you are looking for a nice affordable sports car this is your car. when compared to the others out there, the Miata just made better $en$e.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Great Car - June 1 - 8:03 pm

  I traded in a Mazda Tribute for the new MX-5 ... and Im glad I did. What a fantastic little car. I find myself choosing (I shouldnt admit this!) the MX-5 over my 2005 AMG E-55 with 500HP -- the little Miata is actually more "fun" to drive (though not as fast!). SUPER JOB, Mazda!

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  Buy a real sports car not this one - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Made a big mistake - May 26 - 7:03 pm

  Have owned real sports cars (vetts, S2000, porsches) downsized to this, with such great reviews got this thought my wife would also like it, terrible ride not even closed to the handling of an S2000. I not talking about raw power, but handling, how can anyone call this a sports car WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT will sell as soon as I can. If you want to save a few dollars buy a used S2000 or Boxster you will be driving a real sports car.

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  Awesome Affordable performance - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dbensyl@att.net - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Miata after owning a 1990 and then a 1994 model. I have owned many cars from cheap imports to a Lexus LS 400. In my opinion the Miata is the most trouble free car on the road to own and operate, and a joy to drive. I put over 100,000 miles on the first one and only replaced an $8 headlight (excluding routine oil changes, tires, and filters). The only weakness I have seen in these cars is that the OEM spark plug wires do not last that long. Replacement spark plug wire set will last for another 100,000 miles and cost around $30-35. This car is always a blast to drive and will never leave you stranded.

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  The most fun for your dollar!! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By no3minus - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For my money, there is no more fun per dollar available on earth than the Mazda Miata. I think the best part about this car is its total IMpracticality! With too few horses to get into real trouble, you acutally get to work the gears on this car, and it handles superbly.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Certifiable - May 10 - 3:53 am

  Looked at S2000, Z3/4, Audi TT, and many others. Wanted a weekend "toy". This was by far the best value, without sacrificing any of the features I wanted (zip and more zip). Better handling in the curves than the others.

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  Sweet Ride! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By db tulsa - May 4 - 2:23 am

  Ive had my MX-5 for 4 1/2 months (6800 miles) and I couldnt be happier... no complaints. It is a first class sports car and is a blast to drive. I am ready for some top down weather though.

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  Stylish and fun - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CarlM2 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 Miata with a few options and was very impressed with the great handling, fun driving, and reliability it offered. To date the 99 has never seen the dealership again. Times changed and I could afford the exact Miata I wanted, a midnight blue with leather and sport suspension. It looks awesome. It feels a little more stable in bumpy turns thanks to some chasis bracing that was added this year. There is no power difference from 99 to 01 or 02 models. However, I love the car and its many positive traits. The only negative is the driving position needs to be improved.

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  An excellent weekend car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BrianSoCA - April 26 - 8:53 am

  Had been wanting one for quite a while. Got a GT model with all the bells and whistles and 6 sp. manual. Wasnt sure if Id enjoy a stick again but glad I bought it. Solid build quality and corners as if its on rails. Nice exhaust note. Small size makes it easy to keep clean. Chassis and engine combination is very balanced: Not so much power to get you into "trouble"; brakes are excellent.

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  09 sky vs 09 phrt mx5 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Redprhtlady - April 26 - 4:06 am

  Bought my first convertible in aug of 08 which was a Saturn sky, hated it! Now I have a 09 phrt mx5, love it! I have a trunk and I can put the top up & down in 12 seconds. The skys top was very hard to get down if you are a woman. The sky is a sharp looking car, but in my opinion my miata is the bomb! Sky rated a 5. Mx5 rated 10+ with me!