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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  Miata MX-5 is awesome! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dmitry - December 30 - 12:43 am

  Driving this car brings me happiness as well as enjoy the sun shines. It allows not only to move from one point to another but gives you emotions and lots of fun with no speeding or dangerous driving. I have never had any problems or issues with my car given I had technical maintenance twice. The only thing you might care about is driving in mountains during the winter. But I did drive to Mt. Hood three times, so nothing is impossible. Just dont forget its rear-wheel drive car with all its positives and a few negatives.

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  Too much fun to give up - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GlfrDoc - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been trying to force myself to think about retiring my miata to pick up a more practical BMW 530i. Heck, I only use this car from April-October. But, those are some fun months with the Miata. It is quick, nimble and fun to drive. You cant drive anywhere without someone yelling out "Nice car." Even on a cool day, you can still take down the top and crank the heat to enjoy the experience.

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  A great car - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By EddieJ - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata, and I still love it everytime I see it and get it for a drive. Build quality went down from my first (a 1990), but I may be nitpicking. Ive driven alot of of other sports cars, but not many compare, because the Miata is so light and communicative. You dont need fancy electronics to get you out of trouble the miata tells you, and the car has the ability to get you out of trouble. Only when you start getting into the 50K+ range do you get something comparable, but still those drive so dryly and clinically. It just doesnt seem to be an experience.

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  Its a Cutie! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - December 18 - 8:56 pm

  Bought the car in late February in Michigan-couldnt really drive it until late March. It was torture to wait! I found out how great it handled from having to dodge all the potholes in the roads coming off of a hard winter. After years with a boring automatic, I can finally shift! Downshifting is one of my favorite things to do while in this car. I bought the dark gray hardtop. I didnt need a showier color such as red. That wouldve been overkill. The car alone says it all. It is understated yet boisterous. Im driving to West Virginia in a week and cant wait to get on those winding mountain roads and see just what it can do.

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  Get One - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JimBo Hami - December 17 - 10:00 am

  If you like to drive, get one. I bought mine for what I call a steal of a price for such a fun car to drive. If you get one and donot have this feeling, go to the doctor and find out whats wrong with you.

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  I Miss My Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jordan - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 99 Miata in 2006 with 50,000 miles. It ran like a top and I had no major problems in the two years I owned it. The steering in these cars is phenomenal. You point the wheel where you want the car to go and it goes. Pedal placement is perfect and makes heel-toes extremely simple. Transmission is a little crunchy at higher revs, but the actual shifter feels very nice. Every gear seems to click into place. Gas mileage is decent and if I concentrated on it I could consistently get over 30 mpg. However, this car is so fun to drive its really hard to keep the revs low and gas mileage high. Id say my average was 25mpg. Overall its a great car and I regret selling mine every day.

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  STILL RUNNING STRONG AT 175k MILES! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roll Tide!! - December 12 - 1:36 pm

  My Miata has been a "blast" to drive! I drive an average of 900 miles a week! The Miata has NEVER let me down! No engine work or transmission work! Change the oil and filter every two weeks at approx. 2000 miles. Super car!!

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  Miata STO - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bodid - December 12 - 11:56 am

  Well I bought a special edition, and I love it!!! The STO version had just enough of the right stuff and not too much of the poofy stuff, to make it attractive. It is totally reliable, totally fun, and good looking, even though I must admit its probably a chick car (sorry). I love to autocross it and beat the Ford Mustangs, and the Cameros, and the other V8s with my little four banger. It handles incredibly well. Its a bit tight, and noisy with the cloth top, so I leave mine down most of the time. Ive had MGs, Fiats, VWs, and this is the best convertible I have ever had. Would buy another in a heart beat. Life is too short to drive a mere sedan, get a convertible, and drive it

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  Our Midlife Crisis - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miminancy - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We are 58 and 62 and were in a weekend rut. Last July 4 we bought our red Miata convertible and have spent every nice(and some not so nice)warm weekend exploring within 200 miles of home. The gas mileage is 28-30 mpg. In September we plan to drive it to New England for a two week trip.It is easy to drive and reminds us of the MG B we owned in the 60s. We belong to a Miata club and have been on several rallies. Most of the people in the club are either very young, or our age. This car is fun for anyone...our 16 year old granddaughter has her eye on it!

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  My "WIND-UP" - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Walt Polk - December 10 - 10:00 am

  It is a joy to get in it and feel the mini-power. And the good feeling I have while I am in it.