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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  Fun, fun, fun - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sport - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Have had a Miata since 1989. Still the best deal in a roadster around. You can spend more for power and automation but you cant have more fun for the price.

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  Get one - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jdow - October 23 - 10:00 am

  The Miata 1996 vintage is a wonderful car overall and amazingly reliable. Such dependability is probably due to the cars inherent simplicity. It is a fine example of balance. The power, weight, size, handling ability, all work together as a unit. Beefs about trunk size are unfounded. The wife and I have driven from Nashville to Toronto as well as various other trips to Ohio and Florida with no problems. Dont waste your time with "exotic" Eurojunk. Get a Miata.

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  Great Car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataFever - October 18 - 6:10 pm

  This is a great car. It exhibits the critical balance between performance, style and comfort, while maintaining a true sports car feel. This car invites you to drive it - it is so much at home on a winding road with the top down - it delivers just what the car was designed to do - a oneness with the road and a fun factor that is off scale. The 6 speed transmission is a joy, the audio system sounds great, the top up / down operation is effortless and the car has great visual appeal. Test drive one - you will love it!

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff Craddock - October 16 - 12:26 pm

  After four weeks and over two thousand miles, my enthusiasm for this car continues to grow. My wife no longer asks me where Im going when I dash out the front door at 10 PM--she knows I have to go for a drive. Ive driven it on back roads, on a very congested I-95, and the infamous DC Beltway. It handles all condition with aplomb. The more powerful engine of this third generation Miata makes passing a breeze and the superb handling makes it easy to adjust to about anything driving conditions can throw at you. In short, this car is a joy to drive!

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  Always wanted one - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By EJS - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I spend each Saturday driving about 100-150 miles just for the fun of it. Many friends are jealous and I expect to see some buying their own in the near future. the only problem it seems to have is an unreliable exterior temperature reading.

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  Is there any more fun than this? - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roped - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a great curve-hugging ride that looks clean, cool, and doesnt break your wallet. Ive test-driven BMW, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, and Honda convertibles ... none of them come close to the practical fun of a Miata. Zoom, zoom, zoom!

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  A reliable FUN car!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JQ3 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had our 95 Miata for 14 months. In those 14 months this car has put nothing but smiles on our faces. Just drop the top, which is extremely simple, and all your problems seem to just melt away. Its just a simple car which I never dreamed would be this fun to own! If youre in the market for a reliable, cheap, used, fun car DO NOT overlook the Miata.

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  PUT MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miatax3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I only need a few words to express how much I enjoy Miata’s. I have three (3), all bought new. My first a ‘92 my second ‘99 and my beautiful ‘‘02 black & tan with all the bells and whistles. I couldn’t accept the SC brown leather with metallic gray.

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  Never had such a Great Time - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ottoma4 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I choose this car over Audi TT, Z3, and MR2. Love the handling, design, size, and interior more than any other car. What a dream to drive. I have never had more fun driving. I love my car and would recommend over any of the above car. Far more superior. Having the time of my life.

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  Best Bang for the Buck. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By btshephe - September 30 - 8:16 am

  In my opinion, when you compare this car to other similar "2 seaters", you will find that the MX-5 is the overall better value for the long haul. Given the fact that this cars reliability and "fun to drive" factor is what really matters its hard to beat the basic sport, with the power top. In this tight economy, you dont have to sacrifice basic zoom-zoom bliss.