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! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By carmagreader - July 28 - 6:03 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, period! Its light, responsive, quick, and boy, does it corner! I test drove 4 on 3 occasions trying to decide which model. I got the GT PRHT in silver w/ black leather. Not my first choice by far in the beginning, but became my favorite by the end. Personally, the tan interior which was my 1st choice, kept looking cheaper the more I saw it. The black looks sharp and richer although it gets hot fast. I replaced a Ford Expedition with this, and good riddance! Im done with big cars. If I need one, Ill rent it. I have so much fun driving the MX-5. Top up, down, tight, no room to move inside, noisy, bouncy, its all good! Its even a bit throaty on the exhaust!

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  96 funmobile - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ken Taylor - July 24 - 3:53 am

  This is the second Miata for me; the first was a 1991 which I ran up to 125k and by accident found this one with 51k. You cant say enough about how fun these cars are to drive. The short throw shifter and overall balance make it a true treat to go to work in the morning. Quality build and ease of maintenance ensure the same ride year after year.

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  Cure to the midlife crisis - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ne28202 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  For one whom has spent the last fifteen years in station wagons, seats six sedans, and mini-vans, this little machine is the cure to the midlife crisis. The engine purrs, the handling is brisk and it just plain fun. I rate the Miata right up with my YZ 250 dirt bike on the fun meter. Dont waste your time with the automatic. I test drove the 6 speed first for about 20 minutes and then didnt even make it out of the dealer parking lot with the automatic. (Wife will just have to re- learn to drive a stick shift.

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  Look What Ive Been Missing....... - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Senior Citizen - July 7 - 10:03 pm

  ....all these years! Call it the "old" mans last hoorah - call it anything but call it fun! I got the marble white "Sport" convertible with extras. Takes a second or two for an elderly man to climb in with the top up but once in, he doesnt want to get out. The madam loves it too and calls it "Peanut." Never have I seen such a responsive engine for its size and turning is a breeze - almost like a zero turn mower. Like others, Id like a little storage where the console cup holders are and the two in the door either relocated. Guys, its a shame I cant respond properly (age) to the viewing public who "lak dat car." I look to get the wife out of her big Buick into a red one real soon.

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  Beautiful! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Link - July 7 - 2:55 am

  To me, the most obvious and appealing aspect of this car is its looks. Simply put, it is downright beautiful. It has the flowing lines, sculpted body panels, and the agressive look of a very high end exotic sports car. A buyer could be happy buying the vehicle based on looks alone. Fortunately, unlike some beauties that I have owned, ( or been married to), this cars qualities are much more than skin deep. I have the GT model, and the ride is a good balance between outstanding handling and a reasonably smooth ride. I have had it on my favorite back roads, and I can see why the MX-5 has such a loyal and enthusiastic following. The 50/ 50 weight distribution is immediately evident as is the light weight along with great suspension engineering. It is a true drivers car that will put a smile on your face. Buy it for looks, buy it for the great road vehicle that it is. Either way, you will be pleased.

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  2007 MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Hardtop - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dannie - June 29 - 4:13 pm

  Outstanding all around vehicle. A sheer preasure to drive. Great handling, plenty of power, good build quality, good looks inside and out. Beats the competition, hands down! I drove the others and came back and bought the MX-5 Miata! 30 mpg! The top is a work of art! Greatly enhances look of the car. Wheels may be too large in diameter - may distract from overall appearance due to size. At first sight, eyes are drawn to wheels instead of car! At second glance everything seems to mesh and look good - have mixed emotions - not sure if a 16 inch wheel might have been better aesthetically.

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  Looking for a roadster experience? - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By R. K. Parker - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda Miata is the best-looking, most fun-to-drive car for less than $25,000... Plain and simple. While not producing loads of low-end torque or high horsepower, Mazda has put together a total driving experience that rivals that of its much higher-priced, German counterparts. The wonderful steering feel and crisp transmission contribute greatly to the astounding overall handling characteristics of this car. A bit cramped with the top up, but once it is lowered, all is forgiven! If you are looking for a reliable, unique (10th anniv edition - I love mine!) and fun-to-drive car, look no further.

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  2009 MX5 - Driven 40k in the last 1 1/2 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By saintaug1 - June 15 - 3:11 pm

  Researched a bunch of different roasters. Drove the 350Z, Boxers, S2000 and bought a 2009 with 7k on it. A compelling factor was the PRHT which works perfectly. I just sold my Triumph motorcyce (much to my wifes delight) and I tell you, this little car is ALMOST as fun to drive. I did do a 180 spin in rain, so be cautious in wet conditions. I too would love to have about 50 more hp but you have to know how to squeeze the power out of it, mainly by shifting at higher rpms. I think the build quality is better than a couple used boxers I drove...really tight. The Honda S2000 used car prices were I think, over priced, the BMW I would hate to have to repair, as would be the Boxer. Fun!

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  Best little convertible - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alainp - June 10 - 11:55 pm

  Ive had mine for 4 years and I still love it. So much fun to drive.

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  My 3300 miles in an MX-5 PRHT GT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dcrisler - June 6 - 5:56 pm

  Well as the title say, I have driven 3300 miles now. The car has been flawless, I took it back to the dealer to have the advanced keyless remote reprogrammed to lock the car if I move more than 2 feet from the car. The remote stays in my pocket and works great. The retractable hardtop has been flawless and is a work of art. The trunk is larger than my old S2000 and while the MX-5 would loose a race to the more powerful S2000, it is just as fun to drive. The 17 inch wheels look great and the brakes work very well. My only complaint is the Bose 6cd/mp3 radio does not display RDS data or scroll the mp3 titles. Other than that the car has been every thing I expected.