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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  AWESOME! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BADDOG - June 4 - 6:36 am

  My bride and I just bought this today, and what a roadster! Tons and tons better than the 1976 Triumph Spitfire I drove in high school. Handling and the top down experience are all above reproach. Plan to keep this car for a least 10 years plus and use it as a third car.

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  Zoom Zoom On - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cuchulain - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Had a blast with the car from when I picked it up this summer till I tucked it away from the harsh New England winter. Patiently waiting for the Spring. Never drove anything with such a solid and flat handling stance. Since designed from ground up as a convertible, body flex is less than many other convertibles.

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  What a car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By paulcal2 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is everything Ive heard it was. The shifting is pure fun...lots of leg room, even with my 62" frame...and the styling is a real eye catcher. I only wished Id bought one 10 years earier!

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  Kyles review - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mazdaguy - May 24 - 6:23 am

  I really enjoy my 2006 roadster. It is the best handling car I have ever owned. It takes turns at 65 miles an hour, not too shabby. I will take handling over real fast anyday.

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  Most fun I have had ever driving a car! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Pugman - May 22 - 10:00 am

  To all considering buying this car and worried about hp or interior comfortability, need not worry! My wife and I were considering a BMW Z3 but decided to go with this hot little #. It handles great, bose system is fantastic, and very peppy. I drive the car everyday to work and watch others driving into work with boring looks on their face and find myself smiling and thinking if they would have only bought a Miata! I am 6ft tall and I have ample room when driving. I go through the gears very fast and you get .4 cut off the 0-60mph with a 6 spd. I previously owned a Mustang GT conv. and love this car more by 10 fold.

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  Sweet, With Caveats - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jaybee - May 13 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased partly in reponse to a regretful sale of a 1999 Miata. This is a huge upgrade to the second generation Miata. They are completely different vehicles; we purchased this after reviewing competitive offerings from GM and BMW.

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  My mx5 - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eliot Jemal - May 13 - 1:56 pm

  Ride nice took drive from nyc to ft lauadale Air conditioner not great in hot weather No problems

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  Love My 2015 Grand Touring - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joules - May 12 - 3:58 am

  My son is off to college so I gave him my 2014 Ford Escape and bought this little hard top for me. Great excuse right?!? Considering other roadsters out there cost so much more, I cant complain about anything. No wonder this is the best selling roadster of all time! I purchased my 2015 from Enterprise Car Sales - it was a rental and had 19,500 miles on it. I just love it! Every negative point I read on this car, cracks me! Its too small - Its too loud, you can feel the road to much, blah blah blah. Its a roadster so of course its all those things but it is so much more! It handles like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I joined the local Miata club and did a back road drive to Moss Landing - zoom zoom is right!! The only change Im thinking of making is putting in a roll bar. But I love this car and people must love them too because it is hard to find a 2015 hard top and that is exactly what I wanted. Can you tell I LOVE IT ;)

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  Zoom- Zoom - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MSB 4 fun - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is the greatest little car for trips to the beach the store or to work it brings back the fun in driving. Have had NO problems what so ever just turn the key and go. The handling right of the show room floor was great when I added four sticky tires the handling was like it was on rails. Needs a better sound system with top down needs an amp or more output. But the care is just plane fun.

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  Its Fun - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dickie - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I thought after many years of driving sedans, it was about time to have some fun so on my 65th birthday I bought a red Miata and it changed my driving experiences. This car makes you want to drive, especially with its "Zoom- Zoom" power and fast gear shifting. Hard to sane and legal.