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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  Amazing Sports Car Value - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KAG MIATA - February 26 - 1:16 am

  It took years of saving, but the Miata was worth the wait. A pure, simple sports car, the Miata loves to be tossed around, and loves to rev. My car has 32000 miles on it and is as tight as a drum. The manual transmission is a joy to shift with its tight, short throws. Aerodynamics are quite good as you can drive with the top down on chilly days while the heater keeps the cabin warm. As an added bonus, there are loads of support sites, clubs, and accessories available to the Miata owner. If youve been thinking of a Miata stop thinking and start driving.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Hoyt Andres - February 7 - 5:40 pm

  This is the 4th new Miata that Ive owned. Ive had at least one of all 3 body styles. This one is great, but the trunk opening almost made me keep my 1999. Its just too small. And the lack of a spare tire WAS a problem for me when I had a blowout at 9pm at night and the flat fix kit didnt work. AAA towed me to a motel and then came back to get me the next morning and towed me to the Mazda dealer (the only place that said they had a tire that fit). Fortunately, they were able to repair the tire. Overall the additional power of the 2006 and the new features were the deciding factors for me.

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  Its all good ! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lone Ranger - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The most fun you can have with your pants on ....

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  First Roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - February 1 - 9:36 am

  Have driven the sport model for 2 months now. Opted for the 6 speed automatic since I commute in traffic and I didnt want to go back to shifting. The automatic is great with the clutchless shifter and the steering wheel paddles. This car handles like a go kart and has very quick acceleration even with the automatic. Down shifts are easy either with the pedal or the shifter. Top works easily and stows neatly. Fit and finish are excellent. This car is really fun to drive on day trips but long hauls would not be for me. It really makes my commute fun instead of drudgery.

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  2006 Miata, 6 Speed Automatic - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - January 27 - 10:56 am

  Ive owned a Miata since 1992. The 2006 is the best ever with a few minor issues. I got the 6 speed automatic -- it works fine in both full and manual automatic but loses some performance to the manual transmission (no surprise). Fit and finish is perfect. AM radio reception is poor -- lots of static; havent taken it in yet. Fun to drive and looks great. Driver seat is too low for me. Excellent on the highway with the top down and wind buffer in use. 25 mpg on first two tanks of mixed driving. Excellent dealer car knowledge and service.

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  ONE GREAT CAR - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MG WANNA BE - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My car is a 2000 EO I just love it. It has enought power when you need, a can move out of the way. There is plenty of trunk room for a 2 week vacation full of stuff.

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  My Pal - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Pete/N.Y. - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Will always have a least 1 convertible in my driveway thanks to Mazda.Car is everything a roadster should be.Price makes it a clear choice over any sports car on the road today.

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  Miatas Deliver... - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cal24sh50 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Most people who buy Miatas are looking for a sports car feel and the absolute fun of driving top-down. The Miata really delivers on both. Weve had one since 1997 and cant imagine ourselves without one. The car is also extremely reliable in our experience. It starts and goes every time we ask it to. There may be faster roadsters, but I cant imagine having any more fun driving one of them.

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  I want to like this car, but - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wonky - January 12 - 1:20 pm

  I really want to like this car, but I dont. Interior design is poor: window switches in a bad spot & centre console wont hold anything by design. The door cupholder bangs knees, the centre ones make centre console useless and prevents shifting properly! Seatbelt connect height is not adjustable. No spare tire means this is a suburbanite-with-a-cellphone ride. Cant go anywhere interesting without a usable spare and MAZDA is NOT helpful! Also, the Bose stereo is awful. Speakers rattle and vibrate. No aux jack. When Mazda tells you Mp3 compatible, they mean you can play a disc in Mp3 format. Even Hyundai has this stuff figured out. Mazda doesnt care, they dont have to.

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  Second time around - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mike9691 - January 9 - 6:32 pm

  We bought our first Miata new in 2002. Cant add anymore than everyone else has about how fun and reliable it was. Had to get another car soon after because it was impractical for our needs at the time. Ten years later, I found this 1999 with 140kmiles for a very good price and practicality be d****d. It still runs like a new one and is just as much fun. Id like to disagree with everyone that says its not a good choice for a 6 foot person. Im 61" and have plenty of room with the top down, which is the main reason for owning one. It is a little tight for headroom with the top up, but that shouldnt keep a taller person from checking one out.