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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  Stylish and fun - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CarlM2 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 Miata with a few options and was very impressed with the great handling, fun driving, and reliability it offered. To date the 99 has never seen the dealership again. Times changed and I could afford the exact Miata I wanted, a midnight blue with leather and sport suspension. It looks awesome. It feels a little more stable in bumpy turns thanks to some chasis bracing that was added this year. There is no power difference from 99 to 01 or 02 models. However, I love the car and its many positive traits. The only negative is the driving position needs to be improved.

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  Miata quality - 06 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Dobbin - February 20 - 4:33 am

  I am very impressed with the car. It seems to have made some significant improvements since the last change in 1999. The only improvement needed is gas mileage.

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  I love it! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By revdll - February 11 - 1:30 am

  Purchased the car used with 25,000 miles. Its my daily driver in the Florida sun. I love it! Handles sharply and precisely. Rough roads produce a rough ride. Not a surprise. Zero problems.

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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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  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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  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.

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  2001 LS.... - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By reubenmc - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this car has been what I expected. Lots of fun to drive. Not alot of money. Not too hard on the gas. A few problems: My clutch has deteriorated immensly. Shudders and stutters on Moderate effort starts in first few miles. Worse on wet or humid days, going to persue warranty. Some of door trim has come loose. Safety catch on roof latch stopped catching after 6 months(roof still stays closed but could accidently release). Factory tires lasted 25,000 miles (Bridgstone Turanzas). Seats are too soft in the lumbar area. Emergency Brake handle is a serious knee space intruder.

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  Buy 2, theyre small - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nigel - November 12 - 2:00 am

  If you are now looking at these reviews, chances are you are considering buying a used miata. Here is my advice. Buy it! Fantastic reliability, exceptional handling, beautiful to behold. Average mpg 30. Whats not to like?

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  2001 mx-5 - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robsmx-5 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i really love this car. the new body looks great and it runs great in the city or on hwy trips. yes, its my car of chose for long road trips. the only trouble iv had is a recall on the clutch that was replaced under warrantt because it was chaffing. i only wish that the re-sale value was better. i wanted to buy a new 2002 special edition mx-5 and the dealer would only give me 15K for my car that was 22K less than a year ago!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  A true sports car at economic price. - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By prosthodontist - July 2 - 11:53 am

  An exciting car to drive, despite the lack of horsepower. Has the advantage but also disadvantages of a convertible. Advantage: top down+summer afternoons = heaven on earth. Disadvantage: More moving parts/joints = more creaks, leaks, and breaks, sub-par sound insulation, increased cost and weight with decreased rigidity. Supposedly has a manual shifter from heaven, but I live in a city with traffic from hell (LA) so opted for the auto, which Ive learned to love, especially with the paddle shifter and engine braking capability. Compactness of the car has taught me to make do with less.